Book reviews - celebrating Rotorua's history

This week we review some gems in our collection, which celebrate Rotorua's history and people.

100 years of Rotorua / by Ian Rockel

This book was published in 1979 by then Rotorua Museum director Ian Rockel, ahead of the 1980 Rotorua Centenary.

Rockel divides the book into sections looking at various aspects of Rotorua's history including growth, tourism, industry, forestry, people, construction, transport, government, farming, church, and the district's founding settlers.

The book also features over 150 photographs illustrating the history of Rotorua's first 100 years.

This book can be found on the 1st Floor,
NZ History / Travel and 2nd Floor Rotorua Heritage at 993.423Z ONE

This book review was written by Graeme


The Parish of Rotorua, 1889-1989: 100 years by St Luke's Church, Rotorua

This book was published to celebrate 100 years of St Luke's Anglican Church in Rotorua. The cover shows the original St Luke's (circa. 1905) and the replacement St Luke's which opened in 1975.

Beginning with  a brief history of early missionaries in Rotorua, the book then contains snapshots of events and meeting minutes, celebrating the years. Photographs illustrate throughout.

Features of the "new" church are described, along with a list of the vicars who had served over the 100 years.

The book concludes with a look to the future, and the centennial programme for the for the week long celebrations.

This book can be found on the 2nd Floor, in the Don Stafford Room
 in the Rotorua Heritage Collection at 289.93 PAR

This book review was written by Trish

City of Rotorua Museum and Arts Centre / published by Rotorua City Council c.1969?

This booklet was published to showcase the new museum which opened officially on the 1^st November 1969.

Their aims for this museum were ‘to reflect the background and perhaps foretell the future of this vibrant district’

‘It has been established and is supported entirely by the Rotorua City Council in the belief that such an institution is a pre-requisite to the cultural maturity of a growing city’

The booklet shows the grandeur of the Bath House in black & white photographs and describes the very first exhibitions.  At this time the Art Gallery was in a small corner of the museum and was managed by the Rotorua Society of Arts.

Don Stafford, here pictured as curator of the Museum : With thanks to the Daily Post
for this article published in 'Picture Post' July 1969 pg. 15

The Government Gardens / Philip Andrews c2005

This colourful and informative book was written by local historian Mr Phil Andrews. His introduction sets the scene with this description of the land before it became the Government Gardens that we know and love today.  It was described as “dreary, swampy, scrubby place… a howling wilderness”

The Fenton Agreement which was signed in 1880 was debated and negotiated between the Te Komiti Nui o Rotorua (The Great Committee) and Judge Fenton on behalf of the government of the day. 

Phil gives us a readable history of each of the many features and buildings of the gardens and throughout this book there are photographs of what it once was and how it was in c2005 as photographed mostly by John Wheadon. 

The older photographs and postcards were supplied from various sources as noted with each image.  Phil includes aerial photographs which show the location of each historical feature in the gardens and also the wider Sanatorium Reserve Sites.

A number of the features, buildings and memorials have been restored to their original pristine state, with the Bath House still awaiting earthquake strengthening and upgrade of the buildings most historic features. 

Photo by Alison Leigh 2013

These book reviews written by Alison

The Pride of a Century: the Daily Post centennial issue, August 28, 1980

Stories are amazing and can instil in the listener or reader a sense of tradition and history. For this writer, my imagination was stimulated. I was able to see through the lens of story-telling the pride that local people have in their place, their town, their city. The issue is more the development of a township with its history of tourism and unique thermal attractions. The stories reflect a sense of pride in the people and events that shaped this place, Rotorua. Some highlights include a historical timeline spanning 630 years from the discoveries of Ihenga to the amalgamated local government body, The Rotorua District Council. One of my favourites I have to stay are the stories of the development of transport from the horse drawn to horse powered. There was one advertisement that brought back memories of the 80s and the 'big hair' fashion trend. Thank you to the "Hair Shop and Rodneys Hairdressing Salons".

