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Latest FromSamantha Olley

Whakatāne Just Jeans store. Photo / Katee Shanks

NEW ZEALAND

Just Jeans assistant 'yelled at' doctor's toddler, apology sought

17 Jan, 2020 3:25pm
4 minutes to read

Her 15-month-old son was playing peekaboo behind a sign when she was left "dumbstruck".

Glenbrae Retirement Village entrance on Hilda St, Fenton Park. Photo / Samantha Olley

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Rotorua retirement village resident dies after hit by car

15 Jan, 2020 11:44am
2 minutes to read

The victim, who lived in a serviced apartment, died the next morning in Rotorua Hospital.

Woman wearing g-string runs into water. Photo / Getty

NEW ZEALAND

Prude or rude? G-string debate splits Taupō swimmers

14 Jan, 2020 7:04pm
4 minutes to read

'Men in mankinis, women walking around in g-string bikinis and even the odd naked person.'

Gina Peiffer and Elmer Peiffer make dinners for the homeless five nights a week. Photo / File

PREMIUM

Couple distribute 12 tonnes of food to needy, in one year

13 Jan, 2020 9:38am
3 minutes to read

'Seeing the need out there is enlightening and disheartening at the same time.'

Angela Wharekura's Mazda Demio has been stolen twice in the last two months. Photo / Stephen Parker

PREMIUM

Mazda Demio woes: Thefts, joy rides, dumping

11 Jan, 2020 10:00am
4 minutes to read

One theft victim has spent more on towing and repairs that what her car is worth.

Mount Maunganui-born Ray Fleming (far left) has been fighting the fires for two months. Photo / Supplied

PREMIUM

Bay firefighters lend helping hand to fight Australia bushfires

7 Jan, 2020 10:00am
5 minutes to read

It's all hands on deck in the Bay for our Australian cousins.

Police at a fatal farm accident. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Bites, quad bikes, butchering: Farm injury rates well above average

7 Jan, 2020 9:00am
5 minutes to read

In the Midland area, 28 people died from agricultural-work injuries from 2012 to 2018.

Rotorua's Ben Sandford (left) and Tim Braithwaite have been playing for New Zealand in the Lawyers' Cricket World Cup. Photo / Stephen Parker

SPORT

'Cricket for friendship': Locals in Lawyers' Cricket World Cup

7 Jan, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

The "very collegial competition" is being hosted in New Zealand for the first time.

Mike Bathe (back left), Tyler Fox to his right, and Blair Wardlaw in the exact centre. Front (left to right) is Brenda Davis, Jamie Rhodes and Colin Geenty. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Near and far: Bush fires spur volunteers, donors, families

7 Jan, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

"People who just get in and get the job done."

Investigators were on the scene for most of Sunday where the alleged murder took place. Photo / George Novak

NEW ZEALAND

Two deaths, four days: Tragedy in Waihī Beach

6 Jan, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder following the event on Saturday night.

NEW ZEALAND

Two deaths in four days leaves Waihi Beach community rattled

5 Jan, 2020 7:07am
3 minutes to read

A second person has died at Waihi Beach this week following a violent incident.

Lake Rotokākahi, Green Lake, near Rotorua. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Tape to shut trail near sacred lake torn down

4 Jan, 2020 5:32pm
5 minutes to read

"[It] shows why the board members felt like they needed to take action."

KnowYourStuff carried out 400 substance tests over the New Year period. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

'Nasty little drug' not seen by New Year drug testers

2 Jan, 2020 9:34pm
4 minutes to read

"We've had not seen anywhere near as much n-ethylpentylone as we were expecting to see."

Police cordon on Seaforth Rd on New Year's Day. Photo / Ben Fraser

NEW ZEALAND

Police investigate death near Waihī Beach after brawl reported

1 Jan, 2020 2:41pm
3 minutes to read

Police attended reports of disorder in Bowentown shortly before 1am.

Karam Mohammed, 14 (left) with her cousin Charlotte Martell, 8 enjoying he fireworks. Photo / Stephen Parker

PREMIUM

New Year's Eve: Families flock to Glo Festival

1 Jan, 2020 9:29am
4 minutes to read

The evening includes six and a half hours of entertainment and entry is free.

