Rotorua Lakes Council is addressing the operation of two motels – Victoria Lodge and Gibson Court Motel – that have been providing emergency housing without the required resource consent. Under the District Plan, motels are permitted for short-term visitor accommodation, not as residential housing. Compliance and Council Action Council destination development manager Jean-Paul Gaston stated … Read more
A young driver died and two passengers were seriously injured Tuesday afternoon after a vehicle crashed into a truck and caught fire on State Highway 36 near Rotorua. The incident followed reports of the silver Lexus being driven dangerously on State Highway 1 south of Cambridge, with speeds exceeding the limit by more than 80km/h … Read more
The Closure of QE Health: A Warning Sign for New Zealand’s Healthcare System? The recent liquidation of QE Health in Rotorua has sent ripples of concern through the New Zealand healthcare landscape. More than just the loss of a multi-disciplinary clinic offering services from rheumatology to physiotherapy, the closure highlights a growing tension between funding, … Read more
Janie Taiiringa-Roimata Bennett, 16, passed away on Saturday surrounded by her family, following a battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The eldest of three daughters – alongside sisters Tapaeorangi and Puhikura – Janie’s journey began in November 2023 when she reported a stiffness in her right arm. A Rapidly Evolving Diagnosis Initially … Read more
Housing Woes and the Future of Development: Navigating the Shifting Sands The recent developments surrounding Realm Victoria’s stalled apartment project in Rotorua, New Zealand, highlight a critical issue: the challenges developers face. From payment disputes with government agencies to the complexities of project financing, the housing market is a dynamic and, at times, turbulent environment. … Read more
The Growing Importance of Youth Mentoring Programs Youth mentoring programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters Rotorua are becoming increasingly vital in nurturing the next generation. As communities worldwide recognize the positive impact of these initiatives, the trend shows a promising future. With events like the “Bowls and BBQ” social bowling tournament, local agencies such as … Read more