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    <title>Rotorua District Council News</title>
    <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/Pages/RSS.aspx?rssmode=xml&amp;rssfeedname=Rotorua+District+Council+News</link>
    <description>An RSS feed of the latest and greatest news from Rotorua</description>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Lantern-workshop-to-help-light-up-Government-Gardens-for-Fire-and-Ice-Festival.aspx</link>
      <title>Lantern workshop to help light up Government Gardens for Fire and Ice Festival</title>
      <description>25.05.13: A vacant local shop in the CBD is to be converted into a workshop space for five weeks as part of Fire and Ice – Rotorua’s Winter Festival. </description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-25T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Thousands-take-up-free-WIFI-on-offer-in-Rotorua-CBD.aspx</link>
      <title>Thousands take up free WIFI on offer in Rotorua CBD</title>
      <description>24.05.13: Rotorua District Council's newly implemented programme of free WiFi within the CBD is proving a big hit, with thousands of people already taking advantage of the service.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-24T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Smoke-testing-Rotorua-sewers-to-begin-next-week.aspx</link>
      <title>Smoke testing Rotorua sewers to begin next week</title>
      <description>23.05.13: As part of an improvement programme to reduce the amount of stormwater unnecessarily entering the district’s sewer system and being treated, Rotorua District Council is embarking on a programme to smoke test sewers across Rotorua. (Photo: Demonstration of the new sewer smoke testing gear about to be deployed in the Elizabeth St area next week)</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-23T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Free-seminar-and-workshop-for-young-blues-musicians.aspx</link>
      <title>Free seminar and workshop for young blues musicians</title>
      <description>22.05.13: Rotorua is once again hosting the Blues Festival over Queen's Birthday weekend. And there will be two opportunities for young students to gain blues guitar knowledge during the festival. (Photo: Rotorua Blues Festival headliner, Jimi Hocking)</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-22T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Blessing-ceremony-welcomes-new-rural-fire-appliances.aspx</link>
      <title>Blessing ceremony welcomes new rural fire appliances</title>
      <description>21.05.13: Following extensive fundraising efforts and generous sponsorship from individuals and organisations, Rotorua District Council’s three rural volunteer fire forces has each had major new appliances added to their fleets. (Photo: Deputy principal rural fire officer, Richard Horn, said the rural volunteer fire force teams are “absolutely rapt” to have successfully secured new equipment)</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-21T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-mountain-bike-trails-named-among-best-on-earth.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua mountain bike trails named among best on earth</title>
      <description>20.05.17: Rotorua’s world-renowned mountain bike trails have won global praise as one of the eight top mountain biking destinations on earth, the only Southern Hemisphere place awarded such recognition. (Photo by Graeme Murray: Rotorua bike trials named among world’s best)</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-20T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-i-SITE-among-country%E2%80%99s-top-performing-visitor-information-centres.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua i-SITE among country’s top performing visitor information centres</title>
      <description>19.05.13: Rotorua Visitor Centre &amp; i-SITE has achieved a near perfect result in the latest Qualmark ‘mystery shopper’ assessment. (Photo: Manager Graham Brownrigg outside Rotorua Visitor Centre &amp; i-SITE)</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-19T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Chinese-visitors-from-Rotorua-Nanjing-Town-welcomed-to-NZ%E2%80%99s-Rotorua-.aspx</link>
      <title>Chinese visitors from Rotorua-Nanjing Town welcomed to NZ’s Rotorua </title>
      <description>18.05.13: Forty eight residents of China’s Rotorua-Nanjing township were welcomed to Rotorua this week with an official powhiri at the RDC Civic Centre. (Rotorua Deputy Mayor Trevor Maxwell (background, centre) hosts a powhiri to welcome visitors from China’s Nanjing-Rotorua Town)</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 18 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-18T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-ranked-among-top-school-holiday-spots.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua ranked among top school holiday spots</title>
      <description>17.05.13: As the school holidays came to an end and suitcases were emptied, online travel website Wotif.co.nz released the recent school holidays’ top five holiday spots in the North and South Island. (Photo: Skyline Rotorua, one of the city’s popular school holiday attractions)</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-17T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Chinese-visitors-to-Rotorua-treble.aspx</link>
      <title>Chinese visitors to Rotorua treble</title>
      <description>16.05.13: Rotorua had another bumper month for visitor numbers in March after posting a record result for February, with Chinese visits to Rotorua attractions and activities almost trebling since 2008 when Easter last fell in March. (Photo: Visitors from China to Rotorua increase: Rotorua deputy mayor Trevor Maxwell with China Southern Airlines executive vice president He Zong Kai following the signing of a memorandum of understanding last year between the city and China’s largest Airline)</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-16T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/%E2%80%98SmartEye%E2%80%99-electronic-parking-sensor-trial-for-Pukuatua-Street.aspx</link>
      <title>‘SmartEye’ electronic parking sensor trial for Pukuatua Street</title>
      <description>15.05.13: Rotorua District Council is testing electronic parking sensors along Pukuatua Street as part of proposed parking initiatives for the CBD. (Photo: 'SmartEye' vehicle detection sensor system)</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-15T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/What-does-business-want-from-local-government.aspx</link>
      <title>What does business want from local government?</title>
      <description>14.05.13: RDC chief executive Peter Guerin's Council Talk column in today's Daily Post. (Photo: CE Peter Guerin)</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-14T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Ideas-with-Rotorua-flavour-sought-for-city-skatepark-mural.aspx</link>
      <title>Ideas with Rotorua flavour sought for city skatepark mural</title>
      <description>13.05.13: Local mural artists are being asked to submit their ideas for a new mural at the Amohau Street skatepark. (Photo: RDC community arts officer, Marc Spijkerbosch)</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-13T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Fire%20and%20Ice%20festival%20returns%20this%20winter.aspx</link>
