Our Stories

Get to know your community, from your local butcher to our city’s mayor.

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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