Singing superstar Sam Smith has been spotted in Rotorua - enjoying a quiet lunch at Okere Falls Store, according to staff.

One of Rotorua's most revered churches is being considered for a spot on the New Zealand Heritage List. The Heritage New Zealand

The medical condition was described as being something that "just happens sometimes".

RUBBISH: SPCA Fairy Springs Op Shop manager says people have been dumping their rubbish at the store. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 090117sp1.JPG With

ELECTRIC: Councillor Tania Tapsell beside power company Unison's electric vehicle charging station in the Haupapa St carpark. PHOTO/STEPHEN

The total value of building consents in the region is the highest since at least 2008.

The navy, police divers and search and rescue continue to search for a 48-year-old man missing in Lake Rotoiti, five days after he

More than 80 Kiwi kids were abducted or kidnapped in the first nine months of 2016.

Searchers are back out on Lake Rotoiti this morning, five days after a 48-year-old went missing. Rotorua constable Colin Fraser

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

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:

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

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

The shocking state of tyres people are driving on has stunned Taupo police. Senior Sergeant Fane Troy of the Taupo Area Road Policing

DISAPPOINTED: Coastguard Rotorua president Barry Grouby had all of his emergency equipment stolen from his truck. PHOTO/FILE A_020117bf3.JPGBy

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

As most Kiwis were partying to see the new year in, others were being born.

One person is dead after a truck rolled on Thornton Road in Whakatane about 12.30pm. The truck is believed to have hit another vehicle

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.