Latest fromRotorua

'Questions we need to answer': School trip to backcountry hut ends in group being airlifted out
The group set off despite a weather watch, which turned into a warning en route.

Man charged with drugged driving over crash that killed four
The 21-year-old allegedly drove after using cannabis.

'It was freaky': 'Bang' wakes neighbour of suspicious house fire
Firefighters received multiple calls around midnight.

'Right and proper': Rotorua council agrees to return land to whānau
Councillors decided to return the land rather than sell it.

From music to markets: Top events in the Bay of Plenty this season
From Tauranga to Rotorua, discover upcoming events in the Bay of Plenty region.

Heavy rain, thunderstorms set to impact Bay of Plenty
An orange rain warning is in place for Bay of Plenty, east of Whakatāne.

Rotorua grassroots recycling milestone plants 1000 trees
Monthly collections reach 1300 cans, supporting 400 plus tree plantings annually.

'Making a difference': Rotorua volunteer honoured for decades of service
'We’ve got a fabulous community here in Rotorua and I really enjoy being a part of it.'

One council to rule them all? Rotorua to explore options with neighbours
Tauranga mayor backs having the conversation, saying it's time to 'put egos aside'.

Community leader awarded King’s Service Medal for decades of service
Debra Bell has been awarded the King's Service Medal.

Tina Barrett receives King's Service Medal
Rotorua identity Tina May Barrett's community service honoured with KSM.

Auckland developer goes bust, Rotorua housing project in limbo
The future of 36 unbuilt Rotorua apartments is uncertain amid a payment dispute.

'We were all feeling it': Emotional tribute to slain teen at league tournament
Kaea's parents received the carved tewhatewha from the Pikiao team.

Badly injured man spends nearly eight hours trapped in tractor by fallen tree
The man was airlifted to hospital with critical injuries.

'Shocked, actually': Rotorua healthcare leader reflects on decades of service
Hariata Vercoe has been recognised for her services to Māori, health, and the community.

'I didn't give up on myself': BMX Olympian receives 'special' honour
Sarah Walker is honoured for her services to BMX and sports governance.

Bay of Plenty All Black, Olympian, philanthropist and master fly-tier make honours list
The King's Birthday honours include famous names and community heroes.

Opinion: Is the US dollar losing its shine on the global stage?
The US dollar has fallen over 6% against the NZ dollar this year.

King's Birthday gift: Four Lotto players scoop $30k apiece
Three Bay of Plenty players won over $30,000 in Lotto's second division.

'A movement': Festival of Rugby League returning to Rotorua for second year
The festival created to raise awareness for men's mental health will be held in October.

Former cop's dying regret over 50yo Mona Blades mystery
Mona Blades disappeared while hitch-hiking from Hamilton to Hastings on May 31, 1975.