Lack of play areas for kids in emergency housing prompts wellbeing concerns
19 Apr, 2021 06:00 PM
6 minutes to read
There are concerns cramped conditions in emergency housing could harm children s development. Photo / File
A lack of safe spaces for children to play in Rotorua motels used for emergency housing has some worried children s development and wellbeing will suffer long term. This follows long-held concerns that kids living in motels - potentially spending weeks in cramped conditions - are being exposed to distressing situations, with families living alongside gang members.
Official documents show ministers were warned about the risks to public safety in Rotorua a year ago, and that week-by-week motel accommodation is not so suitable for families, or those with high needs, Radio New Zealand revealed yesterday.
Rotorua Daily Post Christmas appeal final tally revealed
30 Jan, 2021 01:00 AM
2 minutes to read
Rotorua Salvation Army corps officer Kylie Overbye in the foodbank. Photo / File
Shauni James is the Rotorua Weekender reportershauni.james@nzme.co.nz@thedailypost
Christmas holiday generosity has meant hundreds of needy families will benefit from the work the Salvation Army does this year.
In the six-week lead up to Christmas, the Rotorua Daily Post Salvation Army Foodbank Christmas Appeal saw non-perishable food and monetary donations roll in.
An initial tally just before Christmas put the total value of donations at $57,365.80.
Now we can reveal the total has risen to $64,984.90 due to last-minute donations.
Back to school costs: Families prepare for the 2021 school year
27 Jan, 2021 05:00 PM
6 minutes to read
Dozens of Bay children are on a waiting list to get back to school funding. Photo / Getty Images
Some Bay families are preparing for a tough start to the term as the stress of back to school costs begins to settle in. Dozens of Bay schoolkids are on children s charity Variety s waiting list to get funding for basic essentials including uniform and stationery for 2021 - and the region s schools will receive more than 200,000 items of KidsCan food in the first term.
Meanwhile, low decile schools are reducing stationery costs, sourcing cheaper uniforms, dropping fees and ensuring parents know there is food support at school.
Rotorua Daily Post Year in Review: May 2020
2 Jan, 2021 02:19 AM
3 minutes to read
Rotorua Primary School students Elodie Lines, 9, Taine Acton, 10, and India Rogers, 9, were happy to be back at school. Photo / File
Rotorua Primary School students Elodie Lines, 9, Taine Acton, 10, and India Rogers, 9, were happy to be back at school. Photo / File
Rotorua Daily Post
The Rotorua Daily Post is looking back at the stories of 2020. Here s what made headlines in May.
May 6
Business chambers and forestry leaders across the country called on the Government to adopt a wood-first policy, saying it would create more than 3000 jobs nationwide.
The policy would mean homegrown wood and processed timber would be the preferred building material for publicly-funded residential, commercial and public buildings post Covid-19.
Rotorua s 2021 New Year wishes: Housing, a swift Covid-19 recovery and unicorns everywhere among top hopes
31 Dec, 2020 05:00 PM
6 minutes to read
From left, top: Steve Chadwick, Sandra Kai Fong, Todd McClay, Danielle Marks. From left, bottom: Kylie Overbye, Bryce Heard, Sir Toby Curtis, Tāmati Coffey.
Housing, a strong economic recovery and the disestablishment of Oranga Tamariki are among the wishes of Rotorua s leaders for 2021. Local Democracy reporter Felix Desmarais spoke to the district s leaders to find out their New Year wish list.
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick
In 2021 I want to see a collaborative and collective emphasis on housing, community safety, community leadership and wellbeing – key topics elected members are discussing as we work towards the council s next long-term plan.