Podcasts about Rotorua

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.

Rotorua has been hosting the only science fair that celebrates the combination of Māori knowledge and science. Reporter Libby Kirkby-McLeod went to check it out.

Homelessness has increased, but by how much is unclear, according to a government report. This is the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development's latest Homelessness Insights Report drawn from data in Census 2023, and observations collected from government agencies, councils, and the general good sorts in the sector. The report defines homelessness as living situations where people are forced to live; without shelter, in temporary accommodation, shared accommodation with a household, or living in uninhabitable housing. The Opposition was hoping that the report would show the government's ditching of emergency housing was to blame. It doesn't say it's not to blame, but nor does it say it is. What it found was that 60 days after leaving emergency housing 37% were housed in social housing, 29% went into transitional housing, 19% received the accommodation supplement. That leaves 14% who may be living without shelter, but there's no way of confirming this. Housing Minister Chris Bishop says it's an issue he takes very seriously. He says it's a better outcome than the last government who spent $1.4 billion on sticking people in motels with all the consequent problems that entailed. Homelessness is not a new problem, but there is no doubt the problem is getting worse – blame the economy, and the pandemic hangover, and any number of factors. And there's no quick fix. But good souls are trying their best. In Rotorua there's an initiative just starting up called Adopt a Streetie. It's designed to help rough sleepers off city centre street. It would involve rough sleepers being matched with volunteer local hosts willing to offer free rent in exchange for their guests completing odd jobs. There is no knowing whether there will be enough good folk prepared to Adopt a Streetie, because it's not an easy job. The homeless are not easy people. They've not had an easy life. They have big hard personal problems. It takes a very good Good Samaritan to run the gauntlet of adopting a streetie. I commend you if you're helping and I thank you but it's gotta be tough. The idea is the brainchild of Love Soup, the organisation behind Rotorua's Village of Hope. That village shelters homeless people in sleeping pods set up in secret locations, but it's struck problems with compliance issues. And that's just one of the problems that affect solutions – a lot of our rules don't suit people who have chosen to live outside society and its rules. Once upon a time I helped a friend help a bloke. She befriended him, I met him a few times. She organised some emergency housing for him in Papakura, a warm little brick and tile and one weekend she helped him move in. Bought some furniture from an op shop. But two weeks later he was back living rough downtown, because in Papakura he was lonely. His people were fellow rough sleepers, and he valued their company more than a warm house. Now this is not a tale to say that housing the homeless is useless because they want to live this way, but it does acknowledge that while they don't like living rough, it's what they know and safer than the solution. So the Minister and everybody says it's not good enough, and it isn't, but finding a solution is very hard indeed. But while the problem is hard, at least we should be able to understand it. Because that is the first step in learning how to solve it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rotorua's mayor says the story's the same across the country regarding people sleeping on the street. The Government's June Homelessness Insights report shows rough sleeping's sharply increased, doubling by some measures over 24 months. Mayor Tania Tapsell is relieved the Government is looking at finding a solution at a national level. She told Ryan Bridge a lot of transient people are starting to go to other regions when they can't find a place to stay. Tapsell says she spoke to other mayors at a recent conference in Christchurch, who say homeless people are coming from all over the place. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

The Government wants to scrap local councils' four well-being provisions. A amendment bill has been introduced to remove the social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing provisions from the Local Government Act, to refocus councils on their core services. The Government wants councils to give more value to ratepayers. Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell told Andrew Dickens she's looking forward to the removal of the four wellbeing clauses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rotorua's Mayor, Tania Taspell, says a new water plan in the city addresses past wrongs. The plan will see Karamū Tākina Springs co-managed by Ngāti Kearoa-Ngāti Tuara and Rotorua Lakes Council and land nearby will be returned to Iwi. The springs provide 60 percent of Rotorua's drinking water. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The true story of Rotorua soldier Captain Roger Dansey is being brought to life in Wellington Opera's performance Mate Ururoa. Written by acclaimed New Zealand composer Dame Gillian Whitehead, it tells the true story of Roger Ingram Te Kepa Dansey, engineer and Maori All Black, who enlisted when Britain declared war on Germany in 1914 and was one of the five hundred strong "Native Contingent". His war story is first about the humiliation faced by Maori soldiers, his heroism at Gallipoli, but then being accused of desertion and sent home in disgrace. Whitehead wrote the libretto in te reo Maori and English for US-based Maori baritone David Tahere, who plays Roger Dansey, and is a member of his whanau. Directed by Sara Brodie, the opera was originally supposed to premiere in 2021 at New York's Carnegie Hall - but this was cancelled due to the pandemic. Instead the world premiere will be in Wellington this weekend. Dame Gillian Whitehead, Sara Brodie and David Tahere are in the Wellington studio.

