A large scrub and grass fire south of Rotorua is expected to burn into the night, as dry conditions and winds fan the flames. About

It's been a week today since Colin McCormick went missing on Lake Rotoiti - and his family are preparing themselves for the possibility his body may never be found.

Rotorua police are keen to hear from anyone with information about a recent early morning motorcycle shop burglary. Patterson O'Connor

Singing superstar Sam Smith has been spotted in Rotorua - enjoying a quiet lunch at Okere Falls Store, according to staff.

One of Rotorua's most revered churches is being considered for a spot on the New Zealand Heritage List. The Heritage New Zealand

The medical condition was described as being something that "just happens sometimes".

RUBBISH: SPCA Fairy Springs Op Shop manager says people have been dumping their rubbish at the store. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 090117sp1.JPG With

ELECTRIC: Councillor Tania Tapsell beside power company Unison's electric vehicle charging station in the Haupapa St carpark. PHOTO/STEPHEN

The total value of building consents in the region is the highest since at least 2008.

Searchers are back out on Lake Rotoiti this morning, five days after a 48-year-old went missing. Rotorua constable Colin Fraser

Ruth Ashby and her three kids spent last year learning to live life differently all because some "idiot" crashed into them head-on.

Two lucky Lotto players are each half a million dollars richer after tonight's Lotto draw.

The Rotorua SPCA has been "flat out" over the holiday period, with the kitten season in full swing. SPCA shelter manager Karen Rolfe

BRAVE TOT: Christopher Cunningham (left), Finn Cunningham, 2, and Danielle Cunningham took part in the adrenaline of Rotorua's Skyswing

A rahui remains in place over a small part of Lake Rotoiti, as the search continues for a man who is presumed drowned after jumping

UPDATE: Police have brought in a special machine to assist them in their search for a missing 48-year-old man on Lake Rotoiti. Rotorua

UPSET: Karen Bennett is upset after treasured war medals and the ashes of her cat, Milo, were stolen. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 040117sp2.JPG/040117sp3.JPG/040117sp6.JPGTAKEN:

Yesterday the Police Search and Rescue Dive Squad spent more than eight hours unsuccessfully searching the depths of Lake Rotoiti for the man.

DISAPPOINTED: Coastguard Rotorua president Barry Grouby had all of his emergency equipment stolen from his truck. PHOTO/FILE A_020117bf3.JPGBy

The search for the 48-year-old man was officially changed to a recovery operation last night.

A police spokesman said the search by helicopter had been suspended, and the number of boats searching for the man had been reduced from eight to four.

This time of year brings mixed feelings for Cherie Lang. Reflecting back on 2016 it was a fairly good one, but midnight on December

The wife of a pedestrian killed in the Far North in the early hours of New Year's Day went to bed thinking he'd gone for a walk.

Water safety rules are still being broken on Rotorua lakes, despite the majority of boaties following the guidelines, according to Coastguard Rotorua president.

A series of earthquakes has rattled residents in Taupo and surrounding areas.

By Matthew Martinmatthew.martin@dailypost.co.nz*mattmartinsmile.eps*HAPPY ON HOLIDAY: Enjoying their holiday at All Seasons Holiday

What do you like about camping in Rotorua? 281216sp12.JPG We're here until the 6th. We really love this place, it's great for the

HAPPY: Cameron Bidois, 8, is back to his happy self after recovering from a dog attack. PHOTO/SUPPLIED 221216xxcb.JPGFUN: Cameron

As most Kiwis were partying to see the new year in, others were being born.

One person is dead after a truck rolled on Thornton Road in Whakatane about 12.30pm. The truck is believed to have hit another vehicle