Latest from Rotorua

$43m in regional council rates yet to be paid as more than half fail to meet due date
The BOPRC rates bill has been met with surprise and 'shock' among some.

'We have been sacrificed': Rotorua residents tell of life around 'MSD Mile'
'I just feel so sad for our beautiful city. In two years, this is how it's become.'

Man arrested in relation to Rotorua service station assault
A pedestrian was run over during the incident and suffered serious injuries.

Gates up, rocks out: Road in Kuirau Park to close after vehicle damage
The trial closure follows repeated damage to the grass in the park.

Luke Kirkness: Why it's time to arm our police
OPINION: The statistics show why the need for arming police is so high.

Opinion: Lakes Football Club - great players, better people
COMMUNITY SPORT: Spotlight on newly-formed Lakes Football Club.

'A true leader': First wāhine Māori marine professor welcomed
Kura Paul-Burke is one of only three Māori marine professors in New Zealand.

City accommodation booked out as events draw crowds
Data from Rotorua NZ predicts booming event weekends ahead for the city.

Jo Raphael: Cruise ship passengers a sight for sore eyes
OPINION: Welcome, the Bay of Plenty is open for business.

Drugs, Bitcoin and the dark web: Son of former drug lord in court
Billy Macfarlane's son has admitted running a drug syndicate in Rotorua and Tauranga.

'Catastrophic consequences': Hospitality owners protest over immigration issues
Local hospitality businesses shut down in protest over staff and immigration issues.

Mountain biking and markets: What's on this Labour Weekend
Sunshine is also expected for the long weekend.

Felix Desmarais: The best dogs I've ever known, ranked
Who's the greatest dog you've ever known?

What the first cruise ship tourists in years got up to in Rotorua
Majestic Princess is the first of over 100 cruise ships scheduled to visit the region.

Business Digest: Construction awards, environmental startup funding, biodegradable nursery pots
Got business news? Email news@bayofplentytimes.co.nz

Back from Covid brink : From 600 students to 9 English language school re-opens
'We had to salvage what we could.'

Mary Hill: Face your fears of co-governance
OPINION: If we can face our fear of co-governance and do it, we'll be richer for it.

Comment: Māori Boy from Awahou - the MBA that matters
OPINION: So how does one qualify for their honorary MBA qualification?

Mourning and writing: Columnist shares her grief story in a new memoir that benefits a local charity
Columnist's memoir provides hope for people who grieve while raising money for charity.

Final Bay of Plenty Regional Council election results released
Special votes have been counted, the final results are now in for the regional council.

From Kuirau Park to being homed: 'Street mum' turns her life around
Missy Rehu has got off the streets and into housing.

'Best birthday present ever': Rising teen star performs with Sol3 Mio
Rotorua teenager Nikau Chater performed with Sol3 Mio at Spark Arena this week.

Family of man missing since May suffer second blow
"I struggle every day - mentally, physically, everything."

Incredible vocal and acting talent on show
The Rotorua Musical Theatre's The Color Purple production was one to remember.

Tahiti to Tauranga: 'Momentous step' as region to welcome first cruise ship
It is the first time since the pandemic began a cruise ship has docked in Tauranga.

Lake Tarawera Spring Fair has lots to see and do
The Lake Tarawera Spring Fair is on Saturday, October 23, at Stoney Point Reserve.

Awareness around 'silent disease' of osteoporosis
World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on October 20.

New carpark for Rotorua Lakefront visitors
The new carpark will be available to use from 4.30pm today.

'Really proud moment:' Charity breakfast fundraising tally revealed
It was an early start for those supporting the Child Cancer Foundation's work.