Articles by Kelly Makiha
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National
Tearful hunter admits shooting and killing friend
Saturday, 12 July 2025, 8:11amMark Kelvin Jefferson said the word “guilty” through tears as he admitted causing the death of a friend in a hunting incident. Stuart...
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National
'Horrible': Memorial for deaf, blind man killed in alleged hit-and-run is destroyed
Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 11:14amFlowers laid in tribute at the spot where a deaf and blind man was killed in an alleged hit-and-run in Rotorua have been...
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National
How a routine traffic stop exposed a Snapchat rapist who attacked a 13yo Rotorua girl
Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 9:17amWarning: This story deals with details of sexual assault and may be distressing. A 13-year-old Rotorua girl befriended by...
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Crime
Rotorua teen prostitution ring: Farmer and prostitute sentenced
Friday, 4 July 2025, 3:17pmWarning: Distressing content Two people involved in a Rotorua teen prostitution ring that has been described as “social dysfunction...
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National
Blind and deaf man dies after hit-and-run, police release new images of suspect
Thursday, 19 June 2025, 1:23pmThe blind and deaf man critically injured after a hit-and-run at a Rotorua pedestrian crossing has died. Paige Johnson was...
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National
CCTV of rider released after blind, deaf cancer survivor struck in hit-and-run
Tuesday, 17 June 2025, 3:44pmPolice have released a security camera image of a motorcyclist they say ran over a blind and deaf cancer survivor on Edmund...
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National
Rotorua hit-and-run victim was deaf, blind and a cancer survivor
Tuesday, 17 June 2025, 11:04amThe Rotorua man struck by a motorcyclist in a hit-and-run on Edmund Rd fought brain cancer as a child and is deaf and blind. The...
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National
'Bums in the air': Homeless in CBD 'pee' on cars, accused of doing drugs
Saturday, 7 June 2025, 1:40pmHomeless people camped in Rotorua’s CBD are behaving like “dogs”, doing drugs and peeing on cars and in doorways with “bums...
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National
Do not pass Go: Farmer, 75, must report to jail after losing appeal
Friday, 23 May 2025, 4:11pmWarning: Disturbing content Mangakino farmer Warren Koberstein must surrender to prison after losing his appeal against...
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National
'Drop-kick losers': Outrage as masked gang of trail bikers tear up kids' rugby fields
Friday, 16 May 2025, 7:09pmSix masked trail bike riders caused disruption at Rotorua rugby fields, intimidating parents and children. Parents attempted...
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National
Teen killer attempts to appeal murder conviction 23 years later
Thursday, 8 May 2025, 3:58pmJohn Michael Wharekura’s appeal against his murder conviction for killing Tanya Burr has been dismissed. Wharekura, who was...
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National
Tyre slashing spree: CCTV footage shows two girls, knife
Tuesday, 29 April 2025, 5:45pmCCTV footage shows two girls possibly involved in slashing tyres in central Rotorua. Police are working to identify the pair, with...
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National
Man charged with abducting 3-year-old from daycare
Thursday, 24 April 2025, 12:04pmWarning: This article contains distressing content. John Tekuru, 19, appeared in court today charged with abducting a 3-year-old...
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National
Sex crimes case: Appeal court declines man's bid to keep name secret
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 1:11pmThe leading entertainment figure found guilty of serious sexual assault charges will have his identity revealed next month,...
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National
Pattern of deception: Woman scams Facebook users
Sunday, 13 April 2025, 9:36amTania Joy Whiteman admitted scamming Facebook Marketplace users and selling stolen jewellery. Whiteman pleaded guilty to...
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National
Man’s drink-driving conviction overturned on appeal after lawyer, police errors
Saturday, 5 April 2025, 12:51pmA Whitianga man driving with more than twice the drink-driving limit in his father’s Jaguar has had his conviction quashed...
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National
‘I am a strong person but I am scared’: Food charity volunteer attacked
Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 7:19amGina Peiffer was allegedly attacked while setting up her free food service in Rotorua. Peiffer was allegedly kicked by a...
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National
Man charged with manslaughter, unlawful hunting after Kawerau man’s death
Tuesday, 25 March 2025, 12:40pmA man has been charged with manslaughter following the death of Kawerau man Stuart Stobie in an alleged hunting incident. A...
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National
Man died in armchair four days after crash injuries not detected
Friday, 21 March 2025, 6:15pmLance Hohaia Houpapa died from injuries not detected during treatment after a road crash in 2022. Coroner Mike Robb ruled...
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National
Mother jailed for live-streamed crash causing baby’s brain injury
Friday, 14 March 2025, 7:05amRawinia Whyman livestreamed her erratic driving after consuming alcohol, leading to a crash that gave her baby a severe brain...
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National
Kidnap, blackmail, assault: Mobster holds woman hostage in ‘harrowing’ ordeal
Tuesday, 11 March 2025, 9:22amJayden Kennedy has been jailed for five years and eight months for kidnapping and assault. Kennedy held a young woman for...
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National
Teen gang shooter avoids jail due to ‘worst’ childhood judge has seen
Wednesday, 5 March 2025, 11:51amHe pulled the trigger five times in a daylight gang shooting in Rotorua and was responsible for a string of car break-ins...
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Lower North Island
Teen needed facial reconstruction surgery after work accident on his birthday
Saturday, 22 February 2025, 1:41pmHarrison Gilbert was meant to finish work and enjoy a roast pork dinner with his family to celebrate his 17th birthday. Instead,...
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National
Fatal fight: Jury reaches verdict on logger who claimed self-defence
Thursday, 20 February 2025, 1:34pmA jury has found Nathan Moscrip not guilty of causing the death of his friend, Brodie Ruatara, following a fight over text...
