Latest fromRotorua
![Personal projects: Busy summer for resident artists](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Personal projects: Busy summer for resident artists
Arts Village resident artists - Akoni Pakinga, Kahurangi Dewes-Green and Sean Rivera
![Algae blooms and faecal threats: Local swimming spots to avoid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Algae blooms and faecal threats: Local swimming spots to avoid
'The effects from toxins from algae can be quite severe.'
![Bay principals navigate outside of school learning for unvaccinated students](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Bay principals navigate outside of school learning for unvaccinated students
"It is going to have an emotional and psychological impact on them."
![Fun and learning combine: Big Busy Boxes help isolating families](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Fun and learning combine: Big Busy Boxes help isolating families
Rotorua Library got funding for activity boxes for families affected by the Covid response
![Covid-19: Rotorua emergency housing hotel residents test positive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Covid-19: Rotorua emergency housing hotel residents test positive
Report of two Covid cases at Grand Treasure Hotel in Rotorua.
![Burning issue: Parents call for shade sail at lakefront playground](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Burning issue: Parents call for shade sail at lakefront playground
Others say the idea is impractical and parents need to take responsibility for sun safety.
![Jo Raphael: No special treatment - Djokovic should be deported](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Jo Raphael: No special treatment - Djokovic should be deported
OPINION: The minister should stick to his guns and cancel the visa.
!['Unprecedented highs' see value of building consents soar](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
'Unprecedented highs' see value of building consents soar
The biggest consent issued was nearly $29m for the new Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.
![One in custody after report of gunshots in Ōpōtiki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
One in custody after report of gunshots in Ōpōtiki
Armed offenders squad members were deployed to a rural property.
![Ex-Rotorua police boss appointed to council deputy chief executive role](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Ex-Rotorua police boss appointed to council deputy chief executive role
He takes over from Jocelyn Mikaere, who left in September last year.
![Revealed: The cost of water-related injuries](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Revealed: The cost of water-related injuries
Over the past seven years close to $40 million has been spent on local water injuries.
!['Significant milestone': Iwi-led Covid isolation facility opens in secluded lodge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
'Significant milestone': Iwi-led Covid isolation facility opens in secluded lodge
Lakes Lodge Okataina will be used as an iwi-led Covid-19 isolation facility.
!['Fait accompli': 12 appeals lodged against council's representation review](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
'Fait accompli': 12 appeals lodged against council's representation review
One appellant says the process has rocked his faith in democracy.
!['It's ridiculous': 27 days before bank picks up home loan application](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
'It's ridiculous': 27 days before bank picks up home loan application
More home loans likely to be declined as banks 'deeper dive into your finances'.
![Letters: We're lucky to have such dedicated vaccinators](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Letters: We're lucky to have such dedicated vaccinators
Our readers have their say.
!['Over the moon': Scholarship boost for young athlete](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
'Over the moon': Scholarship boost for young athlete
Rotorua boy Jack Marra won a Nick Willis scholarship for his stellar performance.
![Jo Raphael: Pests are a problem but prevention is key](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Jo Raphael: Pests are a problem but prevention is key
OPINION: Critters are a part of this world and we have to do our best to live with them.
![Revealed: The number of times New Zealand Defence Force staff tested positive for illegal drugs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Revealed: The number of times New Zealand Defence Force staff tested positive for illegal drugs
The number who tested positive for which class of drug, and their penalty, are revealed.
![Buyer beware as Bay of Plenty e-bike injuries soar](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Buyer beware as Bay of Plenty e-bike injuries soar
Greater communication about safety when buying e-bikes would be helpful: injured rider.
![Rotorua council staff cop more abuse, three physically assaulted](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Rotorua council staff cop more abuse, three physically assaulted
People "a bit more stressed around the potential Covid situation", but no excuse.
![Covid-19: 16 more cases in Bay of Plenty, two in Lakes district](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Covid-19: 16 more cases in Bay of Plenty, two in Lakes district
There are 16 more Covid-19 cases in the Bay of Plenty and two more in the Lakes District.
![Covid: More than half a million kids' vaccine doses arrive in NZ, 85 new community cases](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Covid: More than half a million kids' vaccine doses arrive in NZ, 85 new community cases
So far, NZ has avoided community transmission of the Omicron variant.
![More posts, fewer views: Will option for chronological Instagram feed help businesses?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
More posts, fewer views: Will option for chronological Instagram feed help businesses?
"Each post is getting less awareness," says local business.
![Local Democracy Reporting: What made headlines in 2021](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Local Democracy Reporting: What made headlines in 2021
A selection of some of the biggest Local Democracy Reporting stories this year.
![Zoe Hunter: It's time to press the reset button with Omicron poised for attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Zoe Hunter: It's time to press the reset button with Omicron poised for attack
Opinion: We as a team of 5 million need to be fully armed and at the ready.
!['It's normal to feel irked or sad': Advice on beating back to work blues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
'It's normal to feel irked or sad': Advice on beating back to work blues
A Bay life coach shares top tips on how people can manage stress as they return to work.
![Revealed: What books were issued most in the Bay of Plenty in 2021](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Revealed: What books were issued most in the Bay of Plenty in 2021
What people in the Bay of Plenty read last year revealed - plus a few suggestions.
![Bay of Plenty moves to restricted fire season overnight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=876)
Bay of Plenty moves to restricted fire season overnight
Everyone needs a permit to light an open-air fire.