Motutawa Island, Rotorua

Share what you've seen!

Share what you've seen!

If you know of crime happening locally, let your neighbours know here.

98 days ago

PAINT IT ORANGE

Resene

Paint it Orange - Arthritis - 1st - 29th November 2025

Paint it orange with Resene for Arthritis NZ!

Buy any orange Resene testpot 60 ml at your local Resene owned ColorShop in November and Resene will donate $1 to Arthritis NZ!

The more orange testpots you buy, the more will be donated.
Find out more

Image
103 days ago

Sprucing up our urban areas: good idea or not?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In central Palmerston North, landlords are being offered incentives to give their properties a tidy-up. Key to this: dedicated funding.

We want to know: Should city-wide refresh projects be rolled out across all Kiwi urban areas? Or would this be a waste of funds that could be allocated … View more
In central Palmerston North, landlords are being offered incentives to give their properties a tidy-up. Key to this: dedicated funding.

We want to know: Should city-wide refresh projects be rolled out across all Kiwi urban areas? Or would this be a waste of funds that could be allocated elsewhere?

Image
113 days ago

Police issue warning over electric dirt bikes

The Team from Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

Electric dirt bikes are creating serious concerns for Police, with the vehicles featuring in a growing number of crashes and cases of illegal riding.

In most instances, the bikes, which can exceed 80kmh, are required to be registered. That comes as a shock to many of the riders who Police speak … View more
Electric dirt bikes are creating serious concerns for Police, with the vehicles featuring in a growing number of crashes and cases of illegal riding.

In most instances, the bikes, which can exceed 80kmh, are required to be registered. That comes as a shock to many of the riders who Police speak to, says Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter, the Area Road Policing Manager for Western Bay of Plenty.
“We’ve seen people riding dangerously and crashes involving pedestrians and vehicles, and people need to realise that just because these dirt bikes are electric, it doesn’t mean they are allowed on the road.”

“Ignorance won’t protect you from fines or having your dirt bike confiscated, and Police are routinely stopping riders on electric dirt bikes to make sure both the bike and the rider are compliant with the law.”

It comes as the vehicles gain popularity.
“We’re now dealing with roughly four cases involving electric dirtbikes a week and people have been hurt. Currently one e bike has been impounded for dangerous riding and the cost to retrieve the e bike after the 28 days impound was $900.
"Two others have received injuries after colliding with cars and numerous riders have received infringements. If you have one of these bikes, you need to know where you can and can’t ride it, the same responsibilities as any motorist.”

You need a valid driver’s licence if:
🔹The electric motor exceeds 300 watts (not kilowatts)
🔹The bike is capable of speeds over 50kmh
🔹The bike does not have pedals (i.e., it cannot be classified as a power-assisted cycle).
The bike needs a Warrant of Fitness and registration if:
🔹If it can exceed 50kmh: It must be registered as a motorcycle
🔹If it cannot exceed 50kmh: It may be registered as a moped
🔹In both cases, the vehicle must be entry certified and meet roadworthy standards
🔹A Warrant of Fitness is required unless exempted (e.g., some mopeds).
Electric dirt bikes are not bicycles if:
🔹They lack pedals
🔹They have motors exceeding 300 watts
🔹They are capable of autonomous propulsion without rider input.

Image
112 days ago

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain!

From 4 pm Wednesday 12 November till 9 am Thursday 13 November, Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne/Tairawhiti north of Tokomaru Bay are under an Orange Heavy Rain Watch.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and… View more
Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain!

From 4 pm Wednesday 12 November till 9 am Thursday 13 November, Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne/Tairawhiti north of Tokomaru Bay are under an Orange Heavy Rain Watch.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible.
Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Image
115 days ago

Living with advanced prostate cancer?

