Shauni James is the Rotorua Weekender 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.

Halfway mark! Songs locked in as dancing couples hit their stride
Harcourts Dancing for Hospice dancers halfway through practice weeks before showtime

Soroptimist International Rotorua helping warm up winter
Just over 100 pairs of pyjamas were received in the drive to gift Waiariki Women's Refuge.

Youngsters to showcase speech and drama skills
Event being held this weekend is in its 75th year and spectators can watch for free.

Search for automotive and antique treasures at event
The 41st annual Central North Island Swap Meet and Car Show Spectacular is on July 10.

Dance couple say Hospice a lovely cause to support
Arash Alaeinia and Jenni McGowan are one of the dance couples taking on the fundraiser.

Retirement village celebrates three 100th birthdays
A local retirement village celebrates three 100-year birthdays.

Teens excited to represent country in basketball
Hana Lacey-Rameka and Carly Ohia were made the U17 Women's National Basketball Team.

The force was with competitors as they wielded lightsabers
The Rotorua branch of New Zealand Lightsaber Guild hosted a tournament in Rotorua.

Light up Redwoods at Matariki Ride the Night
The annual Matariki Ride the Night is at the Redwoods on July 1.

Life of Kiwi icon Jean Batten captured in art collection
Retired pilot, now artist, Jon Marett showcases life and accomplishments of Jean Batten.

Rotorua athletes achieve great results at Oceanias
Rotorua's Lisa Adams and Hannah Gapes achieved great results at Oceania Area Champs.

Tackling dance moves to help 'fantastic' local cause
Richard Trask and Kylie Isbister are one of the dance couples taking on fundraiser.

Car raffle helping Rotorua retreats to help families
This year's Supper Club event is on July 6 and car raffle tickets are now being sold

Get ready to cheer on local roller derby team
Slam Rock is back for its eighth anniversary live at Rotorua's Southern Trust Sportsdrome.

Learn basic trade skills: DIY Shed Rotorua welcomes you along
DIY Shed Rotorua is teaching women and men 15 years and older basic trade skills.

World-stage: Dreams come true for hard-working dance crew
Hip hop crew Outkast, has been selected to represent NZ at the International World Champs.

Kharl WiRepa's designs to grace runways in Paris and London
Kharl WiRepa will be showcasing 20 looks on the catwalk in Paris and London.

Abundance of browsing and inspo fun on offer
The Rotorua Home & Lifestyle Show for 2022 is now just a month away

Abundance of events coming up to celebrate Matariki
Matariki, this year celebrated on June 24, is the nationally recognised Māori New Year.

Aorangi School a pilot for Hoops in Schools in Rotorua
Hoops in Schools donated two new basketball hoops to Aorangi School.

Kaharoa's Kale Bronlund will be turning pages for a cause
Blind Low Vision NZ is calling on tamariki to get reading in the Great Kiwi Bookathon.

Community collaboration takes rescue service to next level
Rotorua MTBC's new van for the First Response Unit has been in use for about three weeks.

Symphonic band sharing music with Rotorua
The Bay Cities' Symphonic Band is visiting Rotorua and will perform at St Luke's Church

Crystal chandeliers, baroque furniture: Inside Rotorua's newest community centre
Miss Rotorua Foundation will officially open the centre in July.

Warm wishes: Polynesian Spa celebrates big 5-0
Polynesian Spa is celebrating its 50th birthday this month and sharing its history

What is your dream job? Find ideas and info at expo
The Rotorua Careers Expo is back for 2022 on May 26.

Rotorua teen coming to television screens in show
Tiare Savea, 16, has landed a main role in the upcoming television series Duckrockers.

Heart-warming yarn: Knitting for Cool Kids Rotorua spreads winter cheer
Knitting for Cool Kids Rotorua has been delivering packs with warm, knitted accessories

Special day as biosecurity work and passion shared
Lynmore School hosted Stuart Hutchings, MPI's chief biosecurity officer, last Friday.

Rotorua woman hosts pink event for cause close to heart
Clara Lucey not only lost her mum to breast cancer in 2018, she lost three friends too.

Local health organisations visited by locals keen to learn more
The local library hosted Rā Hauora - a day to raise awareness about health and wellbeing.

Engaging science kits for school children to get curious with
The House of Science Rotorua Lakes branch hopes to expand and bring on more volunteers.

Sea of blue to weave through town on charity walk
The Rotorua Blue Walk aims to raise awareness and funds to fight prostate cancer.

Chance to experience and enjoy Indian culture
An Indian Cultural Evening is coming up in Rotorua on May 14.

Art and fundraising come together for St Faith's Church
St Faith's Church's pre-loved art sale is returning, this time to Lockwood Show Village.

Arts Village Green vibrant and bustling with stalls
The Arts Village Green hosted crafts, entertainment and fun for all the family.

Every week a highlight for Coffin Club Rotorua founder
Last week the Coffin Club Rotorua celebrated the work of founder Katie Williams.

