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.
![Rotorua Museum spotlight: Photographs show changing face of city](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Rotorua Museum spotlight: Photographs show changing face of city
Rotorua Museum's photograph collection gives a glimpse into the past.
![Look inside Rotorua Museum reveals city’s first souvenirs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Look inside Rotorua Museum reveals city’s first souvenirs
Rotorua Museum reveals some curious souvenirs — and a call for more.
![Poppy, Buddy and Bear, oh my: Most popular dog names revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Poppy, Buddy and Bear, oh my: Most popular dog names revealed
Some, like Bongo McChuckles and Gentleman Jack, were one-of-a-kind.
![Felix Desmarais: The five types of Boxing Day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Felix Desmarais: The five types of Boxing Day
Opinion: Which type of Boxing Day will you have?
![‘Crumbs from the colonial table’: Councillor and mayor butt heads at meeting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
‘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.
!['Anxious and threatened' - residents petition for end to Kāinga Ora housing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Anxious and threatened' - residents petition for end to Kāinga Ora housing
'We do not want to be known as the benefit capital of New Zealand.'
![New housing accord will see emergency housing motels dwindle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
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'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Call for urgent 'stocktake' on emergency housing gang numbers
The Government says it helps anyone in housing need - including gang members.
![Rotorua mayor supports local election voting age remaining 18](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Rotorua mayor supports local election voting age remaining 18
Tapsell says she doesn't want to see the local election voting age lowered to 16.
![Council deputy chief executive resigns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Council deputy chief executive resigns
One of the seven deputy chief executives has stepped away from the role.
![Emergency housing review likely to go before Cabinet next month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Emergency housing review likely to go before Cabinet next month
An Act MP says the Government needs to release the review findings as soon as possible.
![Why mayor and deputy mayor didn’t attend Saving Glenholme meeting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Why mayor and deputy mayor didn’t attend Saving Glenholme meeting
The deputy mayor has explained why she and the mayor did not attend the meeting.
![Tickled ink: Free books galore after lockdown donation blitz](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Tickled ink: Free books galore after lockdown donation blitz
After a summer read? Friends of the Library is giving them away.
!['Frustration' over delay in defining emergency housing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Frustration' over delay in defining emergency housing
'MBIE haven’t got off their - um, haven’t done their job yet.'
![Fighting for Rotorua: End could be in sight for widespread use of motels for emergency housing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
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.
![Mayor concerned as Kāinga Ora suggests high rises in Rotorua suburb](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Mayor concerned as Kāinga Ora suggests high rises in Rotorua suburb
Kāinga Ora wants to see most of Glenholme zoned for high-rise development.
![Labour MP Tāmati Coffey voted off Rotorua Trust](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Labour MP Tāmati Coffey voted off Rotorua Trust
Four out of five candidates who stood again were re-elected.
![Fighting for Rotorua: What are some solutions to the housing crisis?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
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.
!['Unfortunate chapter': Reserves proposal scrapped - unanimously](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Unfortunate chapter': Reserves proposal scrapped - unanimously
After seven months of debate, the reserves proposal has been scrapped - unanimously.
![Government 'may have' paid to move people to Rotorua motels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Government 'may have' paid to move people to Rotorua motels
MP says government assurances it's not 'actively' relocating people is in his view 'spin'.
![Rotorua reserves proposal u-turn to be considered](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Rotorua reserves proposal u-turn to be considered
The decision was made at the last council meeting last term, now it may be reversed.
![Fighting for Rotorua: Emergency housing motel ads targeted out-of-towners](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Fighting for Rotorua: Emergency housing motel ads targeted out-of-towners
RotoruaNZ says motels attracting out-of-towners only exacerbate emergency housing issues.
!['Negative perceptions' blamed for $17m tourism loss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Negative perceptions' blamed for $17m tourism loss
About $17 million in tourism spending has been lost due to 'negative perceptions'.
![Donning the mayoral chains: Tania Tapsell sworn in at inaugural meeting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Donning the mayoral chains: Tania Tapsell sworn in at inaugural meeting
The new Rotorua mayor and most elected members have been officially sworn in.
![Analysis: Rotorua's new mayor has her work cut out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Analysis: Rotorua's new mayor has her work cut out
Analysis: Rotorua will be looking to its new mayor to find solutions - and fast.
