Latest fromRotorua

Opinion: Cut the grass, not the costs - it'll be worth it in the long run
OPINION: Kiri Gillespie says let's not welcome tourists back with scruffy berms.

Former MP Paul East dies
East, 76, was a former Attorney-General, MP for Rotorua and deputy mayor.

'A great deal of care': Neighbours praise social housing plans for Pukehangi
Residents learned more about 60 new houses being built in their area for those in need.

Teens aged 13 and 14 arrested after service station robbed
Police have not ruled out further charges or arrests.

Woman appears in court charged with driving into graves and headstones
A woman accused of driving into headstones at the Rotorua cemetery has appeared in court.

'My heroes': How Ukrainians in the Bay are feeling one year on
'I still can’t believe it. It’s scary. I have been through sadness, anger, and denial.'

'My heroes': Local Ukrainians reflect on Russian war, one year on
A Bay charity has raised around $20,000 dollars for abandoned animals in Ukraine.

‘It makes us feel very proud’: Leaders celebrate Te Arawa’s strong showing at Te Matatini
Te Arawa kapa haka group Ngati Whakaue came second equal at Te Matatini festival.

Arrest after suspicious Ngongotahā fire
A man has been charged with arson but police still want help.

'It's just time': Rotorua Stockcar Club promoter retiring after 22 years
Sonja Hickey said she was looking forward to travelling in her motorhome.

Woman spends 13 hours mowing council land after complaints fall on 'deaf ears'
"We just feel that this is a tourist town and the shop window is the sides of the roads."

‘Te Arawa is in the house’: Five out of 12 Te Matatini finalists from Rotorua region
Te Arawa kapa haka teams have achieved their best finals selection results.

Severe thunderstorm watch for Bay of Plenty
The MetService warns of potential severe thunderstorms for the Bay of Plenty today.

Tommy Wilson: Te Matatini serves as a benchmark and a beacon
OPINION: Te Matatini showcases another avenue for our kids to explore their identity.

Five out of six Te Arawa groups make it to Te Matatini finals
Five out of six Te Arawa rōpū make to Te Matatini finals

Closing time: How Eastern Bay councils' policy could affect last call
Alcohol sale hours could become standardised across the region if the policy is adopted.

Opinion: Our already anxious country is about to come under a lot more pressure
OPINION: We will do what we can to get through this hard time together.

$18,000 luxury cruise to be auctioned off for charity
It's that time of year again for locals to dig deep in their pockets for a good cause.

'Difficult times': Rotorua council warned of $5.6m deficit, cuts to services may be proposed
"Unfortunately, things like mowing just won’t be able to be done."

Te Koutu a feature of Te Arawa history
Te Koutu has a long history that stretches back to the time of Tuhoromatakaka.

Key leadership positions named for iwi-owned spa
Kāhu ki Rotorua: Top appointments announced for world-class facility.

Rotorua exhibition on show at Te Matatini 2023
Exhibition has travelled far and wide in the past decade.

Ngongotahā house fire treated as suspicious by police
Multiple fire appliances were called to Ranginui St in Rotorua.

Te Matatini: The big guns of kapa haka take to the stage
Our kapa haka experts give their view on day 2 of Te Matatini.

Plea for separate Whakaari/White Island trial rejected by judge
'Everyone has already waited far too long,' the judge said.

Rotorua man Jason Trembath charged with doing an indecent act in public
Jason Trembath has been remanded in custody until May.

'Hey bro, you need to pay': Businessman admits kidnapping role over $265k debt
A Rotorua man has pleaded guilty to being a party to kidnapping.