Features of the issue:

• Thermal nurseries - garden centre
• Two Miss New Zealand's - Maureen Waaka 1962, Linda Ritchie 1971
• The creation of the township of Rotorua and local government
• Memories of how the town has changed through the eyese of local people
• Notable people in Rotorua's history: Rotohiko Haupapa, Guide Rangi, Roger Dansey
• Advertisements such as, "Aunt Janet's Prize Baking Flour"
• The land wars
• The growth at Ohinemutu
• Introducing electricity
• Congratulations from local businesses
• Te Arawa Maori Trust Board created as a result of the Tamihana Korokai vs The Solicitor General case
• Sports
• One of Rotorua's oldest drapery firms, The Gardner Group
• Tourism - unique thermal attractions i.e. pink & white terraces, thermal pools, geysers
• Mokoia Island history
• Whakarewarewa
• Transport
• The eruption
• The world wars
• Services - police
• My favourite - The Hair Shop and Rodneys Hairdressing Salons

Advertisement, The Hair Shop and Rodneys

This centennial issue of The Daily Post can be found in
 the Don Stafford Room at 993.423Z PRI OVERSIZE

The book review was written by Ani

October 18th yesterday

Do you remember what you were doing on this date last year, five years ago, 10 years ago etc? This blog post looks back at what was happening in Rotorua on 18th October, yesteryear.

18 October 2004 - 15 years ago

The Daily Post had coverage of the second annual Rotorua Reebok Ekiden Relay that had been held on Saturday. 260 teams of six team members walked the marathon distance of 42.2 kilometres in rainy conditions around the shores of Lake Rotorua.

Source: Rotorua Daily Post, Monday 18 October 2004, p. 2. Photos: Tracey Robinson

18 October 1994 - 25 years ago

Lakeland Health chief executive David Buckleigh announced his resignation after 18 months in the role.

Also a general meeting was held to vote on the proposed merger of Rotorua Electricity with Bay of Plenty Electricity. There were angry calls for Rotorua Electricity chairman Jack Butterworth to resign after he announced the meeting would be adjourned for three weeks.

18 October 1969 - 50 years ago

On Saturday morning Malfroy Road School pupils held a mini-walkathon. The picture below shows signs, such as 'Miles for piles of books', which would suggest the walkathon was to raise funds for new books.

Also in education news, nine-year-old Rotorua Primary School student Shane Eaton was preparing for heats for the national frog jumping championship being held at Rotorua Primary School.

Malfroy Road School walkathon. Source: The Daily Post, Saturday 18 October 1969, p. 1.

Rotorua Primary School student Shane Eaton prepares for national frog jumping championships. Source: The Daily Post, Saturday 18 October 1969, p. 1.

18 October 1939 - 80 years ago

In October 1939 petty theft was an issue.

Firstly there was a word of warning to those stealing flowers that they would face penalties under the law. It had been reported on several occasions that flowers had been removed from Kuirau reserve, and in some case entire plants and bulbs had been taken.

Also it was also reported that petrol was being siphoned out of tanks. Motorists had been returning to theirs cars to find their tanks nearly empty.

18 October 1919 - 100 years ago

On Saturday 18th October 1919 the Arawa tribe gave a reception to General, Lady and Miss Russell at Ohinemutu. Sir Andrew Russell was presented with a feather mat as a gift.

Source: Wanganui Chronicle, Monday 20 October 1919, p. 9. Courtesy of Papers Past.

This post was written by Graeme. Thanks to Rotorua Daily Post and Papers Past.

Runaway Millionaires

Last night Runaway Millionaires screened on TVNZ 1. The Sunday Night Theatre telefeature told the true story of former Rotorua couple Leo Gao and Kara Hurring who fled the country after accidentally receiving a $10 million overdraft.

The TVNZ drama written by Pip Hall and directed by Danny Mulheron starred Australian actor George Zhao as Gao and Jess Sayer as Hurring. Joel Tobeck also starred as Rotorua Detective Inspector Mark Loper.

While the majority of the production was filmed in Auckland the cast and crew were in Rotorua last November shooting location scenes for the production.

Accidental millionaires

On April 19th 2009 Gao applied for an overdraft of $100,000 for his BP service station business, which was located on the corner of Old Taupo and Otonga Roads. Two days later a Westpac employee made an error with a decimal point providing an overdraft of $10 million.

