A good crowd turned out to Owen Delany Park in Taupo on Waitangi weekend to watch the Super 15 pre-season match between the Chiefs and the Highlanders

Waiariki graduation parade from the City Focus to the Energy Events Centre followed by the graduation ceromony

Rotorua's Central Mall is to get a $10 million upgrade with new retail stores and commercial buildings to be completed in time for the Rugby World Cup.

Raggamuffin pictures: Catch all the fun and action from the weekend's big event - with the best pics from photographer Andrew Warner and those sent in by readers.

Despite the rain thousands turned out to the village green to watch Lakeside 2011 " Made in New Zealand"

Flooding and trees down throughout the district.

With the recent hot weather local school kids had a cool day at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre run by the Green Team Holiday programme

Rotorua band Ward 16 want to conquer the world now they have launched their CD. The group of four, James Bruere (lead guitar), Carlos Garner (bass), William Griffith (vocals, keyboards) and Callum Taft (drums), wearing their signature black ties with red crosses, played for Rotorua in Tutanekai St for an hour on Thursday night to launch their first album of five original songs.

Police want to speak to these women in relation to the theft of electronic equipment from Taupo store.

People enjoyed a day out at the Rotorua races at Arawa Park last Friday

Rotorua Boys' High School student Bishop Thompson had been on a jetski just once before a collision on Lake Okareka where searchers are now looking for him. The 17-year-old is presumed dead and the lake is closed to the public as the search continues.

New Year's Eve concert at Rotorua's Lakefront

NZ Superstocks Champs at Paradise Valley Raceway

Selection of pictures taken this year by Daily Post Photographer Ben Fraser

Local girls got dressed up for the last session of the girls summer soccer league at Puarenga Park

A prizegiving was held this month for 110 students of Murupara Primary and Intermediate schools, Rangitahi College, Kaingaroa Forest School and Owhata Primary School who had completed a boxing training course run through the schools.

Kids learn the real meaning of Christmas at the Christmas Discovery day at St Lukes Anglican Church

Graham O’Grady had the Rotorua Charity Half Ironman sewn up as soon as he hit the water. The fact he had to complete the course was a miner technicality, he was ahead within the first 100 metres of the swim and it was a lead he wouldn’t relinquish. He dominated the field so much he almost lapped second-placed triathlete Josh Harrison as he circled Tikitapu (Blue Lake) for the final time.

Residents around Rotorua are decorating their houses with festive Christmas lights as part of the Professionals Christmas lights spectacular. BEN FRASER found some of the sparkling fun.

A selection of the best pictures from our talented team of photographers as well as some great contributed images.

Rotorua photographer Tracey Robinson has been judged photographer of the year by her peers in a regional competition.

Ten Rotorua students have been given a major boost to their studies after receiving Sir Howard Morrison Education Foundation scholarships. During a ceremony at the Rotorua District Council the 10 students, all with links to Te Arawa, were awarded scholarships set up by Sir Howard Morrison in 2005 to support Te Arawa youth embarking on university study. Each student is awarded $5000 to go towards course and other related costs for their next year of study.

The 47th Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo was hailed a "huge success" by organisers.

A selection of the best pictures from our talented team of photographers as well as some great contributed images.

Rotorua got into the Christmas spirit on Saturday when people came out to celebrate with Santa at the Rotorua Christmas Parade. The Daily Post photographers were there to capture the Christmas cheer.

Power was cut to more than 1000 Rotorua homes and businesses as a child's kite got stuck in a power line causing a live wire to snap. Meanwhile, a house suffered extensive damage after a large gum tree crashed on to the roof.

Two young girls pose for the camera in a beautiful black and white snap from 130 years ago - but no one knows who it belongs to. Is this photo yours? Contact alison.king@dailypost.co.nz

A selection of the best pictures from our talented team of photographers as well as some great contributed images.