Rotorua Specialist School – Te Kura Pūkenga o Rotorua has officially opened a new inclusive playground designed to support the physical and social development of its 112 students. The project, which features specialized equipment such as a wheelchair carousel and sensory-integrated climbing structures, was fully funded by the school board through 16 years of community … Read more
The future of the food industry relies on hyper-local supply chains and rapid production scaling. The history of McDonald’s New Zealand shows that successful expansion requires local suppliers, like Digby Sykes, who can engineer custom solutions to meet strict specifications, ensuring brands can scale from single outlets to nationwide networks of over 170 restaurants. How … Read more
The Tipping Point: Why Minor Disputes are Escalating into Major Crimes It starts with something trivial—a missing piece of clothing, a parking spot, or a misunderstood comment. But for some, these sparks ignite a powder keg of aggression. The recent case of a brutal hammer attack in Rotorua, sparked by a dispute over a stolen … Read more
For Kimy Clendon, the simple act of making a bed or climbing a single flight of stairs to her office became impossible. After two years of experiencing chest pain, major fatigue, body aches, swollen legs, and an irregular heartbeat, the former care worker was forced to quit her job in February 2025. Following extensive tests … Read more
The Shift Toward Sustainable Community Giving The landscape of philanthropy is evolving from one-off donations to sustainable, invested models. Community foundations are now playing a pivotal role in ensuring that local contributions provide long-term benefits rather than immediate, short-term relief. View this post on Instagram about Community, Geyser From Instagram — related to Community, Geyser … Read more
Justin Matthew Jeffries, a 52-year-old man from Mamaku near Rotorua, is facing trial for a triple murder after pleading not guilty on the grounds of insanity. The legal proceedings have encountered scheduling delays, pushing the anticipated start of the trial further into next year. Details of the Charges Jeffries is charged with the murder of … Read more
Rotorua and Beyond: How Fuel Concerns are Accelerating Local Resilience Rising fuel costs are impacting households and prompting local councils, like Rotorua Lakes Council, to proactively address potential disruptions to essential services. The situation, highlighted in recent council meetings, underscores a growing need for communities to bolster self-sufficiency and explore sustainable alternatives. The Current Landscape: … Read more
Two new District Court Judges have been appointed in New Zealand, with Prudence McGuire set to serve in Palmerston North and Christopher Macklin in Nelson. The appointments, announced today, aim to bolster the judiciary with experienced legal professionals specializing in criminal, family, and regulatory law. New Appointments Reflect Extensive Experience Prudence McGuire, a Rotorua-based barrister, … Read more
Rotorua Leads the Charge: How Libraries are Becoming Digital Lifelines As technology continues its relentless march forward, a growing digital divide threatens to leave many behind. But in Rotorua, New Zealand, a proactive solution is taking shape. The Rotorua Library, in partnership with Digi-Coaches, is offering 12 weeks of free, drop-in digital support, ensuring residents … Read more
A man who initially evaded conviction for aggravated robbery after claiming he didn’t intend to permanently steal a vehicle has now been found guilty following a review by the High Court and a subsequent reconsideration by the District Court. Peter George Junior Laupama was initially found not guilty by Judge Joanne Wickliffe, but that decision … Read more