Rotorua Year in Review: May

The roads were closed as work began on the former City Focus site May 15. Photo/Stephen Parker

The Rotorua Daily Post is taking a look at the stories that happened in 2017. The following are some of the big local news events from May.

- Iwi leader Manu Paul lodged a claim for all of New Zealand's foreshores and sea beds. (May 1)

- The missing patu paraoa, taken from the council chamber, was returned to Rotorua Lakes Council. (May 6)

- The Barter Barber stopped in Rotorua as he made his way around the country cutting hair and starting a conversation about suicide. (May 8)

- The roads were closed as work began on the former City Focus site. (May 15)

- Plans were announced for Rotorua's first 5-star hotel. (May 18)

24 Rotorua sections sold for a combined total of $6.1million on May 19. Photo/Ben Fraser

- 24 Rotorua sections sold for a combined total of $6.1million when the Baxendale subdivision went to auction. (May 19)

- The government released the 2017 budget. (May 26)

- 900 rubber ducks raced down Hamurana Springs, raising money for the Westpac Chopper Appeal. (May 29)

- Finalists for the Rotorua Hospitality Awards were announced, following a record number of nominations (May 30)

- Rotorua born-and-bred Hinei Taute revealed she would be taking over as principal at Whakarewarewa School. (May 31)

- It was revealed the prices to use the Rotorua landfill were increasing to cover the "rising price of carbon credits. (May 31)