Between April 24th and May 4th funds totalling $6.7 million were withdrawn from the business account. Gao left New Zealand on April 29th and Hurring followed on May 3rd.

On May 5th Westpac learnt of their mistake. At the time Westpac was able to recover $2.9 million but around $3.8 million was missing. At the time of trial $3.3 million had not been recovered.

After the Rotorua Daily Post broke the story it was an event that received national and international media attention and spanned three years.

Rotorua Daily Post, Friday 22 May 2009, p. 1.

On February 25th 2011 Hurring returned to New Zealand voluntarily and was arrested at Auckland International Airport.

Gao was stopped in September 2011 by the Hong Kong border patrol when he tried to cross from mainland China to Hong Kong. He was arrested by members of Interpol. Gao did not oppose extradition and returned to New Zealand in December of that year.

In May 2012 Hurring plead not guilty to 25 counts of theft, three counts of attempting to dishonestly use a document and two counts of money laundering.

It took the jury less than an hour to find Hurring guilty of all charges after a 4 day trial at Rotorua District Court.

On June 12th Gao plead guilty to seven charges of theft.

On August 24th Gao was sentenced to four years and seven months in prison and Hurring served nine months home detention. Gao was released from prison after serving sixteen months.

Rotorua Daily Post, Saturday 19 May 2012, p. 1.

Rotorua Daily Post, Wednesday 13 June 2012, p. 5.

Rotorua Library staff member and former journalist Abigail Hartevelt broke the story for the Rotorua Daily Post. Abigail kindly shared her memories covering the story with us.

How did you first become aware of the story?
As a journalist and now a former journalist I can't possibly reveal my sources. I remember the first week or two after the story broke was absolutely crazy trying to get a story every day with a new angle.

When you first reported the story in May 2009 both Westpac and the Police were not forthcoming with information. How did this affect you and your colleagues reporting?
I guess as a journalist it was frustrating but they were there to do their jobs and we were there to do ours.

After the Rotorua Daily Post reported the story other media organisation would have descended on Rotorua. Can you describe this experience?
Descend on Rotorua they certainly did. Oh my word it was pretty full on but how could they not. Have you ever heard of anyone getting $10 million accidentally deposited into their bank account? This story attracted local, national and international media attention.

What were your memories of covering the court cases for Leo Gao and Kara Hurring?
I remember there was a lot of media. Media sat at the press bench but also in the public gallery and even the jury box during Leo Gao's court appearances. I might add there was no jury needed in Leo's case as he pleaded guilty to the charges. I remember having to go live to be interviewed on BBC World after the pair were sentenced and thinking I was going to be sick. I hate being on TV. I have been caught up in a number of media scrums and I remember nearly falling over a sandwich board outside the Pig and Whistle as we followed Kara Hurring during her trial. At least I didn't actually fall over like I did at the end of another high profile court case. But that's a whole other story.

The Editor of the Rotorua Daily Post published an editorial on the Saturday after the story broke leading with the line: 'It's the kind of story that Hollywood movies are made of.' Did you ever think that this story would make it to the screen?
I'm surprised it has taken this long to be made into a movie.


This blog post was written by Graeme. Thanks to Abigail Hartevelt and the Daily Post.

Snow in Rotorua

Snow on Mount Tarawera, Mount Ngongotaha, and at Mamaku is not uncommon during the winter months but snow falling around the city is a more rare occurrence.

Nicola Marvin and Vanessa Marvin play in the snow at Mt Ngongotaha. Credit: Daily Post, Monday 7 September 1981, p.1.

On the 13th July 2017 around 12.45pm snow was seen falling in the city. It was not heavy enough to settle on the ground. Library staff remember standing at the windows at the Transition Library in Pukuatua Street watching the snow fall.

Metservice meteorologist Tom Adams told the Daily Post that snow fall in Rotorua was a 'a good indication locals won't have to go far to find snow'. Adams added that the snow in the city is 'sleety snow' and that this type of snow 'never lasts long but it's pretty cool to have it down at those residential levels.'