      <title>Fire &amp; Ice festival returns this winter</title>
      <description>12.05.13: This winter's Fire &amp; Ice Festival will return with a favourite from last year, and three new events.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 12 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-12T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council%E2%80%99s-recycling-education-centre-officially-opened.aspx</link>
      <title>Council’s recycling education centre officially opened</title>
      <description>11.05.13: Resource, the new education centre at the city’s Recycling Centre, officially opened yesterday (10 May) after a year’s planning by Rotorua District Council. (Photo: Mayor Kevin Winters cuts the rope at the opening of Resource)</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 11 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-11T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/New-Koutu-youth-space-grand-opening-promises-fun-for-whole-family.aspx</link>
      <title>New Koutu youth space grand opening promises fun for whole family</title>
      <description>10.05.13: Food stalls, a three-on-three basketball competition, scooter contest, children’s activities and giveaways are all part of the celebrations at this weekend's grand opening of the new Koutu youth space on Karenga Park.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-10T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-Museum-re-launches-art-awards-with-$15,000-prizepool.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua Museum re-launches art awards with $15,000 prizepool</title>
      <description>09.05.13: Rotorua Museum is excited to re-launch the Rotorua Museum Art Awards after almost 10 years. And this year's awards offer its largest prize pool ever, with $15,000 in prizes up for grabs. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-09T15:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-presence-at-careers-expo.aspx</link>
      <title>Council presence at careers expo</title>
      <description>09.05.13: RDC is supporting Rotorua’s Careers Expo at Energy Events Centre over the next two days (9 – 10 May) by creating a showcase of career opportunities available within some of Rotorua’s largest employers. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-09T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/%E2%80%98Indie-Game%E2%80%99-movie-night-at-Museum.aspx</link>
      <title>‘Indie Game’ movie night at Museum</title>
      <description>08.05.13: Rotorua Museum will screen award-winning film ‘Indie Game: The Movie’ tomorrow [9 May]. (Photo: Tommy Refenes, Programmer, Indie Game: The Movie)</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-08T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Nominations-open-for-leadership-awards.aspx</link>
      <title>Nominations open for leadership awards</title>
      <description>07.04.13: Nominations for the 2013 Rotorua Community Leadership Awards are now open. [Photo: Rotorua Community Leadership Awards in honour of Sir Peter Blake]</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-07T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/NZ%20Singlespeed%20Champs%20another%20big%20success.aspx</link>
      <title>NZ Singlespeed Champs another big success</title>
      <description>06.05.13: Beautiful autumn weather, big spectator crowds and a hometown hero winning the tattoo - the 6th annual Pig &amp; Whistle New Zealand Singlespeed Championships last month was another big success.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-06T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Have-your-say-on-the-draft-Strategy-for-the-Rotorua-Lakes.aspx</link>
      <title>Have your say on the draft Strategy for the Rotorua Lakes</title>
      <description>05.05.13: The draft Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua district has been released for public feedback. </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-05T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/New-Volunteering-Guide-launched.aspx</link>
      <title>New Volunteering Guide launched</title>
      <description>04.05.13: Rotorua District Council’s Settlement Support and Citizen’s Advice Bureau have launched the updated Volunteering Guide to help newcomers settle into the community. </description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-04T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Major-events-lead-to-record-month-for-Rotorua%E2%80%99s-accommodation-sector.aspx</link>
      <title>Major events lead to record month for Rotorua’s accommodation sector</title>
      <description>03.05.13: Rotorua’s plethora of successful large events over summer have resulted in its highest ever volume of domestic visitor nights in commercial accommodation for a February month. [Photo: Raggamuffin Music Festival]</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-03T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Diverse-exhibitions-at-museum-this-winter.aspx</link>
      <title>Diverse exhibitions at museum this winter</title>
      <description>02.05.13: Rotorua Museum's diverse winter season offers an exciting mix of in-house shows and touring exhibitions.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-02T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Draft-Annual-Plan-submissions-to-close-Friday.aspx</link>
      <title>Draft Annual Plan submissions to close Friday</title>
      <description>01.05.13: Rotorua District Council is reminding residents that they only have until Friday [3 May] to make submissions on RDC’s 2013/14 draft Annual Plan.
</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-05-01T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-Business-Perception-Survey-underway.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua Business Perception Survey underway</title>
      <description>30.04.13: The Rotorua Business Perception Survey is currently underway to find out how local business owners perceive the city’s business environment.
</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-30T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Teens-encouraged-to-register-for-%E2%80%98The-Vegas-Games%E2%80%99-this-weekend.aspx</link>
      <title>Teens encouraged to register for ‘The Vegas Games’ this weekend</title>
      <description>29.04.13: Rotorua District Council is encouraging local teens to register for ‘The Vegas Games’ this weekend.  </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-29T17:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Public-meetings-on-draft-Local-Alcohol-Policy-preparation.aspx</link>
      <title>Public meetings on draft Local Alcohol Policy preparation</title>
      <description>29.04.13: Rotorua District Council is holding two public pre-consultation meetings next month to discuss the development of a draft Local Alcohol Policy for the district.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-29T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Invasive-weed-spreads-in-Lake-Okareka.aspx</link>
      <title>Invasive weed spreads in Lake Okareka</title>
      <description>28.04.13: An infestation of the invasive aquatic weed hornwort has spread so far in Lake Okareka it is unlikely to be eradicated, Bay of Plenty Regional Council says.
