Latest news from Rotorua

Warnings upgraded: 140km/h gales, torrential downpours to lash upper North Island for 41hrs
Gusts up to 140km/h, thunderstorms, 180mm of rain in 41 hours from tonight upper NI.

House prices down in most regions in year to March
Prices either static or falling throughout NZ, only six areas had price rises lately.

'Enormously relieved' - Ex-mayor sells much-loved bach to locals
There had been overseas interest in the holiday home.

Revealed: Motorcyclist who killed couple on pedestrian crossing has rap sheet
A jury has found motorcyclist Mark Kimber guilty of manslaughter.

Icy plunge: Temperatures to drop 10C as snow hits south
A cold, punchy southerly is set to bring a cold snap over much of the country.

'Really good test': Apprentice challenge winners head to nationals
Apprentices had eight hours to construct a planter box using traditional joinery.

Scholarship-winning nursing student is the first of her whānau at university
The scholarship is a 'huge' relief for 21-year-old juggling studies, work and placements.

Jordan Cup returns to Tauranga Sports after tight match
Whakarewarewa remained unbeaten, defeating Greerton Marist 57-28 at home.

Holiday washout: Subtropical low set to batter NZ with heavy rain, severe gales
Heavy rain is expected in Northland, Auckland, and Coromandel on Wednesday.

Opinion: What Trump's tariff shock means for investors globally
The S&P 500 fell 10.5% over two days after Trump's tariff announcement.

'Dream come true': Payne wins Jason Richards Memorial trophy in Taupō
The New Zealander was the best driver across the three Supercars races in Taupō.

How a $335k fast-build home aims to tackle NZ's housing crisis
The Living House was completed in Rotorua in just six weeks.

A new design for a low cost, fast build and sustainable house has been launched in Rotorua
There are hopes a new, quick, sustainable way of building homes at a low cost could help ease New Zealand's housing woes. Video / Kelly Makiha

Not her first rodeo: Rookie rider sets new benchmarks
Brooke Atkinson won the 2025 NZ Rookie Barrel Racing and All-Around Champion titles.

Hospice boss Christine Rankin stunned at trusted manager's $62k theft from charity shops
Mark Wisniewski admitted to taking $62,600 from till cash over six years.

Final kilometre of Tarawera sewerage pipeline work to restart
Works were paused in February during Environment Court proceedings.

'Wanton disregard' or 'human fallibility'? Jury to decide rider's culpability in double fatal
Geoffrey and Karen Boucher were killed when they were struck by a motorcyclist in 2022.

'She died in my arms': Dog's death sparks road safety campaign
Surf instructor wants the speed limit on a coastal road reduced to 30km/h.

NZME celebrates more than 130 nominations at media, radio and podcast awards
Finalists are 'testament to the exceptional talent across our business', says CEO.

Armed police incident: Charges after police station windows smashed
Police allege a pickaxe was found nearby; the suspect is due in court today.

Andre Heimgartner eyes repeat victory at Taupō Supercars round
Five Kiwis, including Heimgartner, are racing on home soil this weekend.

Insanity plea: Triple killing case in Rotorua heads to trial
The accused, Justin Jeffries, is pleading insanity to three murder charges.

‘His heart belonged to Rotorua’: Paediatrician Dr Johan Morreau remembered
Doctor was leading advocate for investing in children's health and a dedicated family man.

Air Chathams faces $1m loss, may exit Whakatāne route without support
The airline has lost over $1 million on the Whakatāne route since April 2023.

SH1 reopens after fatal two-vehicle crash near Tirau
A crash on SH1 near Tirau claimed one life overnight.

'It hasn’t failed': Seymour defiant as Treaty bill voted down, hints at referendum
'What it has done is put an uneasy conversation on the table' - Act leader

15yo charged with murder over Kawerau death
The teenager was taken into custody after a search in Ōtara, Auckland.

The big chill: Kiwis wake to freezing temperatures as cold snap grips the country
Auckland had the highest early morning temperature at just 12C.

Rotorua safety team expands patrols with e-bikes
The guardians' team leader says they are another tool they can use for community safety.