Our last long weekend in almost half a year is approaching – and typically Queens Birthday Weekend in New Zealand looks a little unsettled – but by no means is it a write off. There are rain and shower risks – mostly in Northland and our western coastline. Here’s a look at the best forecasts out at the moment – and we’ll fine tune this again on Friday with the very latest for the long weekend.
Latest Video
Waiata Anthems documentary about Nikau Grace's new song
Nikau Grace's latest project with Waiata Anthems has seen a new song and documentary released about her love of Kawerau and how you can beat the odds. Video / Supplied
Listen: Rotorua hunt hounds howling at 4am
Tom Stephenson says he hears the hounds from his property daily. Video / Supplied
Kapa haka legend Wetini Mitai Ngatai mural in Rotorua's CBD
Hosted by the Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival, Taumata Soloman pays homage to cultural entrepreneur and kapa haka legend Wetini Mitai Ngatai. Video / Aleyna Martinez
Bay of Plenty slip closes State Highway 2 at Waiotahe
Vehicles were caught in a slip on State Highway 2 at Waiotahe in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Video / Andrea Casey
Body found after car fire on State Highway 1 at Ātiamuri
An investigation is under way after a body was found in a burning vehicle on State Highway 1 near Ātiamuri between Tokoroa and Taupō last night. Video / Dan Hutchinson
School pupils learn how to be a journalist and radio announcer after NZME visit
Lynmore Primary School pupils spent the day at NZME learning about the media.
Hundreds lose power after car crashes into power pole
Hundreds lost power after a car crashed into power pole on Te Ngae Rd on Monday night. Video / Supplied
The Voices in the Shadows
The Voices in the Shadows by Rotorua's Wairea Company features Tame Iti and premieres as part of the Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival 2024.
Julian Dean donates Tour de France bike to raise money for Parkinson's New Zealand
Julian Dean chats with Budgie Woods, recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, about why he wants to donate his Tour de France bike to charity. Video / Supplied
Police guard at a Tūrangi address
Police outside a Tūrangi address following the launch of a homicide investigation. Video / Dan Hutchinson
Retirement village residents upcycle bikes for Christmas
Carlo Lumapas began teaching residents at Arvida Glenbrae to upcycle rubbished bikes aiming to give them to children who can't afford them this Christmas. Video / Aleyna Martinez
The Wiggles are coming to Tauranga
The Wiggles are bringing their techno dance party to Tauranga in the new year. Video / Supplied
Persistent dumping on Mt Ngongotahā in Rotorua
Be a Tidy Kiwi's new ambassador Kiri Danielle has been cleaning up the maunga for 12 years.
Drone footage of White Island in Level 3
The Volcanic Alert Level has been raised to Level 3 at White Island following minor eruptions on Friday and Sunday. Video / Geoff Mackley, youtube.com/@geoffmackley
Harcourts Dancing for Hospice: Couple’s profile — Graeme Young and Sarah Small
Dancing for Hospice 2024 couple Graeme Young and Sarah Small talk to Paul Hickey from The Hits Rotorua.
Harcourts Dancing for Hospice: Couple’s profile — Cori Marsters and Emma Baylis
Dancing for Hospice 2024 couple Cori Marsters and Emma Baylis talk to Paul Hickey from The Hits Rotorua.
World Drowning Prevention Day
Water Safety NZ chief executive Daniel Gerrard says 'the power is in prevention'. Video / Water Safety New Zealand
Prowler caught on camera sentenced
A Rotorua man has been sentenced to community detention after admitting prowling around outside a solo mother's house while doing an indecent act.
Harcourts Dancing for Hospice: Couple’s profile — Laura Smith and Nikora Simpkins
Dancing for Hospice 2024 couple Laura Smith and Nikora Simpkins talk to Paul Hickey from The Hits Rotorua.
Social Media Etiquette: How to interact with your kid's friends
Should you follow if they ask? If so - how should you interact? Video / Alex Cairns
Dancing for Hospice 2024: Couple’s profile: Simon Chisholm and Kim Jones
Dancing for Hospice 2024 couple Simon Chisholm and Kim Jones talk to Paul Hickey from The Hits Rotorua.
SH36 crash near Rotorua
Scene of the two-truck crash on State Highway 36 near Rotorua. Video / Ben Fraser
From haka stage to basketball court
Waikimihia Douglas-Karauna is bringing te ao Māori to the world after being selected to compete in the Fiba U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Mexico. Video / Whakaata Māori
Dancing for Hospice 2024: Couple’s profile: Kelly Hemana and Justin Wilkinson
Dancing for Hospice 2024 couple Kelly Hemana and Justin Wilkinson talk to Paul Hickey from The Hits Rotorua.
Millenium Hotel hits the refresh button
A sneak peek at Millennium Hotels And Resorts' refurbished rooms with general manager Pipiana Whiston. Video / Supplied / Rotorua Daily Post
Dancing for Hospice 2024: Couple’s profile - Te Okiwa Morgan and Nae Taua
Dancing for Hospice 2024 couple Te Okiwa Morgan and Nae Taua talk to Paul Hickey from The Hits Rotorua.
Mātauranga Māori Science and Design Fair
Te Arawa Lakes Trust environment officer Keeley Grantham at the Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori Science and Design Fair. Video / Laura Smith
Dancing for Hospice 2024: Holly Tuhakaraina and Darrius Strickland
Dancing for Hospice 2024 couple Holly Tuhakaraina and Darrius Strickland talk to Paul Hickey from The Hits Rotorua.
Revamped indoor leisure pool at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre
The indoor leisure pool at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre reopened on Monday.
Watch: Sneak peek at drone light show set to light up Rotorua this Matariki
This incredible show will light up the Rotorua Lakefront as part of the Aronui Arts Festival this Matariki.
Rotorua Trust 30 years
The Rotorua Trust celebrated its 30th birthday at a special event at Te Puia.
A special history lesson: Minnijean Brown-Trickey speaks to Bay of Plenty students
American civil rights activist Minnijean Brown-Trickey visited the Bay of Plenty and spoke to more than 800 social studies and history students from the region.
Dancing for Hospice 2024: Couple’s profile - Trudy Haringa and Roger Schreuder
Dancing for Hospice 2024 couple Trudy Haringa and Roger Schreuder talk to Paul Hickey from The Hits Rotorua.
Rotorua streams running murky during heavy rain
Authorities are watching local stream and river levels as a heavy rain warning is extended for Bay of Plenty. Video / Andrew Warner
Small dog fatally mauled in Rotorua
Warning: Some viewers may find this video distressing: CCTV footage shows three large dogs chasing Maltipoo Marley moments before he was fatally mauled in Rotorua.
Top teen skateboard's hometown dream a step closer
Dante Temara talks about his dream for a new skatepark in Rotorua.