Year in Review: February

Fire at St John's Church in Rotorua. PHOTO/FILE

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 February.

- St John's parishioners stood clutching each other on the side of the road as they watched a massive blaze rip through their beloved church. (February 9)

- Eyes from around the world will be focused on Rotorua today as 1250 athletes from 42 countries make their way from Rotorua to Kawerau as part of the Tarawera Ultra marathon. (February 11)

- Almost half of the houses sold in Rotorua in since July (2016) went for more than $100,000 over their rating value - with the city's western suburbs showing the strongest growth. (February 11)

- A young family who came to Rotorua for a better life and more opportunities may have to leave because they can't find anywhere to live. (February 16)

-A man clinging to a bridge in floodwaters in Kawerau had to be rescued by the fire service, as the region experienced one of its wettest weekends in some time, forcing the postponement of Rotorua events. (February 20)

- Catching drugged drivers appears to be an elusive task in Rotorua, with just seven caught and charged in the Rotorua police area last year. (February 21)

- Te Arawa has set the mood by performing a rousing haka at a powhiri at Te Matatini , officially marking the beginning of the prestigious competition. (Febraury 23)

- Rotorua's Westend New World has embarked on a major $8 million refurbishment. The renovations got under way a month before Christmas and are expected to be completed by November, with the opening of a sit-down cafe area. (February 24)