Royal visit to Rotorua - what you need to know
Rotorua's Government Gardens is the place to be if you want to catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The walkabout is scheduled to take place between 3.30pm to 4pm along Queen's Drive. People are being advised to arrive well in advance and to be prepared for any weather.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is also providing a free park and ride service, enabling people to park at the Rotorua Racecourse on Fenton St, with buses taking them to the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre in the central city.
The Park and Ride car park will be open from 9am and the buses will be running at regular intervals between midday and 5pm.
Road closures:
Queens Dr from archway to roundabout, 6pm 30 Oct to 5pm 31 Oct
Queens Dr from roundabout to EEC carpark, 8am to 5pm 31 Oct
Oruawhata Dr from Memorial Dr roundabout to Museum/Blue Baths cnr 8am to 5pm 31 Oct
Arawa St from Fenton St roundabout to Hinemaru St, 30min before event to 30min after event passing
Hinemaru St from Arawa St to Pukuatua St, 6am to 5pm 31 Oct
Hinemaru St from Pukaki St to Arawa St, 30min before event to 30min after event passing
*Please note the times of road closures could change.
Don't:
Don't bring chairs
Don't bring alcohol – the Government Gardens has a liquor ban
Don't bring your dog
Don't bring your drone – there is a no-fly zone over the Government Gardens and this includes drones
More information here!
Haven Falls Funeral Home Ki Rotorua
Haven Falls are very blessed to be opening their new branch in Rotorua.
Located at 271 Old Taupo Road, Rotorua these facilities offer a large chapel, dining hall and extended off road parking.
We invite you at anytime to pop in and speak with one of our team members and have a look around the facilities offered.
We operate 24 hours 7 days a week.
0800 428366
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.