</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-28T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/New-moves-to-improve-Okataina-water-quality.aspx</link>
      <title>New moves to improve Okataina water quality</title>
      <description>27.04.13: Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group has approved an action plan for Lake Okataina to improve the lake’s water quality. </description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-27T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Our-Rotorua-available-now.aspx</link>
      <title>This month's issue of 'Our Rotorua' - highlights of recent council activities</title>
      <description>26.04.12: ‘Our Rotorua’ takes a look at some of the council's work over the last month. [Photo: RDC solid waste manager Tim Sennington]</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-26T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/%E2%80%98Perceptions-of-Safety-Survey%E2%80%99-gets-underway.aspx</link>
      <title>‘Perceptions of Safety Survey’ gets underway</title>
      <description>25.04.13: Rotorua District Council’s (RDC) ‘Perceptions of Safety Survey’ is now underway.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-25T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Anzac-Day-events-in-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>Anzac Day events in Rotorua</title>
      <description>24.04.13: Rotorua will commemorate the 98th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings by New Zealand and Australian combined military forces with a number of special events.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-24T16:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Mayor-backs-world-rugby-sevens-plans.aspx</link>
      <title>Mayor backs world rugby sevens plans</title>
      <description>24.04.13: Mayor Kevin Winters is backing plans to make the Bay of Plenty the world centre of sevens rugby.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-24T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Collaboration-among-councils-helps-investment-decisions.aspx</link>
      <title>Collaboration among councils helps investment decisions</title>
      <description>23.04.13: RDC chief executive Peter Guerin's Council Talk column from today's Daily Post. (Photo: Peter Guerin)</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-23T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Survey-asks-Rotorua-residents-how-well-the-council-is-doing.aspx</link>
      <title>Survey asks Rotorua residents how well the council is doing</title>
      <description>22.04.13: Rotorua District Council wants to know Rotorua residents’ views on the council’s performance and what they think about the services being provided.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-22T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Forecast-rain-delays-Koutu-Youth-Space-opening-day.aspx</link>
      <title>Forecast rain delays Koutu Youth Space opening day</title>
      <description>21.04.13: Heavy rain forecast for Rotorua has resulted in the planned opening of Rotorua District Council's Koutu Youth Space being postponed by three weeks.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-21T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/New-CEO-appointed-for-Rotorua-District-Council.aspx</link>
      <title>New CEO appointed for Rotorua District Council</title>
      <description>20.04.13: Rotorua District Council has today announced the appointment of a new chief executive for a five year term commencing 01 July this year. (Photo: Geoff Williams) </description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-20T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua%27s-Anzac-Day-commemorations-.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua's Anzac Day commemorations </title>
      <description>19.04.13: Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters will host this year’s Anzac Day Civic Memorial Service and is extending an invitation to residents to join him in honouring New Zealand's servicemen and women.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-19T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/NZ-Singlespeed-Champs-a-sell-out.aspx</link>
      <title>NZ Singlespeed Champs a sell-out</title>
      <description>18.04.13: With under two weeks to go, the full house signs are up for the 2013 New Zealand Singlespeed Championships in Rotorua on Saturday 27 April.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-18T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-welcomes-%27new%27-New-Zealanders.aspx</link>
      <title>Council welcomes 'new' New Zealanders</title>
      <description>17.04.13: Mayor Kevin Winters will officiate at a Citizenship Ceremony at the Rotorua District Council Civic Centre today[17 April] at 1.30pm in the Council Chamber where 30 people will become New Zealanders.

</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-17T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Residents-invited-to-public-meeting-on-council-draft-Annual-Plan.aspx</link>
      <title>Residents invited to public meeting on council draft Annual Plan</title>
      <description>16.04.13: Rotorua District Council is inviting residents to a public meeting on Wednesday evening (17 April) to discuss proposals contained in its 2013/14 draft Annual Plan.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-16T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Lake-Road-upgrade-nearing-completion-.aspx</link>
      <title>Lake Road upgrade nearing completion </title>
      <description>15.04.13: Despite unearthing a number of ‘hot spots’ during construction work, upgrading of Lake Road is expected to be completed close to the original timeframe and within budget. (Photo: Dig-out for pavement alongside the new ITM store on Lake Rd)</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-15T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Proceeds-from-celebrity-psychic%E2%80%99s-book-launch-for-Rotorua-Library.aspx</link>
      <title>Proceeds from celebrity psychic’s book launch for Rotorua Library</title>
      <description>14.04.13: Celebrity psychic and medium Kelvin Cruickshank is launching his new book ‘Inside the Medium’ in Rotorua next week and donating proceeds from the event to Rotorua District Library. (Photo: Kelvin Cruickshank)</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-14T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Total-fire-ban-lifted-but-restricted-fire-season-applies-for-rural-Rotorua-.aspx</link>
      <title>Total fire ban lifted but restricted fire season applies for rural Rotorua </title>
      <description>13.04.13: Rotorua District Council is lifting the area’s total fire ban but a restricted fire season for rural Rotorua comes into effect from Monday (15 April). </description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-13T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-urges-care-with-loading-rubbish-bags-causing-injuries-to-collectors.aspx</link>
      <title>Council urges care with loading rubbish bags causing injuries to collectors</title>
      <description>12.04.13: Rotorua District Council is urging residents to take care not to overload their rubbish bags or include sharp objects after a number of the council’s Castlecorp rubbish collectors have been injured while picking up bags. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-12T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-campaign-urges-local-cyclists-to-%E2%80%98Be-Bright%E2%80%99-on-their-bikes.aspx</link>
      <title>Council campaign urges local cyclists to ‘Be Bright’ on their bikes</title>