The shark pictured at Ōhope Beach. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Watch: Footage of shark swimming in shallows at Ōhope

31 Dec, 2019 1:57pm
2 minutes to read

'Pretty quick' exit from the water after shark spotted.

NEW ZEALAND

Rotorua woman ordered to pay $26,000 to ex-employee

31 Dec, 2019 9:00am
3 minutes to read

The ex-employee said she "needed that income" as the sole earner for two young children.

New Year Honour recipient Paul Wright. Photo / Andrew Warner

ROTORUA DAILY POST

New Year Honours: Paul Wright, fire and forestry champion

31 Dec, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

"You never do things to get this sort of award. But I'm certainly very pleased."

Lake Rotokākahi, Green Lake. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Shock closure of mountain bike trails after sacred lake disrespected

30 Dec, 2019 6:05pm
4 minutes to read

'This is one of those situations where the actions of a few have impacted the many.'

Ben Sandford is the newly appointed chair of the World Anti Doping Agency (Wada) Athletes Committee. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

Ex-Olympian Ben Sandford's hopes for anti-doping agency

30 Dec, 2019 10:00am
5 minutes to read

The Rotorua-based former skeleton racer is the newly appointed Athletes Committee chair.

Sunrise at Lake Rotokākahi. Photo / File

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Rotokākahi, Green Lake, bans breached? Solutions sought

27 Dec, 2019 3:53pm
3 minutes to read

"The volume of traffic out there really has jumped dramatically".

White Island aerial view after the volcanic eruption. Photo / George Novak

NEW ZEALAND

'Something like this will happen again': White Island trauma response director

23 Dec, 2019 2:07pm
7 minutes to read

Trauma director Dr Grant Christey says there is a lot to be learned from "all the horror".

NEW ZEALAND

High Court overturns liquor store suspensions

21 Dec, 2019 6:00am
5 minutes to read

Justice Lang ruled the manager could not have seen the wet patch on the man's trousers.

A tribute of flowers on the waterfront in Whakatāne. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

Psychologists cut holidays to manage White Island 'influx of referrals'

21 Dec, 2019 5:01am
5 minutes to read

Dr Sally Davis said support would be needed for "some time". "This is just the beginning."

Flowers and an ornament hanging off a branch were tributes left for the five who died in the crash on April 1. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

'Massive grief reaction': Teen sentenced for crime spree after five whānau killed

20 Dec, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

"Your reaction on April 1 was something of a suicide wish, wanting to join your whānau."

Donna Grant in the High Court at Rotorua. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Sir Howard Morrison's daughter admits $1.3m fraud

17 Dec, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Donna Grant has admitted four fraud offences, one relating to the NZ Warriors Foundation.

Donna Grant at an appearance in the High Court at Rotorua in 2018. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Sir Howard Morrison's daughter admits four fraud offences

16 Dec, 2019 1:59pm
3 minutes to read

She illegally obtained $1.25 million. Some was for the New Zealand Warriors Foundation.

Citations and medals for bravery were awarded to Tawhanga (left) and Matariki Rika. Photo / Andrew Warner

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Bravery medals for father and 13-year-old brother

15 Dec, 2019 1:13pm
4 minutes to read

"Victims could have faced possibilities of injury or even death" without rescuers' help.

Helicopter pilots Mark Law (left) and Tom Storey, leaving a meeting with Jacinda Ardern in Whakatāne on Tuesday. Photo / Getty

NEW ZEALAND

'Instinct' behind helicopter 'heroes' at White Island

11 Dec, 2019 2:45pm
5 minutes to read

"They went far beyond what could be expected of anyone," Lachie Storey said.

From back left Levi Overbye, Kylie Overbye, Ralph Overbye, Joel Overbye, Micah Overbye and Ezra Overbye at the end of the 2018 Christmas appeal in Rotorua. Photo / File

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Overbye family's generations of generosity

9 Dec, 2019 9:00am
3 minutes to read

"It is everyone giving a small portion, that makes the difference."

Lime scooters in a warehouse in Auckland. Photo / File

BAY OF PLENTY TIMES

Lime e-scooters for Rotorua, Tauranga?

9 Dec, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Lime scooters began operating in New Zealand in October last year.

