The New Zealand Herald has more than 200 journalists across the country, bringing you the stories that matter on our website and app, in print and across our social media platforms.
Zoe Hunter is a former NZME journalist.
'Go in, go in!': 11yo golfer becomes youngest Taupō Hole-in-One $10k winner
The Tauranga youngster has a sweet plan for his prize money.
Best of Premium 2023: 'It isn't easy, but it is possible': 27yo builds her first home
Five years, two jobs and working 70 hours a week later, Steph George is a homeowner.
'Incredible memories': Aims Games wraps up for 2023
"So many competitors will leave with the most incredible memories."
Double act: Jenkins twins take on Aims Games
'The twins are the biggest characters.'
'Blown us away': Rotorua business awards finalists announced
'We look forward to a great night of celebrating Rotorua’s successes in November.'
Extreme weather: 54 flood warnings issued in five months
That's 10 more than for the entire year to June 2022.
'Invaluable': How one woman's research is helping bee populations
'If this trend continues it will make a great difference to the health of bee colonies...'
Zoe Hunter: Changes to skilled migrant visas letting all sides down
Bosses are desperate for skilled workers.
'There is an art to it': Top tips for selling your home at auction
'It is not as simple as just standing up there... there's an art to it'.
Revealed: The suburbs where every home sold made a profit
Homeowners who sold from January to March make hundreds of thousands.
Storage wars: Inside the growing business of shipping containers
Spoiler: Lots of them are being used for anything but shipping.
Opinion: People hiding from gangsters in chillers - how did it come to this?
Someone has to take responsibility for antisocial behaviour in CBDs.
Zoe Hunter: Stress and the 'state of the world' is no excuse to abuse city workers
Giving negative feedback is one thing. Outright abuse is quite different.
Mission to shine a light on the 'incredible' Māori of Tauranga and Rotorua
'We have got some incredible talent here,' says Bay director.
'A lot' of people don't know what it does, but this company is one of NZ's best to work for
'We are a very quiet company. If you know what we do, you know who we are.'
Patchell Group's call to enter the 'business party of the year'
'Rotorua’s business party of the year'
'Top-tier destination': Luxury hotels get multi-million dollar makeovers
“We will be needing additional housekeeping and restaurant staff.”
Entries open for 2023 Rotorua Business Awards
With entries now open, people can nominate the businesses they 'admire and love'
Zoe Hunter: Why the vaping age should stay at 18
OPINION: There is more merit in other proposals to curb the habit.
'Lawyers lining up at Work and Income': Is AI a threat to the legal sector?
ChatGPT has "already passed the bar".
Business completes two years' worth of work in two months using AI
Business experts say embracing artificial intelligence will improve productivity.
'A dream come true': How these new property owners saved for their first homes
'Knowing that our babies have security now, that was the biggest thing.'
Two million fishing lures, 200 lightsabers: Kilwell celebrates 90 years
“Without the staff, we wouldn’t be here 90 years on,” says co-owner Amanda Wells.
'Unexpected': Sir Paul Adams inducted into NZ Business Hall of Fame
'Sir Paul is definitely deserving of this recognition no matter how modest he is.'
'It is out of character for me': Anna Hawkins takes on raunchy lead role
“It is out of character for me"
Police capture five youths after alleged robbery, pursuit
Police use road spikes to stop a vehicle they believe was involved.
The 'trendy' fruit that packs a punch in the Bay and the call to eat more of it
'We know 60% of all avocados grown in NZ are eaten by just 5% so there's huge potential.'
'Incredibly important': International student numbers bounce back in tourism town
The international student market is picking up again but where are they coming from?
'The town is going to be jam-packed': What's on for Easter weekend in Rotorua
“Happily fully booked for the first international Easter weekend in a long time.”
Easter in Tauranga: Thousands expected but will the weather play ball?
'It looks like it is going to be full for Easter.'
'Serious state': The sting in the tail of Cyclone Gabrielle
“New Zealand is relying on apiculture. Beehives pollinate kiwifruit orchards, apples..."
Zoe Hunter: Mid-life career changes more common than we think
Opinion: Opportunities are out there and more people are seizing them.
Why this man is making the 'scary' change from IT to hospitality - at 45
Brown is one of 11 new students who are part of HospoStart’s class of 2023.
‘Country’s biggest-ever dinner party’ for Cyclone Gabrielle-affected communities
“We’d like to show that as a whole industry we can help make a difference."
'One-stop hub': Green light for Plunket's new build
Plunket has been working in two buildings but the new build would bring it under one roof.
Zoe Hunter: There is no justification for robbing the local dairy
OPINION: The cost of living is hard for all. But it doesn’t give the right to steal.
Building the next generation: More apprentices needed to meet construction demands
“We need to invest in apprentices now to help support the next market boom."
'Too hard basket': Tenants and landlords feeling the pinch
"Eventually the additional tax burden will have to be passed to tenants"
Zoe Hunter: When one region is hurting, others need to step up
There are already examples of help flowing from the Bay of Plenty to cyclone-hit regions.
'Expect to see higher menu prices': Minimum wage increases $1.50 per hour
The adult minimum wage will be rising to $22.70 per hour from April 1
'Feeling confident': Voss seeks redemption in Tarawera Ultramarathon
More than 5000 people are expected to participate in the event.