      <description>11.04.13: Be Bright! That’s the message for cyclists from Rotorua District Council, Rotorua Police and Bike Wise now that summer’s daylight saving has ended. (Photo: Keen cyclist Mayor Kevin Winters wearing a high-vis cycling jacket)</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-11T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Successful-trial-of-summer-boating-restrictions-at-Lake-Rotoma-.aspx</link>
      <title>Successful trial of summer boating restrictions at Lake Rotoma </title>
      <description>10.04.13: A successful six month trial exclusion zone at Lake Rotoma could see a more permanent solution introduced in the future to manage diver safety during busy periods.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-10T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Vibrant-CBD-essential-for-healthy-city-economy.aspx</link>
      <title>Vibrant CBD essential for healthy city economy</title>
      <description>09.04.13: RDC chief executive Peter Guerin's Council Talk column in today's Daily Post. (Photo: Vacant building alongside City Focus proposed to become ICE [Inner City Enterprises] Centre bringing more services into the CBD).</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-09T12:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Red-Checkers-aerial-display-over-Rotorua-today.aspx</link>
      <title>Red Checkers aerial display over Rotorua today</title>
      <description>09.04.13: The Royal New Zealand Air Force formation aerobatic team, the Red Checkers, is scheduled to entertain Rotorua people over the city today (Tuesday 9 April). [Photo: The Red Checkers]</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-09T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-residents-urged-to-prepare-for-winter-.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua residents urged to prepare for winter </title>
      <description>08.04.13: Using clean-burning wood burners and dry firewood will ensure Rotorua’s air is cleaner this coming winter.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-08T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Youth-Card-offers-young-people-support,-advice-and-discounts.aspx</link>
      <title>Youth Card offers young people support, advice and discounts</title>
      <description>07.04.13: A newly developed Rotorua Youth Card has been released for local young people between the ages of 11 and 18. </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-07T10:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rushing-through-RMA-changes-undermines-local-democracy-says-LGNZ.aspx</link>
      <title>Rushing through RMA changes undermines local democracy says LGNZ</title>
      <description>06.04.13: Some of the Government’s proposed changes to the Resource Management Act are welcomed, but a number of the significant proposals could undermine local democracy, potentially impose an unfair financial burden on ratepayers and don’t appear to be based on solid evidence, says Local Government New Zealand. (Photo: Lawrence Yule, Local Government NZ president)</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-06T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-housing-information-session-for-newcomers-and-migrants.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua housing information session for newcomers and migrants</title>
      <description>05.04.13: Rotorua District Council, Settlement Support NZ and Citizens Advice Bureau are holding a free information evening on housing in New Zealand for local migrants and newcomers to the city.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-05T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Scientific-study-shows-hydrogen-sulphide-not-harmful-to-asthma.aspx</link>
      <title>Scientific study shows hydrogen sulphide not harmful to asthma</title>
      <description>04.04.13: It’s official. Long term exposure to hydrogen sulphide does not have a negative impact on asthma in Rotorua. In fact there is even the possibility that low levels of exposure to hydrogen sulphide could actually be beneficial to people with asthma. (Photo: Professor Julian Crane)</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-04T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/NZTA-announces-preferred-route-for-Rotorua-Eastern-Arterial-.aspx</link>
      <title>NZTA announces preferred route for Rotorua Eastern Arterial </title>
      <description>03.04.13: The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has announced that the preferred route for the Rotorua Eastern Arterial (REA) is a route between Te Ngae Road and the Lake edge on land designated for this purpose since 1963. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-03T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Mayor-welcomes-international-students.aspx</link>
      <title>Mayor welcomes international students</title>
      <description>02.04.13: Mayor Kevin Winters (centre) hosted Waiariki Institute of Technology's international students at the council Civic Centre last week.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-02T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/International-couple-looking-forward-to-XTERRA-multisport-event.aspx</link>
      <title>International couple looking forward to XTERRA multisport event</title>
      <description>01.04.13: On Saturday 13 April over 2000 people will converge on Rotorua’s Blue Lake for the 11th annual Paymark XTERRA Rotorua Festival. (Photo: Returning for XTERRA Rotorua are Jacqui Slack from Great Britain and Ben Alan from Australia)</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-04-01T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Demonstrators-pleased-with-popular-LibraryLive-sessions.aspx</link>
      <title>Demonstrators pleased with popular LibraryLive sessions</title>
      <description>31.03.13: Rotorua District Library’s ‘LibraryLive’ sessions have been an outstanding success, proving popular not only with library-goers, but with the many community groups and local businesses demonstrating their services. (Photo: Robin Sparrow enjoys holding LibraryLive sessions to showcase her original, handmade journals, book-binding skills and showing people how to repair their books) </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-31T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-council-proposing-lowest-rates-increase-in-recent-history.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua council proposing lowest rates increase in recent history</title>
      <description>30.03.13: Rotorua District Council is signalling its lowest rates rise in recent history in its 2013/14 draft Annual Plan, which was adopted for public consultation at a special council meeting this week. (Photo: Mayor Kevin Winters)</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 30 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-30T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Check-%E2%80%98OnTheMove%E2%80%99-for-road-conditions-before-heading-off-this-Easter-.aspx</link>
      <title>Check ‘OnTheMove’ for road conditions before heading off this Easter </title>
      <description>29.03.13: Motorists are being urged to sign up for a new online service which will tell them about road conditions before heading off on holiday this Easter. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-29T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Local-economy-key-focus-of-draft-annual-plan-.aspx</link>
      <title>Local economy key focus of draft annual plan </title>
      <description>27.03.13: RDC chief executive Peter Guerin's Council Talk column in The Daily Post this week. (Photo: Cover of the 2013/14 draft Annual Plan)</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-27T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/New-airport-CEO-and-director-on-board.aspx</link>
      <title>New airport CEO and director on board</title>
