Breakfast briefing

River strengthening

Works to help strengthen the Kaituna River bank have started on a small section of Te Puke Highway near the intersection of Pah Rd. The works aim to create a safer, more resilient road and to strengthen the river bank opposite Tuhourangi Marae, which has seen erosion. The road will remain open with a 50kmh speed limit. The works are scheduled to be completed by late-march.

Delays on SH30

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises multiple worksites are active on State Highway 30 Te Ngae Rd, between Sala St and Iles Rd, next week. Delays are expected as a result of these works and may be significant at times, particularly at the Tarawera Rd and Sala St intersections. Where possible Waka Kotahi encourages motorists to avoid travelling during peak times.

Mud pool death

The discovery of a body in a thermal mud pool on Thursday is not being treated as suspicious. A post mortem was expected to be carried out yesterday and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

Covid latest

There are currently 298 people in managed isolation in three facilities across Rotorua. There are 5471 people in managed isolation nationwide.

Path network expansion

A shared path network in eastern Rotorua will expand to Vaughan Rd over the next year. Work on the first section is starting this month. Earlier this year, Rotorua Lakes Council received $20 million from the Government for ‘shovel-ready projects’ to support growth in the eastern suburbs. Of this, $5m was earmarked for road upgrades to encourage use of alternative transport modes.

Mobile blood drive

People looking to give blood can head to the New Zealand Blood Service mobile blood drive at Rotorua's Distinction Hotel next week. It opens on Monday between 1pm and 7pm and Tuesday between 7.30am and 1pm.

Waito¯haruru redo

A plan is under way for the redevelopment of Waito¯haruru, also known as Tarawera Landing. The concept plan addresses a number of known issues including damaged or aging infrastructure. View the concept plan and share your thoughts at the council website.

DOC orchid hunt

The Department of Conservation is calling for volunteers to help rangers survey the rare red-bearded orchid. This will involve grid searching and doing the annual count of red-bearded orchids on November 26 between 9am and 1pm. A sunhat, drink, snacks, raincoat and jersey are required.