The outskirts of Rotorua, such as Mamaku, Waikite Valley, Reporoa and Broadland had heavier snowfall, and many locals made the trip to play in the snow. Rebecca Breitler of Ngongotaha took her sons Daniel, 15, and Josh, 13 to Mamaku to see the snow. She told the Daily Post that 'it's beautiful but cold, and good timing for the school holidays.'

Snow falls in Haupapa Street, 13 July 2017. Credit: Daily Post

Snow at Waikite Valley, 13 July 2017. Credit: Daily Post

Previously snow fell in the city on the 15th August 2011. It was reported that is was first time in at least five decades of snow falling in the city centre.

On the same day snow fell in downtown Auckland for the first time since the 1930s. It was also reported that the level of snow that fell in Wellington had not been seen since at least the 1970s.

Rotorua Primary School principal John Naera told the Daily Post that is was the first time it had snowed in his eighteen years at school. He said 'it was a real experience for [students], some of them haven't [touched] snow before. They were running around with open mouths and with their tongues out trying to catch snow flakes.'

Snowing in the city, 15 August 2011. Image and video credit: Adrian Hodge Photography

In 2006 while it did not snow in the city. There was another record. The maximum temperature for the 19th June was only 5.9°C, which was the lowest since at least 1964.

Also on 29th June 1994 while it did not snow in the city snow was reported falling in the areas of Fenton Park, Koutu and Sunnybrook. Orion Street resident Doug McLellan told the Daily Post that it was the first time snow had fell since he moved to Sunnybrook four years earlier.

This week Rotorua reached its coldest temperature for the year with a morning temperature of -2.6°C on Thursday. Will we see snow again?


This post was written by Graeme. With thanks to Adrian Hodge Photography and the Daily Post.

Sister Cities: Lake Macquarie, Australia

This post continues this month's series on Rotorua's Sister Cities. The third sister city to Rotorua was the City of Lake Macquarie in Australia. The city is located approximately 150 km north of Sydney. When the agreement was signed in 1997 approximately 180,000 people lived in the Lake Macquarie area of New South Wales, Australia.

The idea of a sister city relationship was first approached in 1994 when then Rotorua District Council Director of Community Services Greg Fraser meet Lake Macquarie's Bill Hanley at the New Zealand Sister Cities Convention in Timaru.

A number of discussions took place during the mid 1990s and in September 1997 Mayor John Kilpatrick led a delegation of more than 30 people to Rotorua where a formal agreement was signed.

Rotorua mayor Grahame Hall and Lake Macquarie mayor John Kilpatrick sign formal sister city agreement. Source: Daily Post, Wednesday 24 September 1997, p. 2

The official signing ceremony also included a powhiri and dinner. Māori cultural group Ngati Rangiwewehi performed and there was a special guest appearance by Rotorua's own Tina Turner, aka Bea Yates.

Mr Kilpatrick was presented with a weaving created at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. It was the last design by Emily Schuster, who had recently passed away.

Rotorua deputy mayor Johnny Lepper and John Kilpatrick hongi during the official ceremony. Source: Weekender, Friday 26 September 1997, p. 14

In November Grahame Hall and mayoress Sandy Hall led a 34-strong delegation to Lake Macquarie for a week-long visit where a reciprocal signing took place. The delegation included Deputy Mayor Johnny Lepper, Councillors Mita Mohi, Trevor Maxwell, Ben Benfield, Knocker Dean and Annie Bowie, as well as a group of Rotorua business and educational community representatives.

The two councils gifted each other paintings of local scenes. Rotorua was given a painting of Lake Macquarie and Rotorua gave Lake Macquarie a painting of the Rotorua Musuem of Art and History building.

Grahame Hall with a painting gifted to Rotorua from Lake Macquarie. Source: Daily Post, Tuesday 18 November 1997, p. 2

In February 1999 Grahame and Sandy Hall attended the official opening of Lake Macquarie's $6.5 million dollar athletic track and gymnasium. This was the first official function Hall attended since the sister city agreement was signed.

Over the years there have been numerous official and unofficial (dignitaries visiting while on holiday) visits between the two cities, including several sporting exchanges with runners in relay, marathon and half marathon events, particularly at high school level.

Glass plate presented to Rotorua District Council on the signing of the sister city agreement on 23 September 1997. 