      <description>26.03.13: Rotorua International Airport’s new chief executive Alastair Rhodes and new director Ray Sayer were both officially welcomed yesterday (25 March) to their new roles by airport company chairman Ray Cook. (Photo: [Left to right] New Rotorua International Airport director Ray Sayer (left), new chief executive Alastair Rhodes (c) and chairman Ray Cook at the airport yesterday.)</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-26T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Lake-Road-four-laning-update.aspx</link>
      <title>Lake Road four laning update</title>
      <description>25.03.13: Works on widening Lake Road to four lanes to improve safety and reduce congestion are progressing well. (Photo: Lake Road sealing work taking place during the evening)</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-25T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Easter-fun-for-kids-at-Rotorua-Museum.aspx</link>
      <title>Easter fun for kids at Rotorua Museum</title>
      <description>24.03.13: Rotorua Museum is hosting two fun events for kids this Easter.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-24T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Free-parking-among-raft-of-initiatives-proposed-for-next-phase-of-CBD-revitalisation-.aspx</link>
      <title>Free parking among raft of initiatives proposed for next phase of CBD revitalisation </title>
      <description>22.03.13: Rotorua District Council’s vision for a revitalised CBD is about to move into its next phase with a number of proposals being included in the council’s 2013/14 draft Annual Plan for public consultation. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-22T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Singlespeed-mountain-bike-national-champs-returning-to-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>Singlespeed mountain bike national champs returning to Rotorua</title>
      <description>22.03.13: They’re back! The New Zealand Singlespeed Mountain Bike Championships are returning home to where it all started in 2008. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-22T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Piano-by-Candlelight-musician-to-play-in-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>Piano by Candlelight musician to play in Rotorua</title>
      <description>21.03.13: One of New Zealand’s most influential musicians will be performing in Rotorua next month and promoting his new CD. (Photo: Carl Doy)</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-21T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Draft-Annual-Plan-for-2013-14-being-prepared.aspx</link>
      <title>Draft Annual Plan &amp; Budgets for 2013/14 being prepared</title>
      <description>20.03.13: The mayor, councillors, and council staff have been working on preparation of the Annual Plan and budgets for the next financial year over recent months.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-20T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Children-getting-hands-on-with-water.aspx</link>
      <title>Children getting hands-on with water</title>
      <description>19.03.13: Coinciding with World Water Day and Sustainable Backyards Month in the Bay of Plenty, around 200 children from 17 schools throughout region are working together this week at a two-day Hands-on Water expo at a Paengaroa farm park.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-19T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Drought-is-%E2%80%98bitter-sweet%E2%80%99-for-local-economy-says-mayor.aspx</link>
      <title>Drought is ‘bitter-sweet’ for local economy says mayor</title>
      <description>18.03.13: Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters says the current drought affecting most of the North Island is a “bitter-sweet” event for Rotorua and in particular for two of the city’s most important economic drivers – tourism and agriculture. (Photo: Mayor Kevin Winters)</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-18T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Grow-Rotorua-reports-on-first-6-months.aspx</link>
      <title>Grow Rotorua reports on first 6 months</title>
      <description>17.03.13: Grow Rotorua Ltd, the new Council Controlled Organisation established to lead economic growth across the Rotorua district, made its first 6 months report to Rotorua District Council this week. </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 17 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-17T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-and-Scion-appoint-directors-to-company-commercialising-TERAX-waste-technology.aspx</link>
      <title>Council and Scion appoint directors to company commercialising TERAX waste technology</title>
      <description>16.03.13: Rotorua District Council and Scion have appointed four directors to the board of new joint-venture company Terax Ltd. [Photo: Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters (left) and Scion CEO Warren Parker featured in story about $4.7m grant for TERAX technology]
</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 16 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-16T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Registrations-open-for-council%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98Driver-Directions%E2%80%99-course-.aspx</link>
      <title>Registrations open for council’s ‘Driver Directions’ course </title>
      <description>15.03.13: Rotorua District Council is taking registrations for its April Driver Directions course for young drivers wanting to get valuable driving skills and practice on a safe off-road environment. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-15T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Fire-risk-makes-Saturday%E2%80%99s-ultramarathon-tougher.aspx</link>
      <title>Fire risk makes Saturday’s ultramarathon tougher</title>
      <description>14.03.13: Dry conditions and extreme fire danger means New Zealand’s Vibram Tarawera Ultramarathon 100 kilometre-long run will be even tougher to complete for the 430-strong field.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-14T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Aviation-expert-appointed-director-of-Rotorua-International-Airport-.aspx</link>
      <title>Aviation expert appointed director of Rotorua International Airport </title>
      <description>13.03.13: Rotorua District Council has appointed aviation business consultant Ray Sayer to the board of directors of Rotorua International Airport. (Photo: Ray Sayer, joining Rotorua international Airport board of directors)</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-13T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Full-speed-ahead-for-economic-growth-focus.aspx</link>
      <title>Full speed ahead for economic growth focus</title>
      <description>12.03.13: RDC Chief Executive Peter Guerin's 'Council Talk' column in today's Daily Post.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-12T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Community-Grants-scheme-open.aspx</link>
      <title>Community Grants scheme open</title>
      <description>11.03.13: Applications for financial assistance for two years under the Rotorua District Council Community Grants scheme are open.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-11T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Mayor-hosts-local-students.aspx</link>
      <title>Mayor hosts local students</title>
      <description>10.03.13: Western Heights Primary School prefects spent time at Rotorua District Council with Mayor Kevin Winters this week. (Photo: Mayor Kevin Winters (L) hosted Western Heights Primary School students this week)</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 10 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-10T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Facelift-and-new-website-for-Rotorua-lakes-programme.aspx</link>
