Latest from Rotorua

Free food: Popular store reopens to feed needy families
Free food is back for the needy, so what's different now and how much can you get?

'I've felt like I'm the virus': Barber refuses to pay $48k in mandate fines
His defiant stand comes as major Covid mandate changes are announced.

'Water lapping at the door': Clean-up under way for flood-damaged homes
One resident says drainage on his street could not cope with the downpour.

'Disturbing': MP hits out at Kāinga Ora's empty houses on troubled street
Kāinga Ora says the four empty houses are awaiting demolition.

The Premium Debate: Subscriber opinions on cruise ship industry and maritime border closures
OPINION: Premium subscribers have their say.

Zizi Sparks: Remove some mandates, keep commonsense
Opinion: Even if rules are changed, we need to take some personal responsibility.

'A lot of damage': Biking identity suffers devastating stroke
The complete impact of Jeff Anderson's stroke won't be known for some time.

How to prepare as potential 'extreme' rainfall threatens Bay
Downpours and significant flooding are possible for the Bay of Plenty.

Luke Kirkness: What some unemployed people are lacking
Keep trying until it pays off, argues Luke Kirkness.

Have your say on future exhibitions at Rotorua Museum
Rotorua Museum is keen to find out what the community wants to see when it reopens.

'Cannot happen soon enough': Calls to allow cruise ships to return
Market 'disappeared virtually overnight' for local operators focused on cruise passengers.

Taupō flat killing: Man struck flatmate with hammer, stabbed him four times
An altercation between two Taupō flatmates resulted in a man's death.

Chocolate fish, T-shirts and a can of Coke: BOP council leaders' credit card spend
Only one mayor among the four councils holds a credit card.

Got Covid? Nowhere to isolate? You might be eligible for a free hotel stay
Head of MIQ Operations says Rotorua had done an excellent job over the past 21 months.

Nine new Covid-19 deaths in NZ, three in Bay of Plenty
The total number of publicly reported Covid-19 deaths in New Zealand is now 175.

Letters to the editor: Fuel price hike good time to think about other transport alternatives
OPINION: Rotorua readers have their say.

Opinion: 'Shooting a little girl?' That is not war. That is a war crime
OPINION: We might have problems in NZ, but look at what's happening in Ukraine.

Oxygen and antivirals: How doctors are fighting Omicron
Medical professionals explain how Covid-19 is being treated and when to ask for help.

Urgent call to give blood as donations dry up in Omicron outbreak
Donations are down almost 35 per cent and 700 donations are needed this month.

School leaders 'very much relieved' for increased access to RATs
Fifty nine per cent of schools in the Bay are managing Covid cases.

'Even prisoners have visitors': Why mum 'hates' life in emergency housing motel
Has Rotorua's emergency housing situation improved since changes were announced?

Workers wanted: The city where job ads are up - but so is unemployment
The most popular job in Rotorua late last year was for a Kmart team member.

Paul Hickey: Petrol panic, doors or wheels and sweet treats
Paul Hickey discusses petrol panic, doors versus wheels and sweet treat giveaway.

Powerful potential and natural treasure: Forests celebrated
March 21 is International Day of Forests, originated by United Nations General Assembly.

Sir Wira Gardiner leaves 'a legacy that cannot be measured'
"Not many...will ever make the kind of contribution to this country that Sir Wira did."

Arts Village taking accessibility further with art pantry
Arts Village to create an art pantry where community can give and/or take art materials.