Written by Mathew Nash
The expansion of a 281-pupil Māori-language school near Rotorua Airport now faces an independent hearing, with safety objections delaying the build.
Initial testing has eased fears of PFAS contamination in Lake Rotorua and found no significant harm from decades of forest wastewater irrigation.
Property owners could save about NZD $107 million as new earthquake rules cut the number of Rotorua buildings classed as prone from 66 to 40.
Visitors must wait another two years, even after the long-delayed Rotorua Museum build was finished on time and under budget.
Shops in Rotorua's CBD say sales have fallen sharply since new parking rules began, with some owners now planning to move out.
Lake advocates say the wall may keep corroding for years, with repairs now pushed into 2027 and costs put at up to GBP £12.5 million.
Approvals for earthworks on 5.65 hectares could unlock a 20-year airport business park plan, with new jobs and flood safeguards in Rotorua.
The council could be forced into a government-designed restructure unless ministers grant extra time after its regional reform plan collapsed.
Residents fear forced moves and possible homelessness if the council's plans for Rotorua's biggest pensioner housing block proceed.
