Ruth Ashby and her three kids spent last year learning to live life differently all because some "idiot" crashed into them head-on.

Two lucky Lotto players are each half a million dollars richer after tonight's Lotto draw.

The Rotorua SPCA has been "flat out" over the holiday period, with the kitten season in full swing. SPCA shelter manager Karen Rolfe

BRAVE TOT: Christopher Cunningham (left), Finn Cunningham, 2, and Danielle Cunningham took part in the adrenaline of Rotorua's Skyswing

A rahui remains in place over a small part of Lake Rotoiti, as the search continues for a man who is presumed drowned after jumping

UPDATE: Police have brought in a special machine to assist them in their search for a missing 48-year-old man on Lake Rotoiti. Rotorua

Yesterday the Police Search and Rescue Dive Squad spent more than eight hours unsuccessfully searching the depths of Lake Rotoiti for the man.

UPSET: Karen Bennett is upset after treasured war medals and the ashes of her cat, Milo, were stolen. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 040117sp2.JPG/040117sp3.JPG/040117sp6.JPGTAKEN:

The man convicted of killing stop-go worker George Taiaroa has appealed both his conviction and sentence.

The search for the 48-year-old man was officially changed to a recovery operation last night.

A police spokesman said the search by helicopter had been suspended, and the number of boats searching for the man had been reduced from eight to four.

This time of year brings mixed feelings for Cherie Lang. Reflecting back on 2016 it was a fairly good one, but midnight on December

The wife of a pedestrian killed in the Far North in the early hours of New Year's Day went to bed thinking he'd gone for a walk.

Water safety rules are still being broken on Rotorua lakes, despite the majority of boaties following the guidelines, according to Coastguard Rotorua president.

A series of earthquakes has rattled residents in Taupo and surrounding areas.

By Matthew Martinmatthew.martin@dailypost.co.nz*mattmartinsmile.eps*HAPPY ON HOLIDAY: Enjoying their holiday at All Seasons Holiday

What do you like about camping in Rotorua? 281216sp12.JPG We're here until the 6th. We really love this place, it's great for the

HAPPY: Cameron Bidois, 8, is back to his happy self after recovering from a dog attack. PHOTO/SUPPLIED 221216xxcb.JPGFUN: Cameron

Actress Emmy Rossum is in Rotorua, and says the "country looks like CGI".

A weak cold front will bring cloud, drizzle and showers to the country over the next few days but should clear in time for New Year celebrations.

A truck has rolled on the Desert Rd partially blocking State Highway 1.

An 8-year-old boy was struck by a car as he walked home from a Christmas Day swim.

Don't let the morning cloud fool you - it is set to be a fine Boxing Day for New Zealanders, with Central Otago tipped as the best place to be.

A Joe's Diner staple menu item, favoured by many Rotorua locals who frequented the legendary eatery over the years, will live on with

KIWI: Hiyori Nakano and Hailey Brown from Pakuranga College building bed boxes for Rotorua's kiwi chicks. PHOTO/SUPPLIED 221216kiwi1 Rotorua's

Bay of Plenty Police are looking for Mark Tane Morgan. He has warrants to arrest in relation to supplying methamphetamine, conspiring

The founder of an iconic Rotorua late-night eatery has been remembered as a "charismatic ladies' man" who was always telling stories

What will the weather be doing on Sunday for Christmas?

An emoji app with 200 Maori and Kiwi cultural icons has been developed by a Rotorua tourism operator.

A Rotorua school spent nearly $700,000 taking students, teachers and caregivers to Hawaii - a trip the Education Ministry says breached