Homelessness in Aotearoa. Ruwani Perera travels to Rotorua to investigate the growth in rough sleeping there, and also looks at efforts to help the unhoused in Tāmaki Makaurau. Julian Wilcox interviews Hana Mereraiha and Pere Wihongi about their new Māori waiata project Kōkōuri. “Made with the support of Te Māngai Pāho and New Zealand On Air”

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Two more Rotorua motels will stop being contracted for emergency housing from the end of the month, leaving only four remaining. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Ian Brennan from Cassie's Farm about winning the Trees on Farms award at the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions Awards, abandoning an 18-year career in IT for a life amongst the trees and the farm's unique, low impact, continuous cover forestry model... He talks with West Scotland farmer Duncan Macalister about being elected Vice-President of the Scottish Farmers Union, his attendance at the recent Royal Highland Show and the Scottish Government’s decision to reject climate change advice to cut livestock numbers by more than 25% by 2040... And he catches up with rural health advocate Craig 'Wiggy' Wiggins about being stuck at Rotorua airport, rain at Fieldays and a date with the panel beater. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom catches up with rural health advocate Craig 'Wiggy' Wiggins about being stuck at Rotorua airport, rain at Fieldays and a date with the panel beater. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Drones will be taking to the skies in Rotorua tonight to celebrate Matariki. At 8pm the light-up drones will perform a choreographed routine, with watchers on the ground able to see their movements as they whiz through the sky. Aronui Arts Festival trustee June Northcroft Grant spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

This podcast description was blatantly written by AI... Join Clint, Meg, and Dan in this episode as they explore the hilarious world of men writing erotic fiction for the female gaze with special guest Ash London. They also introduce a catchy new anthem for Rotorua, crafted entirely from listener suggestions. Plus, a tribute to their outgoing boss, Casey, with a look back at some of his most memorable moments. Don't miss out on stories from labor and a deep dive into Dan's Google history! 00:00 Welcome to the Clint Meg & Dan Podcast03:19 Matariki and Cultural Discussions05:41 Justin Timberlake Throwback13:46 McDonald's Orders and Listener Engagement17:23 TikTok Trends and Scenarios23:45 Men Writing Erotic Fiction37:04 Unexpected Bestseller Reaction37:47 Honorary Oscars Discussion41:45 Dan's Google History Revealed47:24 Coincidental Stories55:12 10K Money Challenge57:12 Dan's Postcode Playlist01:05:56 Labor Stories01:11:16 Farewell to Boss Casey

Around one percent of Rotorua is on the public housing waitlist. Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka spoke to Corin Dann.

Kelly updates Kathryn on the latest events in Rotorua.

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.

11 year old Rotorua schoolgirl Gracie Bradley has won the lead role in Auckland Theatre company's production of Annie. She's one of three young starlets filling the role. Now she is juggling school and commuting to Auckland for rehearsals at least three times a week before the show opens later this month at the Bruce Mason theatre. Gracie Bradley spoke to Lisa Owen.

The school holidays are coming up in a few weeks, and BloggerAtLarge's Megan Singleton has unveiled a fun travel hack powered by AI. Using ChatGPT or similar platforms, parents can now easily create scavenger hunt lists for any location, be it Rotorua or Sydney or even Ireland! Read more about Megan's ideas here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Leonie Freeman and Mike Williams. This half hour the panel hears about the vandalism inflicted on sports fields and reserves in Rotorua; and they talk to Nainz Tupa'i, the director of a Pacific Secondary school choir, whose rendition of the US anthem went viral.

This week we're launching a new Thursday feature and each fortnight from today (alternating with NZ Sporting History) we'll be taking a look at a subject close to our collective kiwi hearts - starting with A and working out way down to Z. Whether that's Pies, Forestry, xylophone clubs, or Zorbing... which was invented in Rotorua apparently. Today we're kicking off with A for Avation. If you've got any ideas, especially for the tricky letters send them to me on 2010 or Afternoons@rnz.co.nz

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Claire Amos and Alan McElroy. They discuss the long-running success of Wellington's Green Parrot Cafe and speak to the man behind this weekends community-wide clean-up of Rotorua.

Just 60% of Air New Zealand's trans-Tasman flights jetted off on time last month. A report by the Ministry of Transport shows aviation performance for April. It reveals 82% of the airline's domestic flights were on time, taking off within 15 minutes of their scheduled time. Air New Zealand's highest cancellation rate was on its Rotorua to Auckland route, with just 52 of 65 scheduled flights flown. Associate Transport Minister James Meager told Mike Hosking these figures aren't acceptable, but will be helpful. He says it will help them focus on the regions that are suffering from poor performance. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly updates Kathryn on the latest events in Rotorua including unruly trail bikers clashing with parents at rugby fields.