This blog post was written by Graeme, with thanks to the Daily Post and the Rotorua Lakes Council.

A touch of the Irish

Rotorua Library will be hosting an exhibition Judging Shaw, on the legacy of Irish writer, George Bernard Shaw.

This exhibition marks the 85th anniversary of the Shaw's visit to New Zealand.

Shaw and guide, Rangi, at a hot springs in Rotorua. Photograph: LSE. Collection of the National Trust.

New Zealand Herald, 22 March 1934. Courtesy of Papers Past

Shaw and his wife visited Rotorua in March 1934 during a month long visit to New Zealand. During their time they visited tourist sites, such as the Rotorua Māori Arts and Craft School, Ohinemutu, Whakarewarewa, Tikitere, Hamurana Springs, and the Six Lakes.

He also attended an evening concert a Guide Rangi's Whakarewarewa home. Shaw attended the private concert on the condition that the first item be entirely in Māori and that he could leave after the first item if he desired. Shaw and his wife stayed until the end and he discussed Māoris' aptitude for music with Rangi afterwards.

Shaw and his wife also made a Sunday afternoon visit to Mount Maunganui with Dr. and Mrs J. D. C. Duncan of Rotorua.

Shaw described Rotorua as "an uncommonly pleasant place, though it smells of brimstone like Hades." He admired the beauty of the region's lakes and scenic attractions, and was particularly impressed with the Church at Ohinemutu, with its interior of Māori carving and weaving.

Judging Shaw exhibition is on 23-29 March 2019.



Shaw is not the only significant visitor from Ireland. Over the years Rotorua has hosted political figures, religious leaders, performers, and sports figures.

Mary Robinson, President of Ireland

The seventh President of Ireland and the first woman to hold this office, Mary Robinson visited Rotorua in 1993.

Mrs Robinson are her husband made a brief visit to Whakarewarewa before travelling onto Wellington.

At Whakerewarewa Robinson greeted Eileen Murphy, who is the great niece of the first President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde (he was Murphy's grandmother's brother). Murphy's husband Detective Sergeant Dennis Murphy introduced them, he at the time was head of the city's crime control unit and was assisting with security during the President's visit.

Rotorua Mayor Grahame Hall greets Irish President Mary Robinson and husband Nicholas. Credit: The Daily Post, Thursday 16 September 1993, p. 3.

Detective Sergeant Dennis Murphy introduces his wife Eileen to the President of the Irish Republic, Mary Robinson. Credit: The Daily Post, Friday 17 September 1993, p. 2.

Irish Rugby Team

The Irish Rugby team visited Rotorua in 1997 as part of a tour. Ireland A played the Bay of Plenty Steamers at the Rotorua International Stadium on Thursday May 29th. The Steamers won 52-39.

An Irish team visited again in 2010 and played New Zealand Māori team on Friday June 18th at the Rotorua International Stadium as part of the New Zealand Māori rugby team's centenary celebrations. About 13,500 people attended the game that saw New Zealand Māori team win 31-28.

Ireland A halfback Andrew Machett. Credit: The Daily Post, Friday 30 May 1997, p. 5

Rotorua resident Eamon O'Donogue supporting his home country of Ireland. Credit: The Daily Post, Saturday 19 June 2010, p. 4.



NZ Maori versus Ireland, June 18 2010, programme. Available for viewing in the Don Stafford Room, Rotorua Library





Compiled with information sourced from The Daily Post and Papers Past.
This post was written by Graeme.

Float plane - 50 years in Rotorua

This month marks fifty years since the first commercial float plane service begun in Rotorua.

Float plane. Credit: Rotorua Photo News, No. 66, 15 March 1969.

In 1968, the Rotorua Aero Club made an application to the Rotorua City Council to introduce a float plane service. The Council declined the application in June stating that the service would be 'to the detriment of the public's right of enjoyment of lake and the lakefront reserve.'

In November 1968, The Daily Post run with the headline 'Floatplane on lakefront by Christmas'. The Council was considering approving the application provided consent from other affected parties was obtained. In December the application was granted.

A Cessna 180A, ZK-BVG was chosen as the aircraft for the the initial service. The Cessna has been used as a charter plane in Rotorua since 1959.

