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Local Democracy Reporter
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
‘Crumbs from the colonial table’: Councillor and mayor butt heads at meeting
Councillor claims Xi Jinping and Robert Mugabe 'would be very proud' of mayor's calls.
New housing accord will see emergency housing motels dwindle
'We have heard you, we have listened and we are taking action,' mayor says.
New pact aims for ‘near zero’ motel housing 'as soon as possible'
Housing Minister Megan Woods was due in Rotorua for the signing.
Call for urgent 'stocktake' on emergency housing gang numbers
The Government says it helps anyone in housing need - including gang members.
Fighting for Rotorua: End could be in sight for widespread use of motels for emergency housing
Rotorua's council will consider the agreement on Thursday.
Fighting for Rotorua: What are some solutions to the housing crisis?
What will it take to fix Rotorua's - and New Zealand's - housing crisis?
Part of Rotorua's Green Corridor cycleway to be removed for car parks
Its removal will cost about $50,000, seven years after the full installation cost $442k.
'Negative perceptions' blamed for $17m tourism loss
About $17 million in tourism spending has been lost due to 'negative perceptions'.
'Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart': Tania Tapsell claims victory
Tania Tapsell is the first Māori woman mayor of Rotorua
'Still a busy tourism town': Robertson says concerns about Rotorua taken seriously
"No doubt, those who live in the area have had concerns; we've tried to deal with those."
Candidate claims ex-prisoners relocated to Rotorua emergency housing motels
The Corrections Minister says there is no "pipeline" of ex-prisoners into motels.
What Rotorua's mayoral candidates would do about emergency housing in motels
One candidate says the city is being 'ripped apart' by emergency housing in motels.
Felix Desmarais: The pronunciation of 'helicopter' has me in a spin
OPINION: Language reaches across barriers and cultures to our mutual humanity.
'A little bit more outrageous': Steve Chadwick's life in politics - and what's next
Chadwick's legacy is not just about what she did but how she did it, says PM Ardern.
'Scary and damning' report paints grim picture of state of Rotorua
The mayor says the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated existing issues in the city.
'Undermining local democracy': Watchdog to investigate closed council workshops
The investigation will look into eight councils, including Rotorua Lakes Council.
Mayoral candidate claims Govt will end emergency housing for 'out-of-towners'
The mayor says the move would be 'fantastic'.
'Soul-crushing': Residents air views on selling local reserves for housing
The deputy mayor said he heard one petitioner 'very clear'.
Rotorua Museum: $30m could be added to cost for 'extremely complex' renovation
The current budget for the project is $53.3m but could rise to $83m.
Council investigating targeted rate for emergency housing
Some believe it won't solve the issues and will embed the system in Rotorua.
'Stop the spend': Tania Tapsell announces run for Rotorua mayor
Councillor joins three other declared candidates for city's top job
'Toxic environment': A third of city's family harm calls to emergency lodgings
The council says in 2018 there were 70 family harm call outs a week. Now it's 120.
Election candidate takes council to court over controversial bill
The council says it will strongly oppose candidate Robert Lee's case.
New name revealed for Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre
The new name is intended to fit more easily on a ticket.
'Final act of frustration': Councillor speaks about shock resignation
Bentley says the mayor's actions on Thursday were the final straw.
'Respected' councillor quits in public meeting, claims mayor 'shunned' him
The resignation came after a decision to discuss a controversial bill in private
Labour support falters as Rotorua electoral bill 'fallen foul' of Bill of Rights
Waiariki MP Rawiri Waititi says he backs the 'brave and progressive' bill.
Secret council proposal to sell 10 reserves for housing revealed
Parties say no decisions made but local MP 'extremely' worried.
Councillor believes commission's wards decision is 'plainly ridiculous'
But others have welcomed the ruling on the district's governance model.
Council's law change bid passes first reading in Parliament
One local MP voted for it, and another against.
Upset farmers claim council 'using ratepayer money to fight ratepayers'
The lawyer's presence at the almost six-hour meeting cost ratepayers more than $10,000.
Council bid to change Māori ward local bill faces first reading in Parliament
If the bill does not pass by June 1, it will not apply to this year's local election
Explainer: Why one council is trying to change electoral law
Rotorua's council is pushing for an electoral law change. How did we get here?
What has caused the discolouration of Puarenga Stream?
The regional and district councils are investigating the discharge.
'Out of thin air': Appellants take council to task on Māori ward structure
'It's like all of a sudden, the goal post changed.'
'Disturbing': MP hits out at Kāinga Ora's empty houses on troubled street
Kāinga Ora says the four empty houses are awaiting demolition.
'Save our democracy': Protest against 'iwi co-governance' 'disappointing' - MP
"Co-governance is basically the antithesis of democracy," organisers say.
'Rotten' and 'feral': Leader lashes out at troublemakers terrorising street
Rioting, street racing, threats and intimidation have left residents living in fear.
'Like Sons of Anarchy': Street violence has woman sleeping by baseball bat
'We're scared people are going to take it too far,' one resident says
Drone used to find rough sleepers in Rotorua reserve
The council says it is safer for the Safe City Guardians than walking through.
Revealed: The cost of pursuing Rotorua's Māori ward local bill
A mayoral candidate says it's a waste of time and money.
'Need a clothes peg on your nose': What stinks in Rotorua?
A local business says the stench is another challenge on top of Covid-19.
'It's real … please take it seriously': Rotorua mayor tests positive for Covid-19
Steve Chadwick says her infection reinforces the need for vaccination.
PM: Motel emergency housing a 'stopgap measure'
She would not say how long motels would be used to house the homeless.
Councillor removed from council committees after breaches
Rotorua's mayor says Macpherson removed himself by refusing to apologise.
'Fait accompli': 12 appeals lodged against council's representation review
One appellant says the process has rocked his faith in democracy.
Can money be made from human poo? A council spent millions trying
How Terax became Rotorua Council's multimillion-dollar black hole.
Felix Desmarais: 'Transgender people exist. We are real, we are natural'
Opinion: Parliament supporting transgender rights is a precious, flickering flame.
'Unacceptable': Councillors blast mayor for Māori ward decision process
However, another councillor says it's not time to 'quibble'.
Council opts for one Māori ward seat model
Te Tatau o Te Arawa plan appeal as they're 'disappointed and a little bit angry' at move.
'Vote carefully': Te Arawa's plea to the council ahead of vote
The Iwi representative group says it is "concerned and dismayed" at the process.
Te Arawa rep quits meeting over governance model proposal
Te Arawa says it plans to appeal a potential decision about Māori representation.
'A disaster waiting to happen': Four ICU beds for population of 116,000
DHB chief describes the situation as 'very concerning'.