Podcasts about Rotorua

Observers may have noticed parts of Rotorua looking a little sharper with berms trimmed, rubbish cleared, and lawns neatly edged. That tidy-up was driven by local rangatahi (youth) who have stepped forward to give their streets a festive spruce-up. A crew of about a dozen young people, led by Waiariki Whanau Mentoring youth mentor Thomas Peato, has gathered once a week through December for a full day of maintenance mahi (work). He joins Bryan for a chat.

A slow weave of some of the past year's Field Recordings, from a child playing in the snow to a brass band playing Christmas carols in the street. Father and daughter build a snowman in the backyard, Copenhagen, Denmark on 2nd January 2025 – by Joyce de Badts Cracking the ice underfoot over a frozen puddle, Low Bentham, North Yorkshire, UK in early January 2025 – by Charlotte Petts Ice on Queen's Park Pond, Glasgow, Scotland in January 2025 – by Katie Revell “Recorded using a contact microphone at Queen's Park pond on the Southside of Glasgow, during a cold snap in January. The pond had frozen over (which doesn't happen often), and people were walking and skating on it. One person asked if I was measuring the thickness of the ice. I handed my headphones round a group of kids, and it was fun to watch their reactions to the sci-fi noises…” Snow slowly melting from a bridge next to Ribblehead viaduct, North Yorkshire, UK in early January 2025 – by Charlotte Petts Listening to the river flow as the snow melts into the water from the fields nearby,  River Wenning, Bentham, North Yorkshire, UK in early January 2025 – by Charlotte Petts Tawny Owls voicing the starry dark, the foot of Dartmoor, UK at 5am on 3rd January 2025 – by Kirsteen McNish “I stood on the doorstep to look at the stars because of the ice bright visibility and heard them calling to each other.” Primal scream atop Bernal Hill, San Francisco, USA on 20th January 2025 at 9am – by Kristina Loring “A group of organizers had distributed flyers in our neighborhood for a timely cathartic moment atop the large mountain park that overlooks the city of San Francisco and the bay. It was organized to coincide with the swearing-in of the newest conservative American regime on Inauguration day. But one's rage can't be limited to whoever is in the presidential office. We scream for a litany of injustices—an endless list that cannot be exhausted here. Many rages filled my lungs that day and escaped my mouth in an inarticulate howl. Beneath the rage was a yearning for: Justice for Palestinians everywhere. Justice for trans folks everywhere. Justice for refugees everywhere.” Dead leaves on a silver birch, Stanton Moor, Derbyshire, UK on 5th February 2025 – by Rose de Larrabeiti “I took myself to Derbyshire for a few days in early February. I walked up to Stanton Moor with my dog Rosie (not named by me!) looking for a Bronze Age stone circle called the Nine Ladies. Nearby were silver birches with their dead brown leaves rustling in the wind.” Babble of Ta Ta Creek spring, British Columbia, Canada in early February 2025 – by PJ Howe “Here is a little recording of our local spring. We hiked through 2ft of snow in the -10 temps to the head of our local creek. Due to the deep cold we are in, the ice formations around the spring are spectacular. The quiet babble of the creek makes this such a special place.” Geothermal mud pools in Rotorua, Aotearoa (New Zealand) on 8th February 2025 – by Will Coley Woodpecker in back garden, south-east London, UK on 14th February 2025 – by Cesar Gimeno Lavin “This morning I was delighted to find that, after quite a few months, this woodpecker has returned! Back to the very same tree. I love how the sound echoes around the garden.” ‘Silence' in Doubtful Sound, Aotearoa (New Zealand) on 15th February 2025 – by Will Coley Steam train arriving and then departing, Haworth, West Yorkshire, UK on 17th February 2025 – by Cesar Gimeno Lavin Walking in the dry, squeaky-crunchy snow on Elm Street in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada on 22nd February 2025 – by Laura Nerenberg “The snow was delightfully squeaky and I took every chance I could to stomp around…” The last performance of the world's largest pipe organ, Philadelphia, USA on 22nd March 2025 – by Alex Lewis “Thousands of people gathered on Saturday, March 22nd at Macy's in Philadelphia, PA to hear the last performances of the Wanamaker Organ – possibly the world's largest pipe organ – as the department store marked its final weekend in business. This is an excerpt