Prostate Cancer Foundation

Or maybe you’re caring for someone who is. Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ invites you to join them and local specialists for a patient information evening at Trinity Wharf Tauranga, Tuesday 11 November. Learn how new therapies, technologies, and innovations are improving outcomes and quality of … View moreOr maybe you’re caring for someone who is. Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ invites you to join them and local specialists for a patient information evening at Trinity Wharf Tauranga, Tuesday 11 November. Learn how new therapies, technologies, and innovations are improving outcomes and quality of life for men living with advanced prostate cancer.

7-9pm. FREE Entry. Registration required.
For patients, families, whānau, carers, and health professionals.
Find out more

Image
118 days ago

Police investigating serious assault in Ōpōtiki

The Team from Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

Police are investigating after a man was seriously assaulted in his Ōpōtiki home early this morning.

The man sustained serious injuries in the assault, which is believed to have involved several offenders.

The man has been transported to hospital and enquiries are under way to identify and … View more
Police are investigating after a man was seriously assaulted in his Ōpōtiki home early this morning.

The man sustained serious injuries in the assault, which is believed to have involved several offenders.

The man has been transported to hospital and enquiries are under way to identify and locate those responsible for the assault.

A scene guard is in place at the house where the assault took place and nearby residents can expect to see a continued police presence as our enquiries continue.

If anyone has information which could assist our enquiries, they’re asked to contact Police and quote file number 251106/9516.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Image
118 days ago

Bright Spots winners!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A big congratulations to the 2025 Resene Bright Spots winners! We are proud to announce our ten winners who have all won a $250 Prezzy card and a $250 Resene Gift card!

Deepa Keenawinna - Lower Hutt (home crafts)
Slava Voronin - Kerikeri (blossoming tree)
Sam Holliday - Paraparaumu (hot pink … View more
A big congratulations to the 2025 Resene Bright Spots winners! We are proud to announce our ten winners who have all won a $250 Prezzy card and a $250 Resene Gift card!

Deepa Keenawinna - Lower Hutt (home crafts)
Slava Voronin - Kerikeri (blossoming tree)
Sam Holliday - Paraparaumu (hot pink outdoor chair)
Chris Carlyon - Waikanae (French Bulldog painting)
Joel Bradley - Auckland (Kea painting)
Jayne Walton - Rangiora (rainbow gate
Charmaine Macpherson - Cheviot (colourful bathtab)
Adele Whittaker - Auckland (school mural)
Karan Robson - Foxton Beach (blue backdoor)
Dave Bang - Levin (native bird mural)

Take a look at their wonderful colourful entries below. A huge thank you to everyone who shared a Bright Spot in their community this year; we have loved seeing the places in your neighbourhood that bring you joy.

119 days ago

Brave mum seeking a place to rest and be spoilt

SPCA - Rotorua Centre

Kitten season is almost here. Over the next six months, more than 10,000 kittens and mums will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these families the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today!

Fostering saves lives and helps mums raise their bubs in a safe and quiet … View more
Kitten season is almost here. Over the next six months, more than 10,000 kittens and mums will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these families the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today!

Fostering saves lives and helps mums raise their bubs in a safe and quiet environment. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!

120 days ago

Break free with The Bayview

Oceania The Bayview Village

Why spend another summer mowing lawns and clipping hedges? Secure your spot at The Bayview today and kickstart your real retirement in effortless style.

Beautiful homes with all the space and none of the maintenance. Not to mention a $10,000 island holiday, $5,000 moving package, plus your … View more
Why spend another summer mowing lawns and clipping hedges? Secure your spot at The Bayview today and kickstart your real retirement in effortless style.

Beautiful homes with all the space and none of the maintenance. Not to mention a $10,000 island holiday, $5,000 moving package, plus your first year’s weekly fees free*.

Ready to escape? Call our Retirement Limbo Hotline on 0800 920 002.

*Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. Visit retirementlimbo.co.nz for full T&Cs.
Learn More

Image
149 days ago

Share your favourite raspberry recipe and win a copy of our mag!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love raspberries? We will give away free copies of the December 2025 issue to readers whose raspberry recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way enjoy raspberry (dessert, salad, jam main?!): mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by October 24, … View moreLove raspberries? We will give away free copies of the December 2025 issue to readers whose raspberry recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way enjoy raspberry (dessert, salad, jam main?!): mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by October 24, 2025.