      <title>Facelift and new website for Rotorua lakes programme</title>
      <description>09.03.13: The programme that protects and restores the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes has a fresh look, a revised name and a brand new website.</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 09 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-09T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council%E2%80%99s-City-Safe-Guardians-making-CBD-safer-says-retailers%E2%80%99-survey.aspx</link>
      <title>Council’s City Safe Guardians making CBD safer says retailers’ survey</title>
      <description>08.03.13: Results from a Rotorua District Council (RDC) survey reveal that retailers believe the council’s City Safe Guardians play an important role in helping keep the central city safe - especially when it comes to keeping “riff raff” in line, as one retailer put it. (Photo: City Safe Guardian Gina Marsh (left) with The Gypsy Shop's Connie)</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-08T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Free-training-course-for-Rotorua-Museum-volunteer-guides.aspx</link>
      <title>Free training course for Rotorua Museum volunteer guides</title>
      <description>07.03.13: Interested in learning more about Rotorua history and culture? Want to learn how to share that knowledge with travellers from around the world? Rotorua Museum is providing free training to inspire and educate people who want to become volunteer tour guides.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-07T15:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Library-celebrating-NZ-Book-Month.aspx</link>
      <title>Library celebrating NZ Book Month</title>
      <description>07.03.13: Rotorua District Library is celebrating New Zealand Book Month and from next week is offering a range of free events, workshops and film viewings for locals to enjoy, along with the opportunity to win $1000 in the Rotorua Biography Competition.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-07T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Drought-declared-for-Rotorua-and-Bay-of-Plenty-.aspx</link>
      <title>Drought declared for Rotorua and Bay of Plenty </title>
      <description>06.03.13: The drought declared throughout the Bay of Plenty region today [6 March], including Rotorua, means official recognition of the very dry conditions and gives farmers access to more support, the Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust says. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-06T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-Intermediate-School-awarded-Sister-Cities-scholarship.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua Intermediate School awarded Sister Cities scholarship</title>
      <description>06.03.13: Rotorua Intermediate School has been awarded the inaugural 2012 Geyser Community Foundation Rotorua District Council Sister Cities Scholarship. (Photo: Chinese language teacher &amp; Nanjing project coordinator, Laytee George, receives the scholarship from Mayor Kevin Winters)</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-06T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-District-Council-advertising-chief-executive-position.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua District Council advertising chief executive position</title>
      <description>05.03.13: Rotorua District Council has commenced advertising its position of chief executive and is inviting applications up until 18 March. (Photo: Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters) </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-05T08:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/2013-Census-%E2%80%93-every-person-counts.aspx</link>
      <title>2013 Census – every person counts</title>
      <description>04.13.13: Tomorrow [Tuesday 5 March] every resident and visitor in New Zealand must take part in the 2013 Census.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-04T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Thousands-of-happy-bikers-of-all-sorts.aspx</link>
      <title>Thousands of happy bikers of all sorts</title>
      <description>03.03.13: The inaugural Rotorua Bike Festival is over and planning is underway for a bigger, brighter event in 2014. (Photo: RDC Event Manager Martin Croft)</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 03 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-03T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Celebrate-children-at-Museum-tomorrow.aspx</link>
      <title>Celebrate children at Museum tomorrow</title>
      <description>02.03.13: Rotorua Museum is celebrating Children’s Day tomorrow [Sunday 3 March] with a range of free activities from 9am to 5pm. </description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 02 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-02T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Modern-day-twist-on-Maori-legends-opening-at-Rotorua-Museum.aspx</link>
      <title>Modern day twist on Maori legends opening at Rotorua Museum</title>
      <description>01.03.13: Exhibition by photographer Norm Heke opening at Rotorua Museum tomorrow [2 March] showcases traditional Māori legends, in the past and present simultaneously. (Photo: Maui and his Brothers by Norm Heke) 
</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-03-01T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/New-look-offers-enhanced-visibility-for-council-CBD-teams.aspx</link>
      <title>New look offers enhanced visibility for council CBD teams</title>
      <description>28.02.13: Local residents may become more aware of Rotorua District Council staff carrying out their varying duties in the CBD from this week. (Photo: Some of the council's CBD-based teams show off their new single uniform this week)</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-28T09:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/SPCA-cleaning-up-litter-problem-in-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>SPCA cleaning up litter problem in Rotorua</title>
      <description>27.02.13: A new discounted dog desexing initiative launched last week sees the Rotorua SPCA tackling the problem of unwanted dogs and puppies on Rotorua’s streets.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-27T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/World-first-TERAX-technology-offers-unlimited-potential.aspx</link>
      <title>World-first TERAX technology offers unlimited potential</title>
      <description>26.02.13: RDC Chief Executive Peter Guerin's 'Council Talk' column in today's Daily Post. (Photo: Peter Guerin)</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-26T12:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Drivers-who-flout-20kph-speed-limit-past-stationary-school-buses-will-be-fined.aspx</link>
      <title>Drivers who flout 20kph speed limit past stationary school buses will be fined</title>
      <description>26.02.13: Rotorua District Council and Rotorua Police are targeting drivers who exceed the 20kph legal limit past school buses collecting or dropping off children and are warning that offending drivers will be fined.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-26T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-surveying-residents-online-about-CBD-parking.aspx</link>
      <title>Council surveying residents online about CBD parking</title>
