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Latest FromSamantha Olley

NEW ZEALAND

103-year-old Rotorua veteran laid to rest

18 Jul, 2019 5:53am
4 minutes to read

John Woods lived independently until moving into a rest home last year.

NEW ZEALAND

Teen deemed insane when he stabbed stepmother, judge rules

17 Jul, 2019 1:39pm
4 minutes to read

'Mr Rawson said he was aiming for [his stepmother's] eye, neck and heart.'

Police at the murder scene in Ngakuru in November. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

'I have murdered my wife': Killer's shocking call to police

17 Jul, 2019 12:11pm
4 minutes to read

On Friday, Michael Douthett, 58, pleaded guilty to murdering his wife last November.

Library director Jane Gilbert has retired. Photo / Stephen Parker

ROTORUA DAILY POST

'Every day is different' - closing book on 30-year career

16 Jul, 2019 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Jane Gilbert has retired from being a librarian, a job she's held since she was 17.

Joe and Esther Nagera hang decorations. Photo / Stephen Parker

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Fijian community 'super chuffed' ahead of team's arrival

15 Jul, 2019 8:00pm
3 minutes to read

'We couldn't get closer to home than that.'

An aerial view of Scion Crown Research Institute in Rotorua, taken in 2013. Photo / File

PREMIUM

Scion forecast to go into debt within 12 months

15 Jul, 2019 9:34am
3 minutes to read

Chief executive Dr Julian Elder said Scion's net debt forecast was $1.7m at June 30, 2020.

NEW ZEALAND

Tears in court as man admits murder of wife

12 Jul, 2019 2:22pm
2 minutes to read

Michael Edward Douthett, 58, will be sentenced next month.

The Black Power and Mongrel Mob gang patches. Photo / File

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Black Power member jailed for role in funeral riot

12 Jul, 2019 2:00pm
3 minutes to read

The funeral procession involved about 150 vehicles and more than 200 Mongrel Mob members.

Lani Kereopa with Te Taupua Gillies, who lives next door to the site of the proposed development. Photo / Ben Fraser

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Planning process 'effectively silenced Ngāti Whakaue', iwi members say

12 Jul, 2019 10:00am
5 minutes to read

"We should have been able to expect better than this from council and the planners".

Dennis Paul, Te Koutu trustee and marae spokesman, refers to his notes at the hearing. Photo / Samantha Olley

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Te Koutu marae fights lakeshore development at hearing

11 Jul, 2019 1:00pm
3 minutes to read

Five single-storey and four two-storey buildings are proposed on Whittaker Rd.

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce president John McRae. Photo / Ben Fraser

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Rates relief could be investigated for Rotorua CBDRates relief could be investigated to encourage Rotorua CBD investment

9 Jul, 2019 6:51pm
3 minutes to read

'We have seen quite a change in the city... but we are not there yet.'

Forestry Minister Shane Jones makes a funding announcement at Scion as part of the One Billion Trees programme. Photo / Andrew Warner

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Provincial Growth Fund gives to Rotorua again

9 Jul, 2019 11:59am
4 minutes to read

"I genuinely feel this kaupapa has to outlive my role as a minister and a politician."

Rotorua Budget Advisory Service manager Pakanui Tuhura. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

New law could help budget service clients

8 Jul, 2019 6:00am
5 minutes to read

In 11 months, 362 new clients came to the Rotorua Budget Service with $12m debt in total.

NEW ZEALAND

Sex offender's upskirt photo attempt leads to 18 months jail

5 Jul, 2019 4:02pm
2 minutes to read

John Parahi aimed his mobile phone under the dress of woman in department store.

Taratoa Hori Hokianga, 38, appeared in the High Court at Rotorua. Photo / Ben Fraser

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Taratoa Hokianga pleads not guilty to manslaughter in High Court

5 Jul, 2019 10:06am
Quick Read

Taratoa Hori Hokianga, 38, is accused of causing Niwhai Bryan's death.

Adventure Playground Rotorua. Photo / Stephen Parker

BUSINESS

Tourism business ordered to pay ex-employee $29,000

5 Jul, 2019 8:06am
3 minutes to read

Employment Relations' judgement said Adventure Playground was its "own worst enemy".