A major milestone for one of our most iconic tourist attractions. The Skyline Luge has surpassed 100 million rides across its eight tracks around the world – including the ones in Queenstown and Rotorua. The company is also looking to continue their expansion around the world, with a brand new gondola and luge set to open in Swansea, Wales. Director of Skyline Enterprises, Grant Hensman told Mike Hosking one of the successes of the luge is the repeat business. He says they have people who have been coming back for the full 40 years they've been operating in Rotorua – started as kids and are now bringing their own kids. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad Taylor, Paul Maoate, Stephen Hunt and Brendan Popplewell preview the races this week at Rotorua & Trentham

Rotorua is hoping to boost its reputation as a top tourism destination - despite some media blowback. TRENZ, New Zealand's largest international tourism event, just wrapped up - bringing over 1200 travel buyers from 26 countries into the city. Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell disagrees with the claims that the city is 'dead' and says the city is 'smashing it' in regards to tourism. "We were pretty surprised when we saw this very negative media article. Are we surprised... no. Will we fight back? Yes." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 8 May 2025, the Government has been advised to crack down on cash to reduce organised crime. Customs Minister Casey Costello is pondering whether to stop cash payments in sectors like construction. The Herald has released first pictures of convicted murderer Mark Lundy out in public, and Heather is wondering whether it's ick or satisfying what readers want to see. New Zealand Rugby boss Mark Robinson tells Heather why NZR has delivered its third loss in a row despite record revenue. Plus, Rotorua's mayor comes out swinging telling Heather Rotorua is definitely not dying! 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.

Tourism operators are showing their wares at the annual tourism business bonaza, TRENZ, being held in Rotorua. 

The tourism industry is eager to welcome more visitors as a leader warns growth must have the blessing of Kiwis to be successful. The country's largest tourism business event, TRENZ, is underway in Rotorua with 1200 operators, travel buyers and leaders discussing business for the years ahead. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton is at TRENZ.

Greg Foran knew his time with Air New Zealand was limited from the get go. The outgoing CEO announced his resignation in March, planning to stay on until October. He began at Air NZ in early 2020, replacing Christopher Luxon. Foran told Mike Hosking he knew in the back of his mind he'd probably only do about five or six years with the company, as he has other things he's keen to do. He says it's been one of the peak learning experiences he's had, and he's a far better leader today than he was before he took the job. He also weighed in on the country's tourism numbers. He's been in Rotorua this week for the national tourism industry summit, TRENZ. Foran told Hosking overseas visitor arrivals last year were only 87% of pre-Covid levels in 2019. He believes by this time next year, numbers will be back over 100% compared to pre-Covid. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Handing the Shame Back is proud to return for the third year in a row with our GLOBAL AWARENESS DAY (16 June).This day is dedicated to raising awareness of child sexual abuse, honouring adult survivors — including those who didn't make it, and most importantly, shifting the silence.WHEREVER YOU ARE in the world, we invite you to join us for a 30-minute walk at 10am local time. If 16 June falls on a weekday, feel free to do your walk on the closest weekend. Landmarks around the world will be lit in our logo colours — red, white, and black — to honour this cause.If you are in Auckland, New Zealand, we invite you to join our Handing the Shame Back team for the Global Awareness Day Walk! We will be meeting at Cornwall Park (by the Café and the main carpark) at 10am on Sunday 15 June. Bring your family, friends, and even your fur babies — everyone is welcome!❤️ Order your t-shirt/hoodie here: handingtheshameback.org/store❤️ Make a donation here: handingtheshameback.org/donateDon't forget to share your photos and videos with us!Include a caption with your location. For example:"Alex from Rotorua walking for Handing the Shame Back."Make sure to tag us and use our official hashtags:#HandingTheShameBack#HandSign4Kids#LetsSaveSomeKids#HTSBGlobalAwarenessDayWe also invite you to:SWAP YOUR PROFILE PICTURES with our logo to help raise awareness and boost visibility across social media.❤️ Download the HTSB logo here: www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=586398213621309&set=a.105405181720617SHARE THE GLOBAL HAND SIGN with at least one other person. It's a simple yet powerful way to spread the message and raise awareness.❤️ Learn the global hand sign here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyJKfU69NhkLet's break the silent epidemic and make a global impact, together.We are on all social media platforms:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HandingtheShameBackInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/handingtheshameback/X: https://x.com/HandinShameBackYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@handingtheshamebackTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@handingshamebackLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/handing-the-shame-back #HandingTheShameBack #HandSign4Kids #LetsSaveSomeKids

The barn owl is New Zealand's newest native raptor, but what impact do they have on our native species? Rotorua's Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre is undertaking research to better understand the barn owls' role in our environment. Noel Hyde is one of New Zealand's most well-respected wildlife taxidermists. In 2018, he was awarded Member of the New Zealand Order of merit (MNZM) for services to wildlife conservation and research taxidermy. Noel speaks with Susie.