50km before 50: Councillor by weekday, Tarawera Ultramarathon runner by weekend
More than 5000 people are expected to take part in the event.
'Bring back some stability': Bosses share their 2023 wish lists
A better year, lower inflation, sustainability and new tech top leaders' lists.
Bistro reduces hours as staff shortages hit - but signs 'perfect storm' for jobs easing
There is “light at the end of the tunnel” as new employees start and shortages diminish.
'It is a struggle': Bay hospitality sector seeking summer staff as diners spend up
"The rate of growth in hospitality over recent years has been impressive."
Latest property values: What is your suburb worth?
The Bay of Plenty's average property value has dropped $91,000-plus since April,
'Silver lining': What 2023 has in store for first home buyers
'The share of first home buyers taking out mortgages has been strong in last six months.'
Hip-hop and R&B fans 'gutted' by last-minute Juicy Fest cancellation
Some had spent thousands of dollars travelling to Tauranga for the star-studded event.
Zoe Hunter: ‘Uncommon’ or not, earthquakes jolt our complacency
OPINION: This time, we did not have to evacuate. Next time, we might not be so lucky.
Premium stories of 2022: Shelf-stacker to supermarket owner
The 50-year-old is the newest owner of Pak'nSave Rotorua.
Juicy Fest 2023: Mýa ready to take fans down memory lane
“It is going to be an eclectic and exciting show." - Mýa
Rotorua building consents reach $230 million
Nearly $230 million worth of building consents were issued in Rotorua last year.
'What are the chances?': Golf pair score holes in one, one after the other
"What are the chances of that happening?"
‘Don’t give up’: Young family tells of buying first home as others wait for price falls
'We were pretty determined. We had probably looked at about 30 houses.'
'Immensely proud': Teen business receives $10k from NZ Māori Tourism head
"It means we can continue to give back to the community and the school for years to come."
$400m Gib factory’s jobs drive smashes target ahead of schedule
Winstone Wallboards’ recruitment for the new Gib plant has gone way better than expected.
Rotorua Specialist School to get new classroom to help with growing roll
The Ministry of Education has also secured the school a new satellite class
'Volume change': First-home buyers take advantage of falling Tauranga market
First-home buyers make move in falling property market, others play waiting game
Kiwifruit e-Bin innovation to help ‘exacerbated’ labour shortage
“The industry is suffering serious labour shortages... we’ve come up with this solution."
'I am ready': Tradies step into the boxing ring for mental health
Funds from the event will go towards Gumboot Friday.
Philip Hunt wins long service award
Philp Hunt says it's the people who have kept him in the industry for more than 2 decades
Matt Cowley: Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr was right to increase the official cash rate
Hard to say it, but a recession may even be positive news if it helps ease inflation.
PMG Funds celebrates 30 years, CEO 10 years at the helm
PMG Funds is celebrating 30 years in business, and its CEO a decade at the helm.
‘Exciting’: $800,000 project to move whare waka to Rotorua’s lakefront approved
The council issued a total value of $6,669,000 in commercial building consents in October.
Zoe Hunter: Age is no barrier to keeping fit - my dad is proof
My dad jumped in the boxing ring at age 58, and I couldn't be prouder.
Blood and power: Green light for shared $16 million new city building
Building consent valued issues for $16m for a five-story office building.
'Crying all morning': 'Tornado' hits farm, killing animals and destroying structures
But a swift community response is helping the distraught family pick up the pieces.
National finals placing 'redemption' for apprentice
Joshua Shoebridge, 23, was third in the NZ Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge.
'I just wanted to be stress-free': Why these business owners enjoy working from home
"People are now more comfortable working from home, following extended lockdowns ..."
'Really proud': Rotorua's Patchell Group celebrates 50 years in business
"I am blessed to be part of that growth."
Business Awards promise to be the 'best party in town'
"It is going to be a lot of fun. This year will be the real McCoy."
Zoe Hunter: Fears of another 'tragic' drowning year a reminder of responsibilities
OPINION: Every child should have the chance to learn the basics of how to swim.
Village's hub gets $3.5m makeover as Rotorua retirement sector grows
The consent was one of eight commercial consents valued at $7.15m issued in August.
'Patchy result': Bay of Plenty economic confidence still in the red
Seven regions posted lifts in confidence, while four regions posted falls.
'Taking some heat out of the market': Rotorua's rents starting to fall
Rotorua's median weekly rents have been falling since May and were now at $520
A 'call to arms': Endeavour funding recognises focus on coastal marine estate
"The funding recognises the 'call to arms' ... to focus on our coastal marine estate."
'Festival of golf': Tournament season tees off in the Bay of Plenty
It's a great opportunity for the players who have been a bit starved of competitive golf
From construction to classic cars: Meet NZCB's new chief executive
In May this year, Fleming started in his role as NZCB chief executive
Up $40k in month: Rotorua house prices bucking national trend
'More sales were subject to conditions such as house sales in August.'
$35k in month, $1129 a day: Tauranga bucking nationwide house price trend
REINZ report shows Tauranga and Rotorua bucking national trend of falling house prices