The Māori All Blacks leave the pōwhiri at Tamatekapua. Photo / Stephen Parker

ROTORUA DAILY POST | Sport

Rotorua pōwhiri held for new Māori All Blacks team

4 Jul, 2019 5:10pm
3 minutes to read

The team will play Fiji at the Rotorua International Stadium on July 20.

Rotorua Boys' High School's assistant head of the Māori faculty, Tiahomarama Fairhall. Photo / Ben Fraser

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Rotorua teacher up for prestigious te reo writing award

2 Jul, 2019 9:00am
2 minutes to read

"I used to write stories all the time growing up, but stopped when I got to university."

Alice Waitoa (left), Amelia Lewis, 4, and her mother Teegan Bennett. Photo / Stephen Parker

ROTORUA DAILY POST

'Best chance of protection in a crash': Child deaths spur car seat checks

30 Jun, 2019 4:01pm
2 minutes to read

"You've got to make sure they have the best chance of protection in a severe crash."

Steve Lovegrove throws down the hammer at the auction. Photo / Supplied

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Sparkle Ball raises $35,000 for cancer cause

30 Jun, 2019 3:42pm
2 minutes to read

Generosity in Rotorua is "exceptional", Steve Lovegrove of Professionals McDowell says.

Some of the medal and clasp recipients. Photo / Samantha Olley

ROTORUA DAILY POST

'Great family' of firefighters honoured with medals from the Queen

30 Jun, 2019 9:00am
2 minutes to read

"For people to spend a lot of time in the service of one organisation is quite something."

Jamahl Peneamene, with his son Artie (5 months). Photo / Ben Fraser

ROTORUA DAILY POST

The Man Walk Rotorua: Group stepping out for first time

28 Jun, 2019 8:07pm
2 minutes to read

"I am not a psychologist or a therapist, I am just a guy wanting to walk and talk."

Rotorua Lakes Council chief financial officer Thomas Colle. Photo / File

PREMIUM

Council adopts Annual Plan, including rates rises

28 Jun, 2019 4:31pm
4 minutes to read

Rotorua Lakes Council has approved rates rises for the city.

Mud and steam rising from the site. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Mud pool opens up on Rotorua property

25 Jun, 2019 6:34pm
Quick Read

The newly steaming, bubbling area was taped off today.

Malfroy School's kapa haka group performs to the ceremony. Photo / Stephen Parker

ROTORUA DAILY POST

A case of haere mai and haere rā at citizenship ceremony

25 Jun, 2019 5:00pm
2 minutes to read

Thirty new citizens from 12 different nationalities were sworn in.

View of Rotorua from Mt Ngongotahā. Photo / Getty

PREMIUM

Māori health in the Lakes DHB, where to from here?

25 Jun, 2019 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

Nick Saville-Wood says "There is still a lot of work that needs to be done."

Remo Tauwari Waikato was sentenced in the Rotorua District Court. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

Rotorua BP robber imprisoned for 3 years, 9 months

22 Jun, 2019 9:16am
3 minutes to read

"I can see that you've made bad life choices," Judge Cooper told Remo Tauwari Waikato.

NEW ZEALAND

Drugged driver imprisoned for three years after fatal crash

21 Jun, 2019 3:08pm
4 minutes to read

The man collided with Reporoa man Ronald 'Rolly' Gladding on Broadlands Rd in January.

PREMIUM

High decile schools say donation changes 'just wrong'

21 Jun, 2019 5:47am
4 minutes to read

"We rely on local church donations and grants for funding and we are decile 9Q."

Pharmacist Brett Fordyce, owner and manager of Unichem at the Central Mall, with pharmacist Megan Grant. Photo / Stephen Parker

PREMIUM

Flu strikes Rotorua early, residents scurry for shots

18 Jun, 2019 5:42am
8 minutes to read

"A significant increase in patients testing positive for flu, early in the year."

Cam Speedy, pest management expert. Photo / Stephen Parker

THE COUNTRY

Extinction threat: Rotorua volunteers rally for taonga

16 Jun, 2019 10:44am
3 minutes to read

'We need an army of New Zealanders to roll up their sleeves,' warns ecologist Cam Speedy.