Cessna 180A, ZK-BVG, before conversion to float plane. Credit: Flying the Thermal Skies (Stafford, Don, 1983).

Captain Freddie P. Ladd piloted the first service. Ladd with 30 years flying experience had come to Rotorua from Auckland in October 1968 to organise the service.

The four-seater plane was consecrated by Reverend N. Te Hau before its first demonstration passenger flight on Friday January 10 1969. The passengers on the first flight were Mayor of Rotorua Murray Linton and his wife, and the chairman of the Rotorua County Council J.B. Thomas.

Commercial flights began the following day.

Mayor Murray Lindon, watched by Captain Ladd, cuts the ribbon to set the float plane service in action. Credit: The Daily Post, Friday 10 January, 1969, p. 1.

This article was written with information from The Daily Post, Rotorua Photo News, and Don Stafford's book Flying the Thermal Skies. Lending and reference copies of Flying the Thermal Skies are available from the library.

This post was written by Graeme.

Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo: the early years

When Rodeo was...

"The Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo Association was formed in 1964 and the inaugural rodeo was held in  April 1964. 

The First ever Rodeo at Rerewhakaaitu :

"This was fitted in at the end of the regular circuit and attracted many top-riders who were anxious to pile on some points for the National Championship. Over 2,000 people attended which is pretty good for a country show" Rotorua Photo News, 9 May 1964, page 53.



9 May 1964 Photo News p.53

From the above photograph it looks like all the cowboys were in the ring together, including the one riding!  Just a little risk to life and limb!



Just one of the other Hazards! in Rotorua Photo News 9 May 1964 pg 53.

Photo of Susan O’Neill.  Caption says, 'her father, is the president of the Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo Assn.'



Rotorua Photo News, 9 May 1964 pg.57

Three years on and the sport was becoming more and more popular... 


Daily Post, 6 January 1967 and then...

... they lost. Daily Post 7 January 1967 

Phew, that was close!  in Rotorua Photo News 10 Feb 1967 pg.2

"Rerewhakaaitu is just another stop on the rodeo trail that over summer sees maybe 300 riders, both men and women, compete in 35 rodeos, scattered all over the country"  from "Dances with horses" by Mark Scott in NZ Geographic, Issue 21, Jan-Mar 1994.  Read the full story here

In 2002, Life Membership was awarded to Sue & Merv Church, Pat Dale and Alby Schuster.  Mr Mervyn T. Church was award an O.N.Z.M for services to the sport of Rodeo in the 2003 New Year Honours List" from 'Pupils, pastures & pine trees' by Rerewhakaaitu District Reunion Committee, c2003.

Rerewhakaaitu was also 10 years young in 1964.
Daily Post, 23rd April 1964, pg.8

The Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo has been held every year since this first one and despite country wide disapproval of rodeos in general, the Rodeo will be held again on 26 December 2018 at the Lake Rerewhakaaitu Domain.

This Post is by Alison.

Rotorua at Christmas Time, 30 Years Ago

Christmas 1988

As Christmas nears once more I thought it would be fun to look back 😊 

Daily Post, 23rd December 1988.

Can you remember when :

Your holiday movies were at the Odeon Theatre and the Majestic Theatre.

Your Christmas dinner of Roast Lamb leg, didn't actually cost you and arm and leg.

You could take your Christmas visitors to see the new Water Organ in the Orchid Gardens.

Daily Post - December 20th, 1988 pg.1

Or in the wet weather you could rent a video or two from DIC.

Your holiday snaps could be developed in 1 Hour!.

A photo of your little one on Santa's knee was worthy of a space on the front page of the Daily Post.

Daily Post December 24th, 1988 pg.1

Geyser Court had many interesting shops and a cafe.

You could buy a house and be a landlord for under $100,000. 

At the Stock Cars the entry fee was $8 per adult and children for free if with an adult. BUT Unescorted Children had to pay $3 entry fee.  -- Huh, Unescorted Children, really!  

Your Holiday weather forecast was for a big storm and gale force winds. Known as Cyclone Eseta, We copped the tail end of the cyclone but it still caused 60 mm of rain to fall here in the 24 hours to 9.am on the 29th of December. Campers flocked to the shops because there was nothing else to do!

