New Zealand
80,000 books: Library service reaches schools, rest homes and young offenders
Some customers have been using the service for more than 20 years.
Latest from Laura Smith
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
'Moved around like cattle': Rough sleepers in makeshift CBD camp trespassed
The council says the operation was necessary due to antisocial behaviour.
'Unsafe levels': Toxic gas concern closes events centre office
Rotorua's council is investigating the source and monitoring gas levels.
'They just want to play': Kids miss out as sports field vandalism issue grows
A retired cop aims to track down those responsible for damage to his club's grounds.
'Right and proper': Rotorua council agrees to return land to whānau
Councillors decided to return the land rather than sell it.
One council to rule them all? Rotorua to explore options with neighbours
Tauranga mayor backs having the conversation, saying it's time to 'put egos aside'.
Lakeside holiday home owners face big sewerage bills
Their bills have been reduced, but it's not the significant cut many hoped for.
Regional ratepayers to fund $3.58m loan for Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Debate on the final split of the controversial scheme's $32.3m cost begins today.
Controversial plan to move prisoner reintegration facility takes next step
It comes as the council investigates the facility's activities at its current site.
How Rotorua's air pollution transformation defied expectations
Once breathing NZ's worst winter air, the city has shed its 20-year-old 'polluted' label.
Rotorua locals have their say on city's future
Councillors hear of 'a Rotorua success we should all be proud of'.
On The Up: Glowworms, luxury and manaakitanga - Rotorua's ambitions for a brighter future
City moving out of the twin shadows of Covid and emergency housing debate.
Mayor seeks extra $3.5m from regional council for $32.3m sewerage scheme
Residents have also described the 'unbearable stress' of the costs they face.
'Removed that barrier': Change for overseas visitors announced
It aligns New Zealand rules with Australia's translation requirements for visitors.
Rotorua drivers hit with month's parking fees in one day
The council has apologised for any 'short-term inconvenience' the issue caused.
How this city is bucking the national trend for new home builds
Half of the new homes were social housing or affordable rentals.
'Not a trivial matter': Lake Tarawera locals push for lower sewerage costs
Residents' group has three non-negotiable funding conditions, including a maximum cost.
1200 delegates, 16,000 meetings, $3m spend: City 'buzzing' for TRENZ
New Zealand’s largest international tourism business event begins in Rotorua on Tuesday.
'Political bias': Rotorua debates LGNZ membership value
The annual subscription for 2025/26 will be $93,458, up about $8000 on the prior year.
Why this rural town expects a big crowd at its special Anzac Day service
Between 500 and 600 people, including Australians, are expected to attend.
Pioneering Māori pilot aims for message of aroha in Anzac Day speech
The city's service will include a speech from the country's first female Māori RNZAF pilot
Speed limit proposal dropped on Rotorua highway after community push
Other successful reversals to 100km/h include the journey to Whakatāne.
'Incompetence': Reserve neighbour slates delay to fell rotting tree
He says it shouldn't have taken him 'jumping up and down' to have it cut down.
Fresh court action against Rotorua council sewerage scheme expected
The council has restarted construction on stage one and says it will take four weeks.
Landowners renew fast-track bid for Kaituna hydro scheme
The group's chief executive has provided fresh details of its plan.
Supermarkets, liquor outlets fight bid for freeze on new bottle stores
A health official says Rotorua's alcohol-related harm is now above the national average.
'Big deal': Hopes for change as city adopts first accessibility policy
About 25% of Rotorua’s population, roughly 20,000 people, have disabilities.
Final kilometre of Tarawera sewerage pipeline work to restart
Works were paused in February during Environment Court proceedings.
Council assessing Rotorua lake weed build-up
Rotting weed can cause a strong smell and build-up happens after bad weather.
Rotorua public feedback sought on draft annual plan, water service options
Public can provide input until May 5 on the council's new feedback website.
Mayor raises security concerns after abusive messages
The discussion was prompted by a protester's emotional outburst in a public meeting.
Legal bid to halt sewerage pipe works fails in Environment Court
The decision comes less than two weeks since an urgent hearing.