from the final recital by John Wanamaker Grand Court Organist Peter Richard Conte. My wife gave this piece the unofficial title: ‘an elegy for in-person shopping'.” Squeaky frogs, Watcarrick, near Eskdalemuir, Scotland on 25th March 2025 – by Geoff McQueen ‘Hands Off' March, New York, USA on Saturday 5th April 2025 – by Jon Moskowitz Nightingales at Knepp, Sussex, UK in April 2025 – by Charlotte Petts “…from my camp out at the Knepp estate last week – managed to creep up pretty close to a nightingale singing in the shrubby hedgerows. Absolutely gorgeous to fall asleep to them calling out to each other through the night.” Cows in Los Lagos de Covadonga, Asturias, Spain in May 2025 – by Sarah Kramer and Nina Porzucki  Bells heard through a window, Vilnius, Lithuania in the morning on 26th May 2025 – by Eleanor McDowall Creek bed, Lerderderg State Park on Wurundjeri Country, Australia in May 2025 – by Camilla Hannan Bingo on a roasting Saturday evening in Derbyshire, June 2025 – by Andrew Conroy ‘Little Tibet', Parco nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, Italy in June 2025 – by Cosmin Sandu River through wood, Boise River, USA on 22nd June 2025 – by Ariana Martinez “This tape was gathered in Boise, Idaho with a contact microphone affixed to a tree root partially submerged in the Boise River.” Dawn chorus, Lopez Island, USA in 2025 – by Joe Harvey-Whyte Primary night watch party after Zohran Mamdani's win, Brooklyn Masonic Temple, New York on Wednesday 26th June 2025 – by Rachel Humphreys Protest after the vote, Westminster, London, UK on 2nd July 2025 – by Eleanor McDowall Ringing the peace bell, Hiroshima, Japan on 14th July 2025 – by Lisa Hack Knossos Palace, Crete, Greece on 17th July 2025 at 11.30am – by Giles Stokoe Pans protest outside Downing Street, London, UK at 6pm on 25th July 2025 “Hundreds gather outside Downing Street banging pots and pans as Israel's blockade continues to cause the starvation of Palestinians in the Gaza strip. 120 people – 80 of them children – have been confirmed dead from famine as of 26th July. In the last 24 hours two babies have died from malnutrition. Nearly 1000 Palestinians have been shot to death by Israeli soldiers whilst queuing for food.” Goats going home, Sabugueiro, Serra da Estrela, Portugal, late evening on 13th August 2025 – by Katherina Lindekens Gongs, Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, UK on 21st August 2025 – by Barny Smith Waves on a shingle beach, St Leonards-on-Sea, UK, late September 2025 – by Eleanor McDowall New York Mayoral Election Results, Paul's, Brooklyn, NY, USA on 4th November 2025 – by Brian Pester Democratic Socialists of America election night party, Bushwick, NY as Hell Gate NYC livestream called the race at 9.44pm on 4th November 2025 – by Kalli Anderson Inside a rainwater collection tank, London, UK on 10th November 2025 – by Cesar Gimeno Lavin 2 minutes silence from the rooftop of St Paul's Cathedral, Rememberance Sunday at 11am, 2025 – by Joe Harvey-Whyte Unknown instrument in the subway at two minutes to midnight, Metropolitan / Lorimer St station, New York, USA on 12th November – by Jonah Buchanan “Descending the stairs, I was disappointed to see a two-digit number in the wait time for the train. the music started a couple minutes later. they had a pedal and an instrument i couldn't identify. i wouldn't say it was dreamy, and there's not really a synonym i can find that captures it. maybe bewitching…” UK farmers tractor protest on the day of the budget, Rupert Street, Soho, London, UK at 14.29 on 26th November 2025 – by Clare Lynch “16th century Soho fields being ploughed in protest by 21st century musical tractors.” Cows grazing in the fog, Cerro, on the Lessini Mountains, North of Verona, Italy in late November 2025 – by Davide Erbogasto “…some cows were grazing in the field, regardless of the rain, fog or snow. Their bell kept me company through the week.” Crystal Palace Band playing at the Crystal Palace Christmas Tree lights turn-on, London, UK on 29th November 2025 – by Alan Hall First big snow of the season, Pittsburgh, USA on 2nd December 2025 – by Dennis Funk “This first big snow was really dreamy. It started late in the night after I'd gone to bed, and had already stopped by morning. When I woke up there was the shock of a white, white world and a few inches on the ground. I got lost in the stillness of the day, and watched little heaps tumble from branches when a breeze rattled through.”

Great chat with the winner of this years Rotorua. Suffer - Emily Molloy.

