The ZM Float Festival music festival at Tikitapu (Blue Lake). Photo / File
The ZM Float Festival music festival at Tikitapu (Blue Lake). Photo / File
The Rotorua Daily Post is taking a look back at the stories of 2019. Here's what made headlines in February.
February 2:
People across the country were praying for the full recovery of teen crash victim Hollie Snell but one man, Karl Alsop, hoped longer than anyone that she wouldsurvive.
Alsop, a Rotorua man, was one of the first people on the scene of the November 18 fatal crash that Hollie, now 17, was critically injured in.
Alsop worked tirelessly to keep Hollie alive until emergency services arrived. He shared his story in February when Hollie returned to her Te Puke home after spending two months recovering in hospital and a rehabilitation clinic.
Heartbreak Island contestant Charice Paterson. Photo / File
February 7:
A multimillion-dollar, multisport facility at Smallbone Park was a step closer after a detailed feasibility study into the proposal was finished.
Plans had been thrown around for a couple of years to build a shared clubhouse but representatives from sports clubs set up a project group to move the development forward in 2016.
Sport Bay of Plenty regional facilities and community sport team leader Zane Jensen, outside Smallbone Park. Photo / File
February 8:
A 'manu' bomb pool and hydroslide were revealed to be part of draft redevelopment designs for the Rotorua Aquatic Centre, put to the district council's Operations and Monitoring Committee.
The Long-term Plan 2018-2028 set aside $7.5 million over three years to replace the centre's roof, redesign the reception and changing rooms, establish a dedicated learn-to-swim pool, upgrade the 50m pool and add play structures.
The smell of sunscreen and plastic inflatables filled Tikitapu as more than 4000 people flocked to the lakeside for the ZM Float festival.
It was the second time the festival had been held in Rotorua which brought a day of colourful inflatables and a pool-party atmosphere for the thousands that attended.
The water was full of people lazing on inflatable flamingos, unicorns, pineapples and pizza slices.
The ZM Float Festival music festival at Tikitapu (Blue Lake). Photo / File
February 20:
A Rotorua kaumātua who spent 11 days in hospital battling a rare waterborne bacterial infection said he fell ill after visiting Waiteti Stream mouth at Lake Rotorua.
Tamahau Palmer Snr said after a series of tests and treatments, doctors told him he had an infection caused by the waterborne Shewanella bacteria that had entered his body through broken skin on his left leg.
Koutu residents vowed to fight plans to build nine visitor-accommodation buildings on the shores of Lake Rotorua, saying the influx of tourists and traffic would disrupt their peaceful cul-de-sac.
But the company behind the development said it would cause little disruption to residents, was adding value to the area and would clean up the land, which had become an eyesore.
Concept image of the tourist accommodation proposed. Image / Supplied
February 22:
A man fatally shot by police during a roadside shootout after robbing a Kawerau bank was a Mongrel Mob member suspected to have used methamphetamine. Police received reports that a man had discharged a firearm at another family member near Kawerau.
While police were investigating the family harm incident, the same man, aged 29, walked into the Kawerau First Credit Union where he robbed the bank with a shotgun.
Three Rotorua families prepared to say goodbye to their loved ones, all in utter disbelief the men's lives had been cut short.
The families of Haki Hiha, David Eparaima and Soul Raroa spoke about the men who were killed in a horrific crash at their worksite near Matatā on February 26, involving four trucks.