Mamaku church has last service after 83 years in community
The small Presbyterian church was deconsecrated on a glorious autumn day.

Excitement as Aorangi School officially welcomes new principal
Kairo McLean began his role as Aorangi School principal at the start of the school year.

Remember to have your say through interactive exhibition
Just over a week left to share ideas for the future of Rotorua Museum through exhibition.

Laughs and life lessons with lovable elderly characters
The Rotorua Little Theatre is presenting Waiting for God in May

Rotorua artist honoured to be Adam Portraiture Award finalist
Rotorua artist Toni Armstrong is honoured to be a 2022 Adam Portraiture Award finalist.

Smiles, learning and fun all round these school holidays
These has been no shortage of fun, entertainment and learning these April school holidays.

Range of programmes and events in April school holidays
There is a range of programmes and events on during the April school holidays.

Excited vendors and hungry locals at Night Market return
People seemed to have a fantastic time at the return of the Rotorua Night Market.

Salon closed but hairdressing scissors not fully hung up yet
Julie Hammond has recently closed Streakz Hair on Sunset at the age of 72.

Rotorua Primary School team dedicated to going to international comp
Rotorua Primary School team qualifies for the International SeaPerch Competition in USA.

Making statements through yarn bombing on trees
A Trail of Blooming Yarn has been installed, which includes six yarn bombed trees.

Ngahuia crowned runner-up in the Miss Earth 2021
Ngahuia was crowned Miss Earth Air New Zealand 2021, runner-up in Miss Earth 2021.

Exciting year ahead for Rotorua's Accelerando programme
The Rotorua Accelerando Programme is back this year and hoping to reach more students.

Pedalling in nature: Families can enjoy benefits together
Nominations are open now for the winter Share the Ride with Whānau programme.

Sport, role models and community giving come together
Rotorua Athlete Development Trust helps athletes do charitable work in the community.

Tough job for judges selecting exhibition awards
He Kete Kotahi He Whenu Maha - One Basket Many Strands featured 170 works of art.

Rotorua Musical Theatre's 'Song Contest' one not to miss
The Rotorua Musical Theatre's current production is one not to miss.

Wingspan continues to soar to new heights
Wingspan will celebrate its anniversary by remembering the birds that it helped.

New Menzshed building officially opened
The official opening of the new Rotorua Menzshed Trust building was celebrated.

School's biosecurity work and dedication recognised
Lynmore Primary School took home the Kura (School) Award at the 2021 Biosecurity Awards.

Winter is coming - still fun ways to stay motivated to exercise
In colder months it can be hard to find the motivation to stay active and exercise.

Powerful potential and natural treasure: Forests celebrated
March 21 is International Day of Forests, originated by United Nations General Assembly.

Family Store volunteer says she has never looked back since starting
The Rotorua Salvation Army Family Store is in need of more volunteers.

Awardees total 90 years of JP service between them
Presentations were made to three awardees recognising their years of service as JPs.

Medals at national athletics meet for local athletes
Three locals had great results at the 2022 New Zealand Track and Field Championships.

Get ready to vote: Theatre show an interactive experience
Rotorua Musical Theatre will present Song Contest – the Almost Eurovision Experience.

Loitering litter: Common in areas like parks and reserves
Maureen O'Connell regularly picks up litter when on her walks around her neighbourhood.

'Blotchy patches on skin': Iwi, scientists join to save precious Puarenga
The Puarenga stream has been vacant of swimmers since 2018 due to severe water pollution.

Local musical theatre opens doors to share opportunities
The Big Open Theatre Weekend is this weekend, and Rotorua Musical Theatre is taking part.

Abundance of inspiration for arts students
Top Art features some of New Zealand's top secondary school Visual Art portfolios.

Snug as a bug in a rug: Baby blankets for Rotorua's Plunket
Cot blankets will be made and donated to Rotorua's Plunket.

Thrilling competition and triumphant win for local
Sister and brother Liz Wilcox (Rotorua) and Michael Wilcox won the Open Restricted Pairs.

Marathon milestones: Rotorua Mini Marathon for kids
This year the Mini Marathon is scheduled for Friday, May 6.

Shipping container of donated goods heading to Tonga
A shipping container full of quality donated goods will be shipped to aid Tonga

Fun day celebrates hard work of local marching teams
Rotorua's Madison Blues Marching held a fun day for friends and family to see routines

Good spirits and appreciative award recipients
The third annual Rotary Rotorua North Apprentice Awards were held on Wednesday night.

Moooving in the right direction: Toi Ohomai reducing single-use milk bottles
Toi Ohomai teaming up with Volcanic Creamery to reduce usage of single-use milk bottles.

Gowns and Geysers show connects with many
It has now been nearly a month since Miss Rotorua 2021 show Gowns and Geysers' aired

Learning and charity fuse together as house up for auction
A house per year is built by Toi Ohomai students with proceeds going to community groups.

Stories and inspiration: ARONUI continues to create platform
The ARONUI Indigenous Arts Festival still has events running in the next couple of weeks.