Image
129 days ago

Homicide investigation launched: Te Puke

The Team from Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

A homicide investigation has been launched after the death of a man who was critically injured in Te Puke on Saturday.

At around 10.30am, Police received a report of a person having been admitted to hospital with a critical gunshot wound. Today, despite best efforts by medical experts, the man … View more
A homicide investigation has been launched after the death of a man who was critically injured in Te Puke on Saturday.

At around 10.30am, Police received a report of a person having been admitted to hospital with a critical gunshot wound. Today, despite best efforts by medical experts, the man died this morning.

Police are now working to establish the full circumstances of what has occurred, and to locate those involved.

A scene examination is taking place in the Maneoka area, and nearby residents can expect to see an ongoing Police presence in the coming days.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage in the Maneoka area on Saturday 25 October between 10am and 11am.
We would also like to speak with anyone who may have information that can assist in our investigation.

If you can assist in our enquiries, please contact Police online through 105.police.govt.nz, clicking "Update Report" or by calling 105.
Please use the reference number 251025/0395.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Image
144 days ago

Break free with The Bayview

Oceania The Bayview Village

Why spend another summer mowing lawns and clipping hedges? Secure your spot at The Bayview today and kickstart your real retirement in effortless style.

Beautiful homes with all the space and none of the maintenance. Not to mention a $10,000 island holiday, $5,000 moving package, plus your … View more
Why spend another summer mowing lawns and clipping hedges? Secure your spot at The Bayview today and kickstart your real retirement in effortless style.

Beautiful homes with all the space and none of the maintenance. Not to mention a $10,000 island holiday, $5,000 moving package, plus your first year’s weekly fees free*.

Ready to escape? Call our Retirement Limbo Hotline on 0800 920 002.

*Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. Visit retirementlimbo.co.nz for full T&Cs.
Learn More

Image
148 days ago

Police search for Jayleb-Che

The Team from Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

Police are asking public near Waiotapu Loop Road to search their property for anything that may relate to the search for Jayleb-Che, age 36, who has been missing since Tuesday 30 September in Rotorua.

Police, and Search and Rescue, are actively searching the area where Jayleb-Che was last known … View more
Police are asking public near Waiotapu Loop Road to search their property for anything that may relate to the search for Jayleb-Che, age 36, who has been missing since Tuesday 30 September in Rotorua.

Police, and Search and Rescue, are actively searching the area where Jayleb-Che was last known to be.

Police would like to hear from members of the public who used the ‘hot and cold’ pools on Waiotapu Loop Road between 10pm on Tuesday 30 September and 10am on Wednesday 1 October.
- Police are particularly interested in any dashcam or CCTV footage.
- People residing in the immediate vicinity are asked to search properties in case Jayleb-Che has been there.

Much of the search area terrain is unsafe for public to search so Police advise public and family members who wish to assist, to confine their search to the roads in the area, for safety reasons.

Anyone with any information is asked to please contact Police via 105, referencing file number 251003/5935.

Image
156 days ago

Summerset’s Nationwide Open Day, this Sunday

Summerset Retirement Village

If you’re curious about retirement village living, don’t wonder, come have a wander.

If you’re just starting your journey, or ready now, a Summerset Open Day could be the perfect first step. Why not bring your friends and family and make a day of it? See for yourself why our residents love… View more
If you’re curious about retirement village living, don’t wonder, come have a wander.

If you’re just starting your journey, or ready now, a Summerset Open Day could be the perfect first step. Why not bring your friends and family and make a day of it? See for yourself why our residents love the Summerset life.

We can’t wait to welcome you on Sunday 5 October from 10am – 2pm.
Find out more

Image
165 days ago

Here's one for the diary

Summerset Retirement Villages

Summerset’s Nationwide Open Day is on Sunday 5 October. All 38 of our villages are open from 10am to 2pm. Find out more

Image
Top