A collective of Maori artists, designers and craftsman have come together to take part in a pop up shop in Rotorua CBD.

Innovative and commercial uses of harakeke (New Zealand flax) will be the focus of a forum held in Rotorua next year.

Hundreds have paid tribute to Te Orohi Paul, Of Ngai Tuhoe and Ngati Awa descent, who dedicated her life to helping others, after she suffered an aneurysm in Wellington this week.

Speaking in Rotorua today, Mr Flavell said he was committed to progressing the Maori Language (Te Reo Maori) Bill in 2015.

Maori Party co-leader and Minister for Maori Development Te Ururoa Flavell will visit regional New Zealand during the next few months, including hui in Rotorua and Whakatane.

A healthcare service mixing traditional Chinese and Maori medicine is being developed in Rotorua as part of a recently formed business partnership.

Fears that giving Maori their own seat on the Tauranga City Council could be interpreted as "separatist, racist and apartheid driven" have been dismissed as myths.