![New mayor Tania Tapsell's first 100 days - what's in store](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
New mayor Tania Tapsell's first 100 days - what's in store
Tapsell is not backwards in coming forwards for her plans for Rotorua.
!['Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart': Tania Tapsell claims victory](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart': Tania Tapsell claims victory
Tania Tapsell is the first Māori woman mayor of Rotorua
![Rotorua mayoral candidates commit to opening workshops to public - mostly](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Rotorua mayoral candidates commit to opening workshops to public - mostly
All candidates have committed to openness and transparency in different ways.
![Voters urged to 'make their vote count'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Voters urged to 'make their vote count'
Postal voting closed on Tuesday, but there's still time to cast a special vote.
![Feeling fine without the fines: Library sees membership boost](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Feeling fine without the fines: Library sees membership boost
Fines-free and a Six60 competition has boosted membership, the library says.
!['These people have no respect': Mayoral hopeful's face cut out of sign](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'These people have no respect': Mayoral hopeful's face cut out of sign
The man at the centre of it jokes it could be a tourist photo opportunity.
!['Still a busy tourism town': Robertson says concerns about Rotorua taken seriously](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'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."
![Felix Desmarais: Royals seem like part of the family](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Felix Desmarais: Royals seem like part of the family
OPINION: I got a little bit confused about exactly who the royal family was.
![Where Rotorua's mayoral candidates stand on the big issues revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Where Rotorua's mayoral candidates stand on the big issues revealed
Only one candidate believed this year's rates rises were fair, while another was not sure.
![Emergency housing: Dashboard helps Rotorua visitors avoid mixed use motels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Emergency housing: Dashboard helps Rotorua visitors avoid mixed use motels
A new tool helps inform would-be travellers about whether a motel is 'mixed use' or not.
![Rotorua on a 'precipice' as mayor meets with ministers about motels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Rotorua on a 'precipice' as mayor meets with ministers about motels
It comes as the mayor met with ministers this week to discuss emergency housing in motels.
![Govt should cover museum funding gap, says mayoral hopeful](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Govt should cover museum funding gap, says mayoral hopeful
One candidate thinks a 'taskforce' needs to be set up
![Comment: This is the most important rule in life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Comment: This is the most important rule in life
COMMENT: I thought adults had it all figured out but it turns out, maybe not.
!['Great dignity': Rotorua leaders respond to death of Queen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Great dignity': Rotorua leaders respond to death of Queen
'I think New Zealand has been a better place with her as our head of state.'
![Candidate claims ex-prisoners relocated to Rotorua emergency housing motels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Felix Desmarais: The pronunciation of 'helicopter' has me in a spin
OPINION: Language reaches across barriers and cultures to our mutual humanity.
!['Ridiculous': Cost of Rotorua reserves proposal to date revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Ridiculous': Cost of Rotorua reserves proposal to date revealed
Rotorua MP Todd McClay says the public have 'a right to be angry' about the cost.
![Felix Desmarais: Unlocking my love for the regions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Felix Desmarais: Unlocking my love for the regions
OPINION: Big city life might be action-packed, but living in the regions has its perks.
!['A little bit more outrageous': Steve Chadwick's life in politics - and what's next](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'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.
![Outgoing mayor's casting vote seals proposal to sell Rotorua reserve sites](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Outgoing mayor's casting vote seals proposal to sell Rotorua reserve sites
It follows four months of passionate public debate on reserves.
![Final fate of Rotorua reserves to be decided at final council meeting of term](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Final fate of Rotorua reserves to be decided at final council meeting of term
The final council meeting of the term will tackle some hot topics.
![Could Rotorua's Blue Baths have stayed open?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Could Rotorua's Blue Baths have stayed open?
New Government guidance has raised questions around the 'iconic' building's closure.
![Felix Desmarais: Why I'm calling it a day on travelling with my mum](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Felix Desmarais: Why I'm calling it a day on travelling with my mum
COMMENT: There's a common denominator in my travel stories of woe.
!['Scary and damning' report paints grim picture of state of Rotorua](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Scary and damning' report paints grim picture of state of Rotorua
The mayor says the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated existing issues in the city.
!['Storm in a teacup': Council moves toward revocation of seven reserve sites](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Storm in a teacup': Council moves toward revocation of seven reserve sites
The meeting became heated in parts, with accusations of 'electioneering'.