Rotorua lawyer Jonathan Temm has been appointed a Queen's Counsel. Photo / Ben Fraser

ROTORUA DAILY POST

New rank: Jonathan Temm's QC appointment

7 Dec, 2019 8:00am
4 minutes to read

He's conducted defence in high-profile cases such as the Nia Glassie and 'stop-go' trials.

Matiu Rawiri Pomare in the Rotorua District Court. Photo / Samantha Olley

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Man punished after high speed chase, ramming police, hiding in Lake Rotorua

6 Dec, 2019 2:55pm
4 minutes to read

"A police dog handler tracked the defendant and located him hiding, half-submerged".

Southern Cheyenne Thompson in the High Court at Rotorua. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

Mother denies murdering Tīrau toddler

6 Dec, 2019 11:21am
Quick Read

The 18-month-old died in Waikato Hospital on July 24 last year.

Claymark pine boards in Katikati. Photo / File

BAY OF PLENTY TIMES

Report on wood processors' woes comes same day as Claymark receivership

6 Dec, 2019 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Kiwi wood processors are facing extensive tariffs, export restrictions, and standards.

Claymark head office in Rotorua. Photo / File

PREMIUM

Claymark Group receivership 'bolt from the blue' - union

6 Dec, 2019 6:00am
4 minutes to read

E Tū union says uncertainty hangs over the future of Claymark Group.

The new Rotorua Lakes Council. Photo / File

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Council sets priorities for next three years

5 Dec, 2019 4:27pm
2 minutes to read

"We'll be working hard but we have to understand this is not going to happen overnight."

NEW ZEALAND

Suspected poaching: Divers' legal crayfish takes tipped out

5 Dec, 2019 9:00am
4 minutes to read

"Locals have taken the kōura catch and tipped it back into the water."

From left, Aharon Ardern, 10, Sayla Williams-Te Kiri, 11, Kody Ransfield, 10, Violet Wilson, 11, Nyveah Smith-Rogers, 11 and Mereana Pehi, 11, with principal Brent Griffin. Photo / Stephen Parker

PREMIUM

'A massive difference': Funding a relief for schools 'making do'

3 Dec, 2019 8:34am
6 minutes to read

'We are just patching up classrooms and making do with what we've got.'

Senior National MP and Justice spokesman Mark Mitchell standing behind leader Simon Bridges. Photo / File

ROTORUA DAILY POST

'I will do everything I can to stop them' - Mark Mitchell on gangs

29 Nov, 2019 10:00am
6 minutes to read

His comments come after the Mongrel Mob Ōpōtiki president rubbished National's plans.

Reporoa College students and staff gathered with family friends of Kay Dean to mark the 40th anniversary of Erebus. Photo / Stephen Parker

PREMIUM

The pain of Erebus: How a young couple's legacy lives on

29 Nov, 2019 6:20am
4 minutes to read

Jürg Meier and Reporoa woman Kay Dean died in the Erebus disaster 40 years ago.

Mongrel Mob Ōpōtiki chapter member does dishes at a marae. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

'Good luck': Gang leader rubbishes National's plans

28 Nov, 2019 7:00am
5 minutes to read

'Are we not allowed to spend time with our own family members?'

RentAssured property manager Tracie Williams served a 90-day notice in March but appeals dragged it out 229 days. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

'Good tenant' behind 229-day eviction saga

27 Nov, 2019 7:00am
3 minutes to read

"If we hadn't gone through what we went through - she was a good tenant."

Jesse Whare will be admitted to Auckland City Hospital next week to have a bone marrow transplant. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

One in 36 million: Bone marrow giving Jesse a chance some don't get

25 Nov, 2019 2:36pm
7 minutes to read

Jesse Whare is one of the lucky ones - she has a match. Others are still waiting.

Gloria Tangihaere Hughes oversees the Rotorua Māori Wardens. Photo / Ben Fraser

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Māori Wardens doing it 'for the love of the people'

24 Nov, 2019 9:00am
7 minutes to read

"We work with everybody ... It's just being that comforting approach".

Michele Elliott, whose son Jordan Leigh Gray died by suicide in Kawerau, is an advocate for bereaved whānau. Photo / Eli Hill (Wairarapa Times-Age)

NEW ZEALAND

Plan to avoid suicide clusters in Rotorua

24 Nov, 2019 6:00am
7 minutes to read

Twenty-three people died by suicide in the Lakes DHB in the year to June 2019.