      <description>25.02.13: Rotorua District Council wants to hear what residents think about parking arrangements in the CBD and especially their views of the 12-day free parking trial offered at Christmas last year. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-25T15:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Farmers-agree-on-timeframe-to-restore-Lake-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>Farmers agree on timeframe to restore Lake Rotorua</title>
      <description>25.02.12: Rotorua farmers and Bay of Plenty Regional Council have signed a milestone agreement that could be a major turning point in cleaning up Lake Rotorua.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-25T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/New-Rotorua-International-Airport-CEO-appointed.aspx</link>
      <title>New Rotorua International Airport CEO appointed</title>
      <description>24.02.13: A senior Air New Zealand manager has been appointed as the Rotorua International Airport's new Chief Executive Officer. (Photo: Alastair Rhodes)</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-24T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Te-Matatini-final-tomorrow.aspx</link>
      <title>Te Matatini final tomorrow</title>
      <description>23.02.12: The final of the Te Matatini national kapa haka festival takes place tomorrow [Sunday 24 February] at Rotorua International Stadium. (Photo: Official powhiri for Te Matatini 2013)</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 23 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-23T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Winning-designs-for-new-Redwoods-toilets-feature-native-bird-conservation-message.aspx</link>
      <title>Winning designs for new Redwoods toilets feature native bird conservation message</title>
      <description>22.02.13: Kereama Taepa’s designs depicting the fragility of our native bird species have been selected to adorn The Redwoods' new public toilets. (Photo: Artist Kereama Taepa's design for the new toilet shrouds at The Redwoods)</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-22T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-Museum-takes-a-bold-leap-into-the-world-of-contemporary-art.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua Museum takes a bold leap into the world of contemporary art</title>
      <description>21.02.13: Rotorua Museum is launching visitors on a bold journey into the world of contemporary New Zealand art with yesterday's opening of the 'Autumn Season of Art' [20 February].</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-21T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/$60,000-in-fines-for-illegal-waste-disposal-.aspx</link>
      <title>$60,000 in fines for illegal waste disposal </title>
      <description>20.02.13: A Rotorua man has been fined a total of $30,000 for his role in the dumping and burning of demolition waste on a Te Manu Road property.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-20T15:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Mayor-has-super-time-at-Bike-Festival.aspx</link>
      <title>Mayor has super time at Bike Festival</title>
      <description>The inaugural Rotorua Bike Festival concluded at the weekend and was a huge success. (Photo: Rotorua 'Supermayor' Kevin Winters on the Whakarewarewa Nursery Hill track at 60kph during Rotorua BIke Festival's The Redwoods Coast event)</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-20T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Cactus-Jack-Backpackers-wins-WOW-weekend-in-Wellington.aspx</link>
      <title>Cactus Jack Backpackers wins WOW weekend in Wellington</title>
      <description>18.02.13: Cactus Jack Backpackers has won a WOW weekend in Wellington for referring a guest to Rotorua Museum this summer. (Photo: Rotorua Museum)</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-18T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-school-kids-continue-to-ride-to-Museum-for-free.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua school kids continue to ride to Museum for free</title>
      <description>17.02.13: Rotorua school children will continue to be able to visit Rotorua Museum for free this year on a bus funded by the Ngāti Whakaue Education Endowment Trust Board. </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 17 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-17T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Government-invests-in-world-first-technology-in-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>Government invests in world first technology in Rotorua</title>
      <description>16.02.13: Generating income from waste is now possible for Rotorua District Council with a $4.7m Government grant to build a world leading waste treatment plant which turns sewage into valuable resources. (Photo: Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters (left) and Scion CEO Warren Parker at the city’s wastewater treatment plant-based TERAX™ pilot project).</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 16 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-16T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/3-Tiki-Souvenirs-wins-prize-in-City-Safe-Guardian-Survey.aspx</link>
      <title>3 Tiki Souvenirs wins prize in City Safe Guardian Survey</title>
      <description>15.02.13: City Safe Guardian Loryn Howes gives 3 Tiki Souvenirs owner the thumbs-up after the local retailer won the spot prize for completing the 2013 City Safe Guardian Survey. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-15T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Final-weekend-for-Rotorua-Bike-Festival-.aspx</link>
      <title>Final weekend for Rotorua Bike Festival </title>
      <description>Two times Elite Women’s Downhill World Champion, Emmeline Ragot takes on the Taniwha in Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest this Sunday (17 February) in another key event in the first ever Rotorua Bike Festival, which concludes this weekend.  (Photo: Sarah Walker, London Olympics' BMX silver medalist, also competing this weekend).</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-14T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/%E2%80%98BorrowBox%E2%80%99-innovation-offers-easy-access-to-library-e-audiobooks.aspx</link>
      <title>‘BorrowBox’ innovation offers easy access to library e-audiobooks</title>
      <description>Rotorua Library has launched 'BorrowBox', an online application which allows library members to download e-audiobooks straight to their laptops, computers, tablets or smartphones without having to go through the library catalogue or website. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-13T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Interpretation-information-session-offered-to-local-migrants.aspx</link>
      <title>Interpretation information session offered to local migrants</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council is encouraging local migrants interested in offering to help with interpretation services to attend an information session this month.  </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-12T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Beginners%E2%80%99-watercolour-workshop-at-Museum.aspx</link>
      <title>Beginners’ watercolour workshop at Museum</title>
      <description>Local artist Judith Prictor will teach the delicate art of painting with watercolours in a half-day beginner’s workshop at Rotorua Museum on Sunday [17 February].</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-11T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Stormwater-cesspit-grate-thefts-put-community-safety-at-risk.aspx</link>
      <title>Stormwater cesspit grate thefts put community safety at risk</title>
      <description>A recent spate of stormwater cesspit grate thefts in Holden’s Bay has prompted Rotorua District Council to ask local residents to help keep a look out and report any suspicious activity in the area.