Planting auditors Nakita Nelson (left) and Renee Waipouri work for Bay of Plenty contractor Dean Anderson. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

Billion trees snag? Contractors face 'drastic' shortage of planters

15 Jun, 2019 2:13pm
4 minutes to read

"We used to have hundreds putting their hands up," CNI director Stewart Hyde says.

Billy Macfarlane is leading tikanga courses to help offenders change their ways in Rotorua. Photo / File

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Damning justice report backs Pūwhakamua rehab approach

15 Jun, 2019 12:00pm
4 minutes to read

Billy Macfarlane made submissions to the advisory group last year.

Helen Nathan from Morrison Kent and property developer Tony Bradley in front of the site of the new Fenton St and Pukaki St build. Photo / Stephen Parker

PREMIUM

Big-budget commercial builds on the rise in Rotorua

14 Jun, 2019 3:43pm
4 minutes to read

The value of consents in March to May have soared compared with the same period last year

Rotorua Primary School principal Fred Whata. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

Hundreds of hungry, cold kids waiting for help

12 Jun, 2019 3:31pm
4 minutes to read

"We will still do all we can to give kids the best learning opportunities".

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Water health hui called by Te Arawa Lakes Trust

12 Jun, 2019 2:40pm
2 minutes to read

Researchers will explain their work and answer questions.

The Reddings have lived in a tent in Edgecumbe for months. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

'No family should ever have to live in circumstances like this'

12 Jun, 2019 10:25am
4 minutes to read

"People are offering donations... It's very kind, but we just really need a house".

Higgins workers (from left) Haki Hiha, David Eparaima and Dudley Soul Raroa. Photos / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Mayor fighting for national change after deaths of road workers

9 Jun, 2019 6:00am
4 minutes to read

"It's quite clear speed restrictions at roadworks are totally ignored most of the time."

Paradise Valley Rd roadworks this month. Photo / Stephen Parker

PREMIUM

Rotorua road repair costs blow out

7 Jun, 2019 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

The works were originally expected to be complete in February.

Three of the Patua Te Taniwha Charitable Trust's founding members (from left) Cassey Thompson, Camilia Ransfield and Mataku-Ariki de Roo. Photo / Stephen Parker

PREMIUM

Rotorua urged to 'fight the monster' after suspected suicides

6 Jun, 2019 7:16am
5 minutes to read

New 'Fight the monster' trust formed to help whanau and vulnerable young people.

Dr Candy Cookson-Cox ONZM. Photo / Stephen Parker

ROTORUA DAILY POST

'Rather extraordinary' honour for Dr Candy Cookson-Cox

3 Jun, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

"I don't know how it happened, but I am very honoured and humbled."

NEW ZEALAND

Rotorua's Dr Jackie Blue, a wāhine toa and ONZM

3 Jun, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Dr Jackie Blue has spent her adult life advocating for women, in various roles.

Kurai Chadwick, 10, and his brother Manakura, 5, dance to the Blues Busters. Photo / Stephen Parker

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Crowds have 'a crazy time' at Rotorua Blues Fest

2 Jun, 2019 1:03pm
2 minutes to read

The festival drew 27 different acts and secured ten venues over three days this year.

Sustainability Options team member Jo Wills. Photo / Stephen Parker

PREMIUM

Houses more like 'wooden tents' says housing expert

1 Jun, 2019 7:00am
6 minutes to read

"In New Zealand, we have to work extra hard to keep our homes warm, dry and healthy".

Adoniah Lorigan and Shyanne Hamilton, 1. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

Mt Eden killing: Young dad 'life of the party' says mourning family

31 May, 2019 6:00pm
4 minutes to read

A Rotorua family is mourning the loss of a 'loving' son, brother and father.

Lakes DHB chairman Deryck Shaw. Photo / File

ROTORUA DAILY POST

'The focus on child poverty is critical': BOP and Lakes DHBs react to Budget 2019

31 May, 2019 7:00am
2 minutes to read

Billions of dollars of funding in the wider health sector is being cautiously welcomed.