Jayson Trent Tawhara. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

'A small retail outlet's worst nightmare': Armed robber jailed

22 Nov, 2019 1:50pm
3 minutes to read

He will spend three years, 10 months and two weeks in prison and can't apply for parole.

Police lead away a Mongrel Mob gang member during Operation Notus. Photo / File

PREMIUM

Operation Notus: Recognition goes global

22 Nov, 2019 8:00am
4 minutes to read

In total, 360 police staff were deployed to Kawerau for Operation Notus.

Entrance to Ōpōtiki College on St John St. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

School response surprises Coroner after teen's fatal fall

22 Nov, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Te Hawiki Hona Kiri Te Amo, 16, had a non-survivable head injury.

NEW ZEALAND

Supreme Court rejects Fleet murderer's appeal

19 Nov, 2019 5:28pm
3 minutes to read

The Fleets were taken to dense bush and were savagely beaten with a spade in August 2017.

NEW ZEALAND

Mother charged with murdering toddler

19 Nov, 2019 9:35am
Quick Read

Southern Thompson, 26, is accused of killing Comfort Joy Thompson-Pene in July last year.

Aerial image of the Western Bay of Plenty from Pāpāmoa. Photo / File

BUSINESS

Rising fast: Bay of Plenty house prices hit new highs

19 Nov, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

The national median also rose to a record level in October 2019.

Taupō woman Tracy Livingstone, also known as Tracy Shelford. Photo / Samantha Olley

NEW ZEALAND

Anti-child abuse campaigner put curse on family, stole funds

18 Nov, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Tracy Livingstone created "abusive Facebook posts which caused significant distress".

Māori Wardens (from left) Dax Rongo-King, Marie Gardiner, Huhana (Susan) Tūkaki, Charlotte Huiarangi, Dwayne Hall, Lance Wilson and Shaan Kingi. Photo / Andrew Warner

NEW ZEALAND

'A very meaningful job': Getting to know the Māori Wardens

17 Nov, 2019 8:00am
5 minutes to read

Wardens share why they joined, what they do and who they go above and beyond for.

Secret Spot director Eric Kolver (left) and general manager Keith Kolver with one of their 12 hot tubs. Photo / Stephen Parker

PREMIUM

Want to be let in on Rotorua's Secret Spot?

12 Nov, 2019 8:45am
3 minutes to read

The hot tub and bar complex has been drawing between 70 and 250 visitors a day.

The Kawerau Enterprise Agency building, where the trust was based. Photo / Katee Shanks

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Kawerau loses 'vital service' after 25 years

10 Nov, 2019 9:00am
5 minutes to read

All of the Kawerau Youth Care Centre Trust's Government contracts were cut.

Lake Rotorua and surrounding farmland. Photo / File

PREMIUM

Bitter battle: Lobby group threatens legal action against council over cleaning up lake

9 Nov, 2019 7:00am
5 minutes to read

A leaked letter and legal opinion threatened new court action against Rotorua's council.

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Failed fake medical certificate lands man in jail

8 Nov, 2019 11:51am
2 minutes to read

"I regard this as a significant attack... It was never a very good plan."

Crash on Hinemoa St and Fenton St corner. Photo / Samantha Olley

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Car knocks down pole, narrowly misses offices

4 Nov, 2019 4:41pm
Quick Read

"At first we didn't really know what was happening. It happened so suddenly."

Mongrel Mob Ōpōtiki member Sonny-Joe Kaiwhakawa Hunuhunu pictured at Ōmarumutu marae. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

Inside the Mob: How one gang chapter is trying to rid itself of meth

2 Nov, 2019 5:00am
12 minutes to read

'It could ruin us. The last 36 years is just going to go down the drain.'

Rotorua Lakes Council building. Photo / File

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Council accounts in the black

30 Oct, 2019 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

However, debt grew by $10.4 million to $199.8m in the year to June.

Anthony van Dorp spent 17 years in the police and has concerns about the proposed arms bill. Photo / Stephen Parker

PREMIUM

Mother of murder victim shares view on gun law changes

30 Oct, 2019 7:00am
4 minutes to read

"The bill will also create a hugely expensive, complex and cumbersome bureaucracy".