</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 10 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-10T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-Bike-Festival-gets-under-way-this-weekend.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua Bike Festival gets under way this weekend</title>
      <description>The first ever Rotorua Bike festival kicks off this weekend with two weeks packed with cycling related events.</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 09 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-09T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/SH30-at-Ruato-Bay-between-Rotorua-and-Whakatane-to-close-overnight-for-works.aspx</link>
      <title>SH30 at Ruato Bay between Rotorua and Whakatane to close overnight for works</title>
      <description>State Highway 30 (SH30) at Ruato Bay on Lake Rotoiti between Rotorua and Whakatane will be closed overnight for three consecutive nights from Sunday (10 February).</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-08T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Mountain-biking-returns-to-Skyline---Rotorua-Bike-Festival.aspx</link>
      <title>Mountain biking returns to Skyline - Rotorua Bike Festival</title>
      <description>Mountain biking is returning to Skyline Skyrides on Mount Ngongotaha with the Skyline Sprint Warrior on the evening of Friday 15 February, as part of the 1st Rotorua Bike Festival (8-17 February).</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-07T13:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Bay-of-Plenty-will-be-ready-for-change-say-region%E2%80%99s-leaders.aspx</link>
      <title>Bay of Plenty will be ready for change say region’s leaders</title>
      <description>The ‘Rethinking Local Government Conference’ last Friday (1 February) was a good first step in making sure Bay of Plenty communities are well informed and ready for whatever change may come for local councils, the regional mayors and chair of the regional council said in a joint statement after the conference concluded. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2013 01:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-07T01:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Maori-flag-flying--at-Rotorua-Civic-centre-for-Waitangi-Day.aspx</link>
      <title>Maori flag flying at Rotorua Civic centre for Waitangi Day</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council is flying  a Maori flag alongside the New Zealand flag at the council Civic Centre on Waitangi Day today. [Photo: (L-R): RDC Director Kaupapa Maori Mauriora Kingi, with Te Arawa Standing Committee members Waereti Tait-Rolleston, Rene Mitchell, Mayor Kevin Winters (chairman), Arapeta Tahana and Deputy Mayor Trevor Maxwell]</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2013 01:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-06T01:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua%E2%80%99s-GDP-growth-outstrips-national-economy-Infometrics-report.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua’s GDP growth outstrips national economy: Infometrics report</title>
      <description>Rotorua has recorded GDP growth of 5% in the year to March 2012, far outstripping the national economy’s expansion of just 2.3%.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-05T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Drivers-urged-to-take-extra-care-around-schools-as-kids-return-from-holidays.aspx</link>
      <title>Drivers urged to take extra care around schools as kids return from holidays</title>
      <description>Now that school is back for the year, Rotorua District Council  is reminding drivers to take extra care with speed and parking around schools or face being fined.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-04T18:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Lakes-water-quality-improvements-encouraging-says-Rotorua-mayor.aspx</link>
      <title>Lakes water quality improvements encouraging says Rotorua mayor</title>
      <description>A $200 million partnership programme to improve the water quality of Rotorua lakes is producing very encouraging results says Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group chairman and Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-04T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/2013-marks-20-years-for-Rotorua-Walking-Festival.aspx</link>
      <title>2013 marks 20 years for Rotorua Walking Festival</title>
      <description>The 20th year of the Rotorua Walking Festival is being marked with this year’s walking festival and already organisers are receiving a high level of interest in the event.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 03 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-03T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-accommodation-scoops-up-Trip-Advisor-awards.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua accommodation scoops up Trip Advisor awards</title>
      <description>Rotorua has been successful in the 2013 Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Top 25 Awards, with eight accommodation providers winning 12 awards.</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 02 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-02T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Raggamuffin-kicks-off-tonight!.aspx</link>
      <title>Raggamuffin kicks-off tonight!</title>
      <description>Rotorua’s annual Raggamuffin reggae festival has finally arrived, and festival-goers are asked to follow a few simple rules to ensure the event is fun and safe for everyone.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-01T13:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-asks-Rotorua-residents-to-conserve-water-during-dry-spell.aspx</link>
      <title>Council asks Rotorua residents to conserve water during dry spell</title>
      <description>Residents enjoying the hot, dry summer weather are being asked to avoid any unnecessary use of water, particularly outside in gardens or for lawn irrigation.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-02-01T09:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-District-Council-gets-international-Green-Flag-Award-for-The-Redwoods.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua District Council gets international Green Flag Award for The Redwoods</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council’s parks and reserves are clearly amongst the country’s best and can hold their own on the international stage. [Photo: (L-R) Joby Barham, Garry Page and Julianne Wilkinson.]</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-31T11:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Significant-interest-in-Rotorua-Airport-CEO-role.aspx</link>
      <title>Significant interest in Rotorua Airport CEO role</title>
      <description>The chairman of the Rotorua International Airport Board, Ray Cook, says the board has been overwhelmed with the quantity and calibre of applicants for the role of airport chief executive which was advertised just before Christmas. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-31T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Total-fire-ban-in-place-for-Rotorua-district.aspx</link>
      <title>Total fire ban in place for Rotorua district</title>
      <description>A total fire ban has been put in place across the entire Rotorua District with immediate effect. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-30T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/White-Island-volcanic-unrest-increases.aspx</link>
      <title>White Island volcanic unrest increases</title>
      <description>Over recent days the style of seismic activity at White Island, off the Bay of Plenty coast, has changed. While the level of volcanic tremor has started to decrease, hybrid volcanic earthquakes have appeared. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-28T05:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/What%27s-on-in-Rotorua-today---Sunday-27-January.aspx</link>
      <title>What's on in Rotorua today - Sunday 27 January</title>
      <description>There's lots going on in Rotorua this Anniversary Weekend. Check out what's happening today.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-