What else happened in 1988? 

• Sophia Street residents were evacuated from their homes as steam vents appeared in their lawns.
• Father Takuira Mariu, of Rotorua, was appointed as the country's first Maori Catholic bishop.
• Alpine horns were heard playing in Tutanekai Mall
• Susan Devoy won her fifth successive British Open title at Wembly
• Rotorua Round Table donated a Cot Death Monitor to the Rotorua Hospital
• The National Speedboat Championships at the Blue Lake 
• New Zealand's longest serving police woman, Senior Constable June Berry of Rotorua retired.
• An ancient .22 calibre pistol was stolen from the Rotorua Museum.
• The  NZ Maori Arts & Crafts Institute (Te Puia) staff went on strike over work-related conditions.
• Rotorua Maori Affairs staff were 'stunned' by the proposed abolition of their department.

You can reminisce along with us here at the Library any day! The Heritage & Research Area on the 2nd Floor has all the issues of the Daily Post on microfiche and film continuously from 1931-2018.  

See our list of available titles and dates for the Rotorua Newspapers here

Front cover of the Christmas Menu for the Denbies Guest House.
Courtesy of Mrs B. Reid

This post written by Alison

Halloween in Rotorua

Trick or Treating, Jack-o'-Lanterns, haunted attractions, bobbing for apples, candy apples, candy corn are all traditions associated with Halloween. The idea of celebrating Halloween or specifically Trick or Treating begun gaining popularity in New Zealand in the 1970s and 1980s. This blog post looks back at how Halloween has been celebrated in Rotorua over the years, and how we are celebrating it in 2018.

1983 - Waterbed World uses Halloween for a sale. Source: The Daily Post, Monday 31 October 1983, p. 4.

1985 - Lymore Primary School teacher Mrs J. Angell with Katie Spence, 6, left, and Johnny Johnson, 6. Source: The Daily Post, Thursday 31 October 1985, p. 1.

1994 - Renee Brierly, 10, the friendly ghost. Source: The Daily Post, Tuesday 1 November 1994, p. 1.

2008 - Halloween Fright Night at the Library, Friday 31 October 2008.

Halloween has not always been a positive affair in Rotorua. In 1995 the Daily Post run with the headline ‘Children ‘hold up’ woman’.  Mrs Merilyn Farrant reported that she opened her door to two youngsters armed with a toy long barreled shotgun and a crow bar.

In 1999, a Lynmore woman reported being terrified by a group pounding on her door demanding lollies. Police reported receiving no complaints but the following year they reported that they received five complaints regarding Halloween trick or treaters and three complaints about young people using fireworks.

Also in 2000 the two Lorraines (they did not want their surnames known) distributed Halloween-Free House signs. In 2002 the Salvation Army also offered Halloween-free signs for a donation.

Salvation Army corps officer Ian Gainsford with one of the Halloween-free signs. Source: The Daily Post, Thursday 31 October 2002, p. 3.

The Blood Bank cleverly cashed in on Halloween in 2001 with ‘Night Bleed’, a special blood bank recruiting drive held on the night following Halloween.

Also in 2001 students from Rotorua’s Seventh Day Adventist Primary School used Halloween to start The Daily Post’s Christmas hamper appeal.

Upcoming family friendly Halloween events

Hell-O-Wheels Halloween Roller Derby Spectacular is on at the Southern Trust Sportsdrome on Saturday 27th October. Doors open 6pm.

On Sunday 28th October between 11am and 3:30pm is the Halloween Pool Party at Rotorua Aquatic Centre. Entry is $7.

More FM is hosting HolloWin on Tuesday 30th October in Jean Batten Square outside Rotorua Library from 3:30pm – 5:00pm. The family event is a free and safe alternative to Trick or Treating.

There is an outdoor movie screening of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events at OGO Rotorua on Friday 2 November. Movie starts 8pm.

Halloween quilt window display at Cottage Flair, 1127 Fenton St.

If you have any photos or memories from past Halloween celebrations, Light Parties in Rotorua please add them to Rotorua Kete, our online community space.

This post was written thanks to The Daily Post.

This post was written by Graeme.