The Rotorua Daily Post is taking a look back at the stories of 2019. Here's what made headlines in October.
October 1:
It's been a long time coming but advocates for Rotorua's new state-of-the-art skate park are edging closer to their dream.
Rotorua Lakes Council has now confirmed the park'snew site, expressions of interest to build the structure have been sought and work should start within a year.
Former long-time district councillor Charles Sturt (right) who has championed the skate park development, with Rotorua Lakes Council sport, recreation and environment manager Rob Pitkethley at the site of the new skate park. Photo / Stephen Parker
October 5:
Motels in Rotorua have earned more than $9 million in less than three years putting up the homeless.
But some owners say they have had to hire security guards and are dealing with fighting, drugs, busted-up rooms, gangs and children being left alone - on a daily basis.
Concerns about increased traffic, noise and environmental impacts are at the forefront of many of the submissions opposing a proposed sustainable tourism venture at Okere Falls.
Forty-five submissions were made about an application for a new zipline tourist attraction at Okere Falls - a joint venture between Rotorua Rafting's Sam Sutton and Māori landowners from Ngāti Hinerangi-Ngāti Hinekiri.
Te Arawa Management Ltd (TAML), the commercial subsidiary of Te Arawa Lakes Trust, purchased Maketu Pies after it went into receivership earlier this month because of the "critical financial position" it was in.
Rotorua woman Wikitoria Dansey should have been connected with the final resting place of her brother more than 70 years after he died in a plane crash at war.
Instead, she got the shock of her life. His remains were missing.
Luckily for him, Simon Kirner, Selena Layne, Rohan Knowles, Jordan Retemeyer and Amelia Fleming just happened to be driving past. Journalist Kelly Makiha was there as McIntyre met the heroes who saved his life and had the chance to say thanks.
Jackie McIntyre (left) is grateful her husband Jason McIntyre is alive. Photo / Stephen Parker
October 26:
Some businesses in the Rotorua CBD say they are afraid due to some of the behaviour on the streets. Some say they have been abused and threatened. Carmen Hall talks to some of them and gets reaction from the council and police.