!['Reckless' to 'rush': Rotorua MP calls for deferral of reserves proposal decision](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Reckless' to 'rush': Rotorua MP calls for deferral of reserves proposal decision
'The current council should not make the decision over the reserves'
!['We'll fix Rotorua': RDRR members launch election campaign](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'We'll fix Rotorua': RDRR members launch election campaign
Macpherson says his point of difference is 'expertise in fixing sick organisations'
![Felix Desmarais: Lemons, feijoas and karma in the suburbs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Felix Desmarais: Lemons, feijoas and karma in the suburbs
OPINION: Not everyone lives in the same fruity Pollyanna world as me, and it hurt.
![Council seeks costs after candidate drops judicial review over decisions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Council seeks costs after candidate drops judicial review over decisions
The case has so far cost ratepayers almost $150,000, the council says.
!['Undermining local democracy': Watchdog to investigate closed council workshops](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Undermining local democracy': Watchdog to investigate closed council workshops
The investigation will look into eight councils, including Rotorua Lakes Council.
!['A difficult year': Council finishes year with draft $10m surplus - $27m below target](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'A difficult year': Council finishes year with draft $10m surplus - $27m below target
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick says it shows 'sound financial management'.
!['Our parks are not for sale': Rotorua reserves proposal hearings conclude](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Our parks are not for sale': Rotorua reserves proposal hearings conclude
Council staff will now identify 'themes' in the feedback.
!['Outrageous': Former mayor on Rotorua reserves proposal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Outrageous': Former mayor on Rotorua reserves proposal
Another submitter said councillors needed the courage to approve the proposal.
![Rotorua fluoridation directive: Cannot 'drink our way' to oral health](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Rotorua fluoridation directive: Cannot 'drink our way' to oral health
The director general of health ordered 14 councils to fluoridate their water on Wednesday.
!['Penthouse to craphouse': Reserve proposal hearings heat up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Penthouse to craphouse': Reserve proposal hearings heat up
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick says she found some submissions 'offensive'
![Reserves for housing proposal a 'betrayal'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Reserves for housing proposal a 'betrayal'
Some are concerned the proposal would see Fenton St's problems transported to the suburbs.
![Felix Desmarais: The reason I'm cutting out technology for an hour a day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Felix Desmarais: The reason I'm cutting out technology for an hour a day
COMMENT: What have I become? It's not my fault, it's technology's fault.
![Comment: Why I'm cancelling generational cancel culture](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Comment: Why I'm cancelling generational cancel culture
COMMENT: Listen up, Gen Z. I've got a message for you, you ungrateful little scamps.
![Mayoral candidate claims Govt will end emergency housing for 'out-of-towners'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Mayoral candidate claims Govt will end emergency housing for 'out-of-towners'
The mayor says the move would be 'fantastic'.
![Emergency housing likely for more than five years - council](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Emergency housing likely for more than five years - council
The comments come with a 'stark' warning to the council over housing initiatives.
![Council surplus grows to $10.3m](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Council surplus grows to $10.3m
The council says it's on track to be within $1.5m of budget at year-end.
![Rotorua Museum minimum estimated shortfall grows to $18m in public report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Rotorua Museum minimum estimated shortfall grows to $18m in public report
In April, the estimated minimum shortfall was $15 million.
!['Soul-crushing': Residents air views on selling local reserves for housing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Soul-crushing': Residents air views on selling local reserves for housing
The deputy mayor said he heard one petitioner 'very clear'.
![Rotorua's Three Waters rejection: DIA says reform 'stands up' to scrutiny](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Rotorua's Three Waters rejection: DIA says reform 'stands up' to scrutiny
It follows the council's overwhelming rejection of reform on Thursday.
![Rotorua council says 'no' to Three Waters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Rotorua council says 'no' to Three Waters
Only one councillor did not want to reject the Government's controversial proposal.
![Rotorua's 5.7 per cent rates rise adopted](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Rotorua's 5.7 per cent rates rise adopted
The increase wasn't seen as "eye-watering" as those from neighbouring councils.
!['Loss of local control': Three Waters opposition 'roadshow' visits Rotorua](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
'Loss of local control': Three Waters opposition 'roadshow' visits Rotorua
The Government says the reform is underpinned by strong analysis.
![Preserve the reserves, say petitioners](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Preserve the reserves, say petitioners
The petitioners are expected to speak at Thursday's council meeting