Our Stories
Get to know your community, from your local butcher to our city’s mayor.
Categories
I Am Rotorua – Tania
Friday, November 22, 2024
Tania from Portico talks about what it is that she loves about her mahi as a framer.
I Am Rotorua – Geraldine
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
There’s something precious about owning a book. That you see, that you can hold, you can feel. You can turn the pages. It’s a different feeling from reading that book online.
I Am Rotorua – Trevor Shaw
Monday, November 18, 2024
“Some people look at me and just see a fella with a guitar, but I’m here to give something back."
I Am Rotorua – Digraj Baghela
Friday, October 25, 2024
“You probably wouldn’t notice it unless you knew to look. I used to be a chef for 12 years, always in the kitchen, always moving fast. But when I got married and had kids, it became harder to keep up with that life. So, I switched gears.”
I Am Rotorua – Renee Tapsell
Monday, October 21, 2024
“We’ve been at this for about two or three years now, and we’re turning three this month. It’s been quite the journey, not just in terms of the business, but in my own māoritanga, too."
Krissie Knap – Why music saved her life
Monday, October 7, 2024
Krissie Knap is someone whose presence effortlessly, and at times unintentionally, commands attention. It doesn’t matter if she’s on the stage performing or if you come across her on the streets of Rotorua, the energy she gives off always makes you feel better.
The next chapter for Rotorua’s Pink & White Geothermal Gin
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
As with many New Zealand businesses, Rotorua's award-winning distillery Pink & White Geothermal Gin comes from humble beginnings.
Meet Rotorua’s hospitality heroes: Part 2
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Following on from part 1 of Meet Rotorua’s hospitality heroes, we have four more amazing locals to introduce.
Meet Rotorua’s hospitality heroes: Part 1
Monday, September 23, 2024
What separates a good restaurant or café from a great one are the teams behind the counter or in the kitchen. Hospitality staff are the keys to bringing a venue to life, and Rotorua has no shortage of hospitality heroes.
Indigenous artistry takes centre stage at ARONUI Arts Festival 2024
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Launching the ARONUI Indigenous Arts Festival in Rotorua this year is the premiere of “The Voices in the Shadows”, a highly anticipated performance that powerfully blends traditional waiata, dance and poetry.
Rotorua startup Bike Matrix secures $2 million to revolutionise the global bike industry
Monday, September 9, 2024
Bike Matrix, a local tech company founded by Adam Townsend, Lyndal Bailey, and Adam Barnes, has recently secured a significant $2 million seed investment. This investment not only validates the groundbreaking nature of their technology but also brings international attention to Rotorua’s burgeoning tech scene.
Dr Stacey Tremain redefines veterinary care in Rotorua
Friday, August 16, 2024
Dr Stacey Tremain, a well-respected and much-loved veterinarian with nearly 25 years of experience, recently opened his own practice, The Pet Vet, in Rotorua. It’s a decision that reflects both his love for the community and his deep commitment to providing stress-free care for pets and their owners.
Rotorua mentorship programme sparks lifelong friendship
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
When Luke Donnelly and Wade Meads were matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters Rotorua nine years ago, neither could have imagined it would mark the beginning of a lifelong friendship.
Kahu Collection brings whānau aspirations to life
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Claire Stirling-Hawkins and Rongopai Stirling-Maxwell, along with four of their tamariki, started the Stirling Collective earier this year with the vision of empowering their whānau, and turning their aspirations into reality.
Rotorua allure offers new home for renowned hypnotherapist
Monday, July 29, 2024
Renowned hypnotherapist, Richard Kellow, has set up shop in Rotorua for a better lifestyle, and to help locals achieve their goals.
The pioneering businesswoman inspiring future generations
Monday, July 22, 2024
When Ashleigh Nairn began working at BurgerFuel Fairy Springs as a 15-year-old she never thought she would still be there 10 years later. While her workplace remains the same today, her job title is a bit different now – she not only owns the business, she became the youngest Burger Fuel franchisee when she took it over in 2019 at 21.
A place where curiosity and community bloom year round
Monday, July 15, 2024
Curiosity Blooms is a testament to the dreams and determination of its founders, Rachel Beckett and Donna Bigwood, especially considering the doors opened in November 2020, a post-Covid period when many dreams were deferred. In spite of the challenges, the business took off like the happy houseplants in their storefront windows.
New myrtle rust education app empowers rangatahi to embrace science
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Scion has launched a new interactive learning app designed to empower rangatahi (young people) and communities with knowledge about myrtle rust.
Rotorua rangatahi making their mark on the worksite
Monday, July 1, 2024
Korbyn Kiore and Kayden Andersen are prime examples of rangatahi thriving when given the right training, resources and support before entering the workforce. Both young men leapt at the opportunity to join a 12-week Māori Trade Training Course run by WACT Innovation Hub, knowing it would help prepare them for the workforce.
Community partnership inspiring a new green generation
Monday, July 1, 2024
Every Thursday, the classrooms at Kaharoa School are empty as pupils dive hands-first into a different kind of lesson – one that's rooted in the earth itself.