Rotorua communities say council kept them in the dark on rising project costs
“All they’re doing is committing their community to abject poverty.”
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Latest fromRotorua Lakes Council
Top drop: Matamata-Piako District Council a finalist for best-tasting tap water
The council is one of four finalists in the National Water Taste Test competition.
Engineer jailed over fraud linked to almost 1000 properties
It's been described as possibly the biggest-ever building industry scam in New Zealand.
'Kick in the guts': Tradies 'poaching' work from locals 'rife' amid slowdown
'A high volume of tradies [are] jumping in the ute and trying to grab some of the work'
Watch: Sneak peek into revamped aquatic centre, reopening delayed
The indoor facility was due to reopen early this month after closing in November 2022.
Councils in line for big boost if GST returned on rates
Councils could be in line for a billion-dollar boost each year should government agree.
'Monumental': Funding secured to fix and reopen Rotorua Museum
Construction will begin in June, and the mayor has offered a possible completion year.
Where central Rotorua's water comes from
Rotorua Lakes Council water operations engineer Owen Jansen explains the significance of the facility. Video / Laura Smith
'They have taken us for fools': Councillor hits out over homeless motels
'We've been taken to the cleaners by these agencies,' he says.
Richard Prebble: Beware of government subsidies close to home
OPINION: 'Public life has cost me two marriages. I was not willing to risk a third.'
'Devastated': Widow pleads to save late husband's dream from cost-cutting
'I know the economy is tough, but you’ve still got to provide services'
Boomtime: The city bucking NZ's building consent 'slowdown'
There's so much going on that there's concern whether the construction industry can cope.
Share the Ride gets whānau riding local forest tracks
Share the Ride, now in its 10th year, encourages more Māori to be involved in mountain bike riding in their local ngahere. Video / Te Ao Māori
'It's a sad day for Rotorua': Iconic tourism business in liquidation
What liquidators say the tourism company owes.
Councillors clash over Rainbow Storytime event, drag queen hits back at criticism
Protest and counter-action signalled for library reading session.
'All hell breaks loose': Rotorua pest specialist deals to pesky wasp nest
When the probe went down, the wasps came up.
'No robust evidence' Kāinga Ora activities impact house prices, agency says
A councillor disagrees, referencing locals’ 'terrible, sad and upsetting stories'.
'Couldn't move': Allergic woman trapped in home as 'millions' of wasps swarm
She's happy to help pay for pest management, but there's just one problem.
Finished: Te Arawa Whare Waka opening final step in revamp of Rotorua's lakefront
The opening brought to a close the five-year Rotorua lakefront development project.
'Concern and uncertainty': Will treasured community hall be demolished?
The community was told demo plans were under way but council now says it's still deciding.
87 tyres were dumped in a 'gorgeous' stream. Gary wasn't having it
He made it his mission to clean the stream of rubbish - all in one day.
Nappies and dead animals: The 'revolting' items being dumped in recycling bins
'You wouldn’t want somebody to come in and throw a dead animal on your desk.'
Tiny school's win in fight to protect students from 'appalling behaviour'
The school fought to stop intensification impacting children's privacy.
Rich praise for UCI BMX Racing World Cup round in Rotorua
The BMX World Cup event in Rotorua was lauded by officials and the riding community.
Mouse poo, dripping seafood juice and undercooked kai - food safety officers' worst NZ finds
Local councils have shared how they go about ensuring food hygiene.
Changes, revenues and costs: Your guide to city parking
Costs are more than income from parking.
'We didn’t give consent': Fears sewerage scheme could pollute sacred lake
'Drilling through and sucking up stuff - our tūpuna are underneath this ground.'
'Icon' or 'eyesore'? High-and-dry Lakeland Queen given removal deadline
'This historical site is in danger of becoming an old scrapyard.'
Brawls, vomit, rioting, and assault: Why Rotorua Sports Bar lost its alcohol licence
"Security had no control over the premises."
'It's just a joke': Noise limits 'impossible' for busy bar and eatery
Regulation requires noise levels at bars to be similar to moderate conversation level.
New Rotorua council chief executive announced
It comes four months after the previous leader's resignation.
What tourism minister and Rotorua mayor talked about on Redwoods ride
Matt Doocey and Tania Tapsell caught up on issues during a mountainbike ride.
'Kicking the can down the road’: Double-digit rates rises possible
A challenge was put to council staff to reduce a possible 14 per cent rise this year.
‘Open chequebook’ fears as $29m lake scheme goes ahead
While one group petitioned against it, another says it must go ahead ASAP.