A review that could see the demolition of the controversial Green Corridor less than four years after it opened had some Rotorua business owners crying "waste of money".
But the mayor said it was simply an investment to get the cycleways kick-started.
Chris Parnell beside the Green Corridor on Haupapa St. Photo / Stephen Parker
April 10:
Massive changes at Rotorua's Airport were announced to be in place by the end of year, including more on-site businesses, increased security and flasher terminals.
The $2.5 million first stage of the revamp was part of $18.4m worth of building consents that were issued in Rotorua in March.
Rotorua Airport chief executive Mark Gibb inside what will be the new arrivals hall. Photo / Stephen Parker
April 11:
Grinding broken teeth with power tools, pulling teeth with unsterilised pliers and DIY fillings were among the horror jobs locals were attempting to avoid expensive dental costs.
But dentists said running a surgery was expensive and dentistry could not be done safely for much cheaper than they charge.
Unable to move from extensive unexplained injuries and so desperate for water he drank his own urine, the 55-year-old's malnourished and skeletal body weighing just 42kg eventually gave up. He died on December 5, 2015.
After a lengthy police investigation and after his body was exhumed following new evidence, his two Tokoroa caregivers admitted charges of ill-treating a vulnerable adult by failing to feed him and seek medical care over a nearly two-year period.
Seventy-six years ago, four hours after sunset, 900 guns opening fire illuminated El Alamein's skies.
Eddie Smith, 21, spent the next 11 days relaying messages and ferrying necessities to and from his comrades on the front line, while John Woods, 26, fed ammunition into 25-pound guns behind the fighting troops.
Seventy-five years later, 18,500km away, Woods, 103, and Smith, 98, happened to sit at the same dining table at the Glenbrae Village Rest Home and Hospital, and met for the first time.
World War II veterans, and new friends, John Woods, 103, (left) and Eddie Smith, 98. Photo / Stephen Parker
April 27:
Rotorua shook off its "poor cousin" nickname with 10 properties selling the month prior for more than $1 million, helping to contribute to a new record median sale price.
Property agents said while it was unusual for Rotorua to have so many sales over $1m in a month, it was "no fluke" and was reflective of the positive outlook they were still seeing in Rotorua.
Whānau and friends of a "mean [as] little big family" killed in a horrific crash north of Taupō were struggling to come to terms with their loss.
A family, including both parents and their young children, died at the scene on State Highway 1, at Atiamuri, as well as a long-serving Scouts employee who was driving the second vehicle.