Tauranga mental health and addiction worker Vaughan Cruickshank. Photo / Andrew Warner

PREMIUM

'Long overdue' - Bay reaction to $2b for mental health

30 May, 2019 8:00pm
3 minutes to read

'The most significant investment in this area in a long, long time'

Nick Saville-Wood, new chief executive of the Lakes District Health Board. Photo / Stephen Parker

PREMIUM

Lakes chief executive's 'unprecedented' challenges, his hopes and goals

29 May, 2019 5:47am
4 minutes to read

Māori health is something he strongly hopes to improve under his leadership.

PREMIUM

Influenza influx: Little relief in sight for Rotorua Hospital

27 May, 2019 7:31pm
4 minutes to read

"We have people coming to the hospital that don't really need to come to us."

Healthy Homes Rotorua staff from left, Carol Fisher, Katrina Maaka and Robyn Fisher. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

Unhealthy homes: Mould, leaks, disease making people dangerously sick

26 May, 2019 8:51pm
8 minutes to read

Since Healthy Homes began in Rotorua in 2014 it has responded to more than 830 referrals.

Rotorua driving instructor John Cross. Photo / Stephen Parker

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Roundabouts throwing off Rotorua drivers

25 May, 2019 3:05pm
3 minutes to read

Allan Koller said, "It's not got worse, it never was good in the first place."

Evolve Rotorua founders (from left) Anna Steele, Ben Sandford, Claire Mahon, Kelly Shrimpton, Ryan Gray, Matt O'Meeghan and Tu Mutu. Photo / Stephen Parker

PREMIUM

Evolve Rotorua: Standing up for ideas and projects

24 May, 2019 10:05am
4 minutes to read

"What we can do better, as opposed to the 'let's just not do it' attitude."

Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Lucas Macdonald, (left) and William Anaru with a catfish net and catfish. Photo / File

THE COUNTRY

'Heartbroken': Catfish nets stolen including schools

24 May, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Kaitao pupil Alyssa Mansner said it was disappointing, "Now we can't find as many fish."

Rio Hemopo-Hunuki (left) and King Kapisi. Photo / Stephen Parker

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Rotorua on its feet for Kiwi hip-hop legend

23 May, 2019 6:27pm
4 minutes to read

King Kapisi arrived in Rotorua today for a New Zealand Music Month performance.

Aroha Mai Cancer Support founder and manager Bubsie Macfarlane. Photo / Stephen Parker

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Budget wishlist 2019: What the health sector wants

22 May, 2019 8:00pm
3 minutes to read

'There is a lot more we could do if we had more paid staff' - Aroha Mai Cancer Support.

Blaithin Page was sentenced in the Rotorua District Court. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

Exclusive: 'I held my mother's hand as her life ebbed away'

22 May, 2019 12:09pm
5 minutes to read

"Her injuries were too great to survive. It was not the death I envisaged for her, ever."

Dr Blaithin Page was sentenced in the Rotorua District Court. Photo / Stephen Parker

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Rotorua surgeon convicted of careless driving causing death

21 May, 2019 4:36pm
2 minutes to read

Award-winning community devotee Francisca Hawkes-Buchanan was hit on September 25, 2018.

Utana Aitupuna with Amelia-Joy Tuakeu, 4, and Zipporah-Reign Tuakeu, 5 months. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

Bookings for measles jabs rise in Rotorua after outbreak

20 May, 2019 8:00pm
4 minutes to read

Since April 1 there have been 19 measles cases in Western Bay of Plenty and four in Taupō.

Trish Stephens said Billy Macfarlane had her

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Te reo students support man criticised by Corrections

20 May, 2019 6:23am
2 minutes to read

"I have learned more than I have in 30 years going to different courses."

Shirley Smith said she felt her age group could provide valuable insights to younger generations. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

World-first study: Secrets to long, fulfilling life unlocked

20 May, 2019 6:22am
10 minutes to read

The study of 937 elderly Māori and non-Māori started almost 10 years ago.

St John at the Rotorua District Court. Photo / Samantha Olley

ROTORUA DAILY POST

St John called in to Rotorua District Court medical event

17 May, 2019 5:08pm
Quick Read

One person needed medical help.

A man in possession of stolen wheels claims that it was his mate that took them from Coopers Tyres in Mt Maunganui. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Watch: Tyre shop owner confronts group after tracking down stolen mags

17 May, 2019 8:29am
2 minutes to read

The video already has more than 130,000 views, just seven hours after it was uploaded.