Checkpoint has been inundated with messages from people affected by the cost of Air New Zealand's domestic flights. That includes a Rotorua man, who instead of flying direct to Christchurch for work, leaves home at 1:30 in the morning to drive to Auckland Airport in order to save hundreds on air fares. An 18-year-old also can't come home for his first university holidays because of the cost of flights. Air New Zealand's chief financial officer Richard Thomson spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Jesse talks to Rev Timothy Lee, the Committee chairman, Rotorua CCS Disability Action Access Group. The new Accessibility for All management policy was recently submitted to the Community and District Development Committee and it's hoped it will create a more equitable Rotorua for all its citizens

"Compassion isn't convenient or easy."Christian Dawson, Pastor of Worship at Bridgetown Church, explores the parable of the Good Samaritan, challenging us to embody love and lean into compassion for others, even when it's inconvenient. Key Scripture Passage: Luke 10v25-37This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Adam from New Braunfels, Texas; Liz from Tihiotonga, Rotorua; Melissa from Hastings, Minnesota; James from Irving, Texas; and Megan from Norwich, Norfolk. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

Mark Adams is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's foremost photographers. His focus on Samoan tatau, Maori-Pakeha interactions in Rotorua, carved meeting houses, locations of significance for Ngai Tahu in Te Waipounamu, and James Cook's landing sites reflect his deep engagement with our postcolonial and Pacific histories. A new exhibition Mark Adams: A Survey He Kohinga Whakaahua showcases more than 65 works spanning his 50-year career as a photographer.

Kelly updates Kathryn on the latest events in Rotorua including the mysterious death of 3-year-old Travis, the alleged attack of a food charity worker, a top police officer 'Murph' has died, and Rotorua celebrates Te Arawa's Te Matatini groups. Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist with the Rotorua Daily Post.

The Resources and Regional Development Minister will be trying to convince iwi of the benefits of tapping geothermal energy under Māori-owned land, when he meets with around 40 iwi groups at a hui in Rotorua on Friday. Māori News journalist Pokere Paewai has this report.

A new Rotorua housing development is offering cheaper rent to some essential workers. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

On today's episode, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has won facetime and favour with global heavyweight Narendra Modi on a frenetic full day in India, where both pledged greater military cooperation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has been in meetings with US officials in Washington DC, the Whangarei District Council has backed down from its bid to keep fluoride out of the city's water, the drought in the Central North Island is really starting to bite for farmers, a new Rotorua housing development is offering cheaper rent to some essential workers and Nathan Rarere is excited for the upcoming baseball season.

Welcome to Freetrail's coverage of the 2025 Tarawera by UTMB! Set against the beautiful backdrop of Rotorua, NZ, an outdoor and trail sport mecca known for its rolling hills, thermal pools, and beautiful lakes, Tarawera plays host to four different race distances — 100m, 102k, 50k, & 21k. We'll be covering as much as we can from all races, with a particular focus on the 102k where four Golden Tickets to Western States are on the line.    This is our official 102k pre-race show discussing the history of Tarawera, the course, the top contenders, and our predictions for how things might unfold.   Follow along for coverage all weekend and follow us on IG for race day coverage from the course.   Thanks to HOKA for supporting the show!

Welcome to Freetrail's coverage of the 2025 Tarawera by UTMB! Set against the beautiful backdrop of Rotorua, NZ, an outdoor and trail sport mecca known for its rolling hills, thermal pools, and beautiful lakes, Tarawera plays host to four different race distances — 100m, 102k, 50k, & 21k. We'll be covering as much as we can from all races, with a particular focus on the 102k where four Golden Tickets to Western States are on the line.    Follow along for coverage all weekend and follow us on IG for race day coverage from the course.   Thanks to HOKA for supporting the show!

Welcome to Freetrail's coverage of the 2025 Tarawera by UTMB! Set against the beautiful backdrop of Rotorua, NZ, an outdoor and trail sport mecca known for its rolling hills, thermal pools, and beautiful lakes, Tarawera plays host to four different race distances — 100m, 102k, 50k, & 21k. We'll be covering as much as we can from all races, with a particular focus on the 102k where four Golden Tickets to Western States are on the line.    Follow along for coverage all weekend and follow us on IG for race day coverage from the course.   Thanks to HOKA for supporting the show!