A Kiwi classic with added convenience. Rotorua has its first hot pie vending machine, stocked with the famous Maketū Pies. All ten varieties are on offer in the machine, which sits just outside the I-site and besides the Redwoods Treewalk. General Manager Craig Williams told Heather du Plessis-Allan the site was selected for visibility, with around 700,000 tourists passing through per day. He says a lot of international tourists are looking for a hot pie as part of their Kiwi experience, and the novelty of the machine will capture attention. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 was an epic annus horribilis for the Greens - you remember Golriz Ghahraman, Darleen Tana, Julie Anne Genter, et al. It went on and on. It was arguably the worst year on record for any political party in this country ever. But wait, hold my beer – we have a new champion. 2025 is shaping up to be an even more horribilis of an annus for Te Pāti Māori, who may well factionalise themselves into extinction. It all started so well. And by started, I'm going back to 2004 when Labour MP Tariana Turia's protest against her own government's Foreshore and Seabed Bill led to her establishing Te Pāti Māori. Despite it being pretty much a single issue party at genesis, it lasted the distance thanks to the political pragmatism and mana of Dame Tariana and Sir Pita Sharples, the other co-leader. They were able to walk in both the Pākehā world and Te Ao Māori, and they kept the party together. Te Pāti Māori winning six out of the seven electorate seats in the 2023 election was a triumph. As was its opposition to the coalition government's Treaty Principles Bill and galvanising everybody together. But since then, Te Pāti Māori has turned upon itself and the ugly mudslinging being played out in the public arena has seen support for the party plummet. This time last year, Te Pāti Māori got 7% in the 1News Verian poll. Last night in that same poll, they recorded just 1%. Bang, crash, pow, brace for impact, as Maiki Sherman might have said, but didn't, when reporting the results last night. Te Pāti Māori threw out two of its MPs amid accusations of a dictatorial style by its leadership. The dispute took a new twist in court last week though, when a judge ruled MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi should be reinstated as a party member. John Tamihere emerged from the party's AGM in Rotorua over the weekend absolutely triumphant and grinning like a Cheshire cat, the cat that's got the cream. Those opposed to his presidency simply didn't have the numbers to get rid of him. According to the party's constitution, it appears the only way Tamihere can be removed from the role of president is if there is consensus among the electorate council representatives. So he has a stranglehold on Tāmaki Makaurau, Waiariki, and Te Tai Hauāuru – Waikato seems to be neutral. Ikaroa-Rāwhiti said they weren't happy about the expulsion of Whaitiri and another MP, Ferris. Te Tai Tokerau, Te Tai Tonga, they want John Tamihere gone. But it looks like he'll be clinging on. May well be a Pyrrhic victory. If Te Pāti Māori can't find a way to work through their differences, and I don't see how they possibly can. Tamihere will be the head of a political party that isn't in Parliament, that is completely and utterly irrelevant. He'll have his toys, but no one to play with. While all of this infighting is occurring, as Christopher Luxon said, not one single piece of legislation has been crafted by Te Pāti Māori MPs to further the betterment of their constituency, of their people. As he said, not one of them has turned up with ideas, with a plan, with a way to make the world a better place for the people who voted them in, to use the machinery of Parliament to advance the cause of their people. They are simply not doing their job while they're involved in this sort of infighting. I would very much like to hear from those who have supported Te Pāti Māori in the past, who as recently as 2023 might have installed a Te Pāti Māori MP in Parliament by voting in the electorate – where to now? Is there still a place for Te Pāti Māori in Parliament? They look like they're doing their level best to disembowel themselves and eat their own entrails in front of us all. It's unedifying, but worse than that, it is letting down the very people who voted them into Parliament. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pati Maori's leadership say its annual general meeting in Rotorua yesterday was a great day for the movement. Lillian Hanly reports.

Kiwi actor and musician Jordi Webber has just joined the cast of the New Zealand-filmed series Spartacus: House of Ashur. 

GODZONE. Peak Kiwi madness. Currently Chapter 12 of the most berserk race is unfolding in the Marlborough region. This iconic adventure beggars belief. This year's edition, over 615 kilometres, encompasses many disciplines, not a great deal of sleep, and the tyranny of navigation for the four member teams competing, all operating under the intense stress of fatigue and sleep deprivation. They mountain bike, trek, packraft, kayak, and canyon on a course that takes in 16000m of ascent. The race is expected to take five days for the frontrunners. One of the absolute legends of global adventure racing and 7-time winner of GODZONE is Nathan Fa'avae. This man has finally stepped away from the race, leaving Chris Forne, 10-time champion, to soldier on with Simone Meyer, 7-time winner Sophie Hart, and 5-time Coast to Coast champion Simone Maier. Sam Clarke is also with the team. But the Fa'avae name will still be present in the race, with daughter Tide competing in a team of teenagers. The next generation is here. The teams don't know where they are going until just before the race commences, another twist in the tale of GODZONE. The race has been staged over some of the most stunning regions Te Waipounamu (the South Island) has to offer. Wanaka, Mt Cook Aoaraki, Fiordland, the race even went north once too, 2021 in Rotorua. It's a celebration of the magnificence of our extraordinary home, an event we should all be proud of. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Junglandwirtetour nach Neuseeland - Wer kommt mit? Diese top agrar Junglandwirtetour mit mir liefert dir einen möglichst großen Überblick über die neuseeländische Landwirtschaft. Auf der Nordinsel warten Besuche bei High-Tech-Milchviehbetrieben mit GPS-Kuhhalsband-Technologie, Großbetrieben im Gemüse- und Obstanbau sowie ein Besuch bei Zespri, einem der weltweit führenden Kiwifrucht-Exporteure, auf dich. Die Südinsel begeistert mit spektakulären Kontrasten: von Merino-Hochlandfarmen und Hirschzucht über moderne Rinderzuchtbetriebe und Einblicke in die Milchbranche tauchst du exklusiv in die Agrarbranche Neuseelands ein.Neben den fachlichen Highlights bleibt Zeit für unvergessliche Gruppenerlebnisse: Weinverkostungen in Marlborough, die tosenden Huka Falls, eine Gondelfahrt mit Panoramablick über Queenstown und ein authentischer Einblick in die Māori-Kultur in Rotorua. Diese Tour verbindet Agrarwissen mit unvergesslichen Naturerlebnissen und jeder Menge Lebensfreude. 11. – 27. Februar 2026 6.985 € pro Person im Doppelzimmer (Einzelzimmer-Zuschlag: 755 €) Highlights der Reise Besuch eines Unternehmens mit GPS-Kuhhalsband-Technologie Besuch von Kiwi-Plantagen und der Zespri-Headquarters Besichtigung verschiedener Ackerbau-, Gemüsebau- und Viehzucht- und Milchviehbetriebe sowie großer Lohnunternehmer Avocado-Anbau, Muschel-Aufzucht, Rennpferde-Zuchtbetriebe, Hochlandfarmen mit Merino-Schafen, Hirschzucht-Betriebe Weinverkostung in Marlborough, Wasserfälle, Shopping in Queenstown, Urban Polo Event Anmeldeschluss: 28. November 2025 Reisedatum: 11. - 27. Februar 2026

Frustration is growing in Rotorua, with the government promising that a new courthouse is on its agenda, but there's still no action after years of delays. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports.

The government has announced an end to emergency housing motels in Rotorua - fulfilling a campaign promise. The minister responsible, Tama Potaka, said it will restore the town's safety, dignity, and confidence. But Labour said all it's done is shift the problem to the streets. Political reporter Giles Dexter has more.

Questions to Ministers SUZE REDMAYNE to the Minister for Economic Growth: What recent reports has she seen on exporters' access to United States markets? JAMIE ARBUCKLE to the Associate Minister of Health: What recent data has she seen about smoking rates in New Zealand? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Dr CARLOS CHEUNG to the Minister for Infrastructure: What reports has he seen on New Zealand's Infrastructure Pipeline? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she agree with Nicola Willis in March 2023 that "National will take action to get food prices under control once more"; if so, are food prices now higher or lower than October 2024? MILES ANDERSON to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality: What recent reports has she seen on cycle trails in New Zealand? SCOTT WILLIS to the Associate Minister for the Environment: How many jobs addressing wilding conifers did Jobs for Nature fund over the course of the programme, and how many roles will be lost when funding is discontinued? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Minister of Health: What actions, if any, were taken to mitigate multiple clinical portals in Central and Te Manawa Taki regions described in Health New Zealand document HNZ00092045, and when were these actions taken? TOM RUTHERFORD to the Associate Minister of Housing: What recent announcement has he made about Rotorua? ORIINI KAIPARA to the Minister of Housing: Does he stand by the Government's proposed changes to the National Policy Statement on Urban Development? TANGI UTIKERE to the Minister of Housing: On what date, if any, did he make a specific request to the Cabinet Office for conflict-of-interest advice relating to the city link bridge funding transfer, separate from his regular six-monthly conflict reviews, and what was that advice?

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 19 November 2025, Rail Minister Winston Peters says he's saved taxpayers more than two billion dollars with his new Interislander ferry deal. But does the maths add up? Rotorua's days as a emergency housing hotspot are officially over. Mayor Tania Tapsell reacts to news the last people have officially left emergency motel accommodation. Health Minister Simeon Brown explains why the Government is banning transgender kids from accessing puberty blockers. Kiwi families are facing the pinch as Christmas is looming, personal finance expert Mary Holm has some tips how you can stretch the money further. Plus, the Huddle debates whether Winston's ferry announcement is convincing. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rotorua's mayor is overjoyed the era of emergency housing motels is over - with no families left in them. At its peak, more than 240 households were living across 13 motels Tania Tapsell says delivering affordable houses has made a huge difference. She says the city's recent tourism lift has also helped mend its reputation. "Between building the homes we actually needed, affordable ones, and boosting our economy, it's going to be great. Our tourism industry here is the heartbeat of Rotorua." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Rotorua women's refuge says it has been shocked at the increase in the number of those needing to escape abusive homes over the past 18 months. But the rise in those affected by family violence isn't just a Rotorua problem, with one Auckland provider telling RNZ the economic situation has compounded the problem there, too. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports.

The 52 year old Rotorua woman is a keen mountain biker - prior to her surgery she would spend hours in the Redwoods forests. 

The number of Australians visiting here surged over the past year to the second highest number on record. Bookings in tourism hotspots like Queenstown, Christchurch and Rotorua are picking up ahead of a busy summer. Sudima Hotels chief operation officer Les Morgan spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Expelled Te Pati Maori MP Takuta Ferris says he's had no response from the party's national council over his calls for an urgent meeting; The fallout from the release of more than 20,000 new documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein continues; The number of Australians visiting here surged over the past year to the second highest number on record. Bookings in tourism hotspots like Queenstown, Christchurch and Rotorua are picking up ahead of a busy summer; A British pub in Greater Manchester has solved what it's called the crime of the century, a quiz team consistently winning through cheating; A Coromandel couple is at their wit's end about how to get a good night's sleep, because of rowdy penguin lodgers who are treating the place like their own.

Ciska de Jong grew up sailing around places like Waiheke, the Bay of Islands and even remote parts of Fiji, which set the tone for a life built around adventure. After a long solo trip overseas, she moved from Auckland to Tauranga and found a slower rhythm, with more time to chase waterfalls, paddle hidden chasms and explore the Bay of Plenty. Ciska shares how NZ Adventures began with simple weekend missions and turned into a way of helping others discover what is right on their doorstep. She runs through her favourite spots across Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupō and the Coromandel, and reflects on why small adventures matter, how nature shapes her days and what keeps her exploring.Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip todayGet my NZ Map & GuideBook your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itinerary Thank you so much for tuning in and coming along for the ride. If you love the show and enjoyed listening, please take the time to leave a review on Apple or Spotify. I would also love to connect with you, so send me a DM on Instagram, leave me a voice message and I can't wait to see you next time. Until then, keep adventuring :)Follow Ciska on Instagram: instagram.com/nz_adventures/ Follow Ciska on Facebook: facebook.com/NZadventures/www.valuemedia.co.nz/nzadventuresRead the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Get my NZ Map & Guide

A person who witnessed a fatal bus crash in Rotorua last night says the car involved appeared to cross the centre line. A passenger in the car was killed and the driver and another passenger were critically injured after it collided with a bus full of school children.

Thirty-one people have been involved in a crash between a bus and a car in the Rotorua suburb of Owhata last night. Lauren Crimp reports.

Another missed opportunity this week driven by fear and blunt honesty, or lack of it. When asked on Wednesday in Parliament whether the Government was going to change the law to ban homeless people from camping in downtown areas of this country, the Prime Minister gave us an answer of a scared person. Technically it may currently be true they have not discussed it in Cabinet. Technically it may be true they haven't passed a law. But that wasn't the point. The point is trouble in CBDs is crippling entire cities and it needs to stop, and that's where his answer should have started. Then he should have gone on to say we have had meetings, and we have worked out no one has the power to really tackle the issue, so we are going to change that. Then he should have outlined how they were going to change it. We don't deal with emotive stories well, because of fear, and that needs to change as well. Homelessness for many is sad. Not all, but many. There will be addiction, and sorrow, and madness, literally and figuratively, and you can get lost in that if you let yourself and then you end up like the Labour Party – apologising for shocking outcomes. Rotorua anyone? But each part of any given emotive story has a weighing. If the weighing is wrong on one part, then disaster ensues. Being afraid to deal with a very real problem for fear of offence is overweighing the plight of the homeless. The homeless need help but they can't wreck the joint simply because of their status. They don't get more rights because of who they are, and we can't look away just because it's easy to do so. Also requiring their share of weight is every business operator, bus driver, worker and citizen who wouldn't mind using their CBD but doesn't, or is fearful too because our leaders won't deal with hard issues. No one argues it isn't a problem. We can debate a bit, if you like, on how we resolve it. But resolve it we must and that involves getting the problem out of downtown and it requires the right attitude to do it. Labour asked the question because they back the homeless. They are happy to wreck cites and businesses and their record shows that. The Prime Minister failed to show up as a leader and run with a solution, because as he stood, his backbone vanished. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With unemployment hitting a nice year high, there's some brighter news in Rotorua. David Tapsell, Chair of the mall owner Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Ten migrants are finishing up a ten-week bilingual course in te reo Maori and English that is believed to be the first of its kind in New Zealand. The pilot programme, based in Rotorua, has helped them build confidence in speaking, presenting and connecting through both languages. It's a collaboration between Speech New Zealand, Te Tatau o Te Arawa and the Rotorua Multicultural Council with funding covered by Immigration New Zealand. Paz Coloma, who is from Chile, has completed the course and joins Jesse.

Best number plates you've seen in the wild. What's the maximum amount you can want to kiss your friends? Boys Get Paid review Mumma Di's betting process. Clint wants to be the Mayor of Rotorua. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly reports on the fire that destroyed an historic rugby club, a reward is offered for a missing local teacher, manslaughter charges four years after the disappearance of a local man and a local golfing legend.

A $60 million biofactory opening in Rotorua next year will give small businesses the opportunity to create and test new bioproducts using forestry slash. 

If you've been a listener for a while, you'll know its time for the boys annual pilgrimage to the Whaka 100!100km of premium Rotorua forest, but also 100km of suffering is on the cards, join us as we preview what we think we might (but will likely be wildly wrong).Brought to you by:Maxxis Tyres - New Zealand's tyre of choice!To see the full line up from Maxxis, check out www.marleen.co.nz/brands/maxxis.htmlSquirt CyclingYour bike care sorted! Top quality chain lubes, wax, bike cleaner and tyre sealant!https://squirtcycling.nz/Fox Suspensionhttps://ridefox.com/pages/bikeIf you enjoy the OTB Podcast and would like to support, please consider joining us on Patreon and help keep the podcast alive. This isn't even close to a job for us and is done for your enjoyment! https://www.patreon.com/TheOTBPodcast

Trevor Maxwell has been a Rotorua councillor for 48 years and joins Emile Donovan.

Get off the couch, stop playing play station and find a job, that was the Prime Minister's message to unemployed young people, but it might not be that simple in some parts of the country. Christopher Luxon made the comments to Rotorua business leaders on Friday. Since then the government has anounced its bringing forward plans to income test the parents' of 18 and 19-year-olds getting a JobSeeker Allowance from next year. Rotorua Chamber of Commerce CEO Melanie Short spoke to Lisa Owen.

Kelly discusses the re-opening of a popular Rotorua restaurant, a murder charge following a car crash, and Rotorua teen offered a job after video of him helping elderly shoppers go viral.

Welcome to Flava Breakfast's Off the Record - an online exclusive, too spicy for radio! In today's episode, Charlies shared all the good from Rotorua but there were also some not so good things happening at his son leagues tournament. For more, follow our socials: Instagram Facebook TikTokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ON TODAYS SHOW Azura is moving homes which means its clean up time and there is plenty of lawn mower saga. Fake Snoop Dogg hit the streets for the AFL Grand Final. Plus, Charlie in Rotovegas got all the VIP treatment. For more, follow our socials: Instagram Facebook TikTokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Au cœur de la Nouvelle-Zélande, à Rotorua, tous les rêves des touristes deviennent réalité : baignade dans des sources sacrées, haka spectaculaire… Mais à quel prix ? Si la culture maorie est mise en vitrine de ce tourisme, ceux qui en sont les gardiens se retrouvent pourtant marginalisés.   De notre correspondante en Nouvelle-Zélande, Plantée au pied d'un volcan éteint, la vallée géothermique de Rotorua est entrée dans le classement des villes les plus touristiques du pays. Toute l'économie de la région s'est donc développée en ce sens. Les habitants de Whakarewarewa font par exemple visiter leur village construit sur des sources chaudes à plus de 100 °C. « Certains pensent que c'est un décor, mais non, c'est un véritable village maori. Quand on voit le linge sécher sur la corde ou notre cuisine, c'est la preuve que nous habitons ici ! », raconte une habitante. Le ticket est plus cher si les touristes souhaitent assister au spectacle de danse traditionnelle. L'objectif est de mieux rémunérer les interprètes comme Harata Waera, dont c'est le métier à plein temps. « En été, nous pouvons donner jusqu'à trois spectacles par jour, parfois même quatre. Nous interprétons nos chants traditionnels, notamment le haka. Je vois l'émerveillement dans les yeux du public, car beaucoup de gens n'ont pas gardé leur culture ancestrale comme nous, nous la faisons encore vivre aujourd'hui », explique Harata Waera. Mais il est de plus en plus difficile pour les Maoris de préserver leurs habitudes ancestrales. En tant que membre de la communauté, Chanz Mikaere s'était notamment indignée lorsque des touristes ont été autorisés à nager dans une source thermale sacrée : « Quand on accueille des influenceurs ou des stars de TikTok, des YouTubeurs, on voit qu'ils sont habitués à avoir des passe-droits. C'est d'autant plus le cas depuis que Christopher Luxon est Premier ministre. C'est comme s'il censurait les Maoris d'une main et de l'autre, il s'attend à ce que nous "performions" dans le cadre du tourisme. » Le gouvernement néozélandais travaille en coordination avec la mairie de Rotorua pour développer encore plus le tourisme. Parmi les mesures annoncées figure la fermeture des hébergements d'urgence pour les transformer en motels touristiques. Chanz Mikaere y voit une nouvelle forme d'exclusion : « J'ai été sans-abri à un moment de ma vie, mais j'ai pu passer trois mois dans un de ces logements d'urgence. C'est notre normalité en tant que Maoris, c'est la vie en communauté, le partage de nos ressources comme dans une grande famille. Mais actuellement, nous sommes dans le capitalisme, qui provoque l'exact opposé. » L'essor du tourisme à Rotorua entraîne une véritable gentrification menaçant directement la communauté maorie, surreprésentée dans les catégories les plus pauvres de la population. À lire aussiChanz Mikaere, la voix rebelle des terres maories

ON TODAYS SHOW K'Lee, Azura & Charlie got to catch up with Rotorua legend, Colin Dorreen, who had gone viral for his heart of gold. Charlie's kids have decided they're too cool for him. Plus, it's Tuesday which means CLICKBAIT. For more, follow our socials: Instagram Facebook TikTokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly discusses parking tickets, a local police officer and a haircut, a family urging action over driving while tired after daughter is killed in crash and a netball tournament marks 90 years.

Marae are often on the front line of natural disasters, opening their doors to shelter the community and at times hit hard by floods themselves. PhD researcher Haukapuanui Vercoe was recently recognised with the 2025 New Zealand Esri Young Scholar Award. Vercoe also recently represented Aotearoa at the Esri User Conference in San Diego, showcasing how Indigenous knowledge and technology can work together to strengthen marae, whanau, hapu, and iwi resilience against natural hazards. He talks to Susie from his home in Rotorua.

Kelly reports on a high profile murder trial plus the relaunch of the Lakeland Queen paddle steamer and Steven Adams lends a bit of advice to school children during a basketball camp. Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist with the Rotorua Daily Post

Big Truss Tuesday We didn't reflect on the weekend that was yesterday and felt that those moments needed to be reflected on... Rotorua and Wellington, you were spiritual and it really made us realise that this, this is more than a podcast... Rubbish, it's everywhere! Well not quite, because in some places, they are running out of it!... Time to recharge the batteries before we take on the last two shows of the Tour!... Thank You. Hit that link below to stay caught up with anything and everything TMS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/3394787437503676/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We dropped some merch! Use TMS for 10% off. Here is the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youknowclothing.com/search?q=tms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to the team at Chemist Warehouse for helping us keep the lights on, here at The Morning Shift... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chemistwarehouse.co.nz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 00:00 - Intro 3:32- Check In 9:03 - Bargain Box Daily Bread 17:00 - No More Rubbish? 22:39 - More Than Just A Podcast 34:41 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ehhh kia ora e te homies! Here's what you missed on the show today: Nickson turns 40 today! Arju our webgirl made a very hectic spelling error on a video…it’s still up. What has made you never want to go back to someone’s house? Rotorua. What is your beef with us? Nickson gets to give out his mayoral budget! A.R.T in studio off the back of winning big at the Pacific Music Awards last night! Fame can’t do his top button up. Shot for listening, From Eds (or Eric) xoxo

Big Truss Tuesday It felt like it was only the other day when we announced that we were going on tour and now we have reached the half way mark!... Gizzy and Hamilton, we thank you, Rotorua and Wellington, We will be seeing YOU soon!... You can relax in todays show, because we open the doors to one of the safest places on earth, where no questions are asked and no judgment is passed... Safe Space... Matua Marc felt it was only right to take a swing with what your birth month means... This time round it is what your public and personalities entail based off of your birth month... Hit that link below to stay caught up with anything and everything TMS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/3394787437503676/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We dropped some merch! Use TMS for 10% off. Here is the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youknowclothing.com/search?q=tms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to the team at Chemist Warehouse for helping us keep the lights on, here at The Morning Shift... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chemistwarehouse.co.nz/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 00:00 - Intro 2:49 - Check In 10:34 - Bargain Box Daily Bread 16:14 - Safe Space 24:45 - Public Vs Private Personalities 36:16 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4000 runners head to Rotorua this weekend for the city's forest race  - a big boost for the local economy  

The maker of sleeping pods being used to house some of the homeless in Rotorua has said it is disheartening to see the project just tossed to the side. Julie King of Love Soup came up with the idea to use some of Tuff Roto-Moulders' pods - which are insulated, lockable and traditionally used for camping to create her Village of Hope. Rotorua has been grappling with a large homeless population in recent years, and the project's aim was to keep people safe through a community-based solution. Issues with council and land have forced an end to the project. Maker of the pods, Hilton McLachlan spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Rotorua resident wants the police to use drones to track dirt bike riders ripping up parks and reserves, after there was a spike in the number of bikes and cars illegally tearing up grounds across the country. Rotorua resident, Ryan Gray spoke to Lisa Owen.

There is growing discontent in Rotorua about the state of the Ohau channel diversion wall which is meant to protect the pristine waters of Lake Rotoiti. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports.

Contingency measures drawn up by concerned Taupo Hospital clinicians show plans to move patients to Rotorua Hospital if staff shortages forced Taupo's clinic to close. The hospital, which serves a population of 40,000 people in the tourist region, has struggled to attract enough senior doctors to fill its roster. This forced the hand of workers to plan for the worst. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham obtained a copy of the Escalation and Closure Plan for Taupo Hospital and spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

A spike in the number of bikes and cars illegally ripping up parks is being reported across the country. Tauranga, Rotorua and Auckland councils are among those who have said thousands of ratepayer dollars is having to be used to fix sports field and public reserves. The fine for driving on a reserve without permission depends on individual bylaws but is usually up to $800. Police could also charge for dangerous driving, which could be up to $4,500. Auckland Council's General Manager of Parks and Community Facilities Taryn Crewe spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.    

A Rotorua organisation providing sleeping pods for the city's homeless says they're being held back by council insisting that they get consents. The Village of Hope has been set up in a secret location by the group Love Soup, which says it's an effort to give the city's homeless somewhere safe to sleep and to move them away from CBD shop fronts. Rotorua has been grappling with a large homeless population in recent years, and last month a large number of homeless people were trespassed from a makeshift camp in the CBD. It also comes as a controversial programme that uses the city's motels as emergency housing is phased out. Julie King from Love Soup spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Kelly discusses how Rotorua's homeless are being taken at night to sleep in small pods at a remote area, street racer problems near Mamaku and the planned return of the paddleboat, the Lakeland Queen, to Lake Rotorua. Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist with the Rotorua Daily Post

Guy is beaming in from a hotel room in Australia and Tim is connecting via satellite from beautiful Rotorua on very little sleep, a decent amount of horse tranquilliser and donning a fetching aquamarine dress. But it's not about the boiz, it's about Lisa Todd Wexley and Charlotte York Goldenblatt teeing up with none other than Kristen Schaal to participate in the futile activity of enrolling their kids into an ivy league college. Carrie is a prisoner in her own empty mansion and may soon also be a prisoner of thousands of New York's finest rats, who have already eaten her entire garden. What's going on with Seema? Glad you asked! She's enlisted the help of Grown Ups 2's very own Sherri O'Terry to try and find a suitable suitor but forget all of that because the most important thing is - This show has a new hottie and his name is Adam. Aiden should be worried about his alliterative competitor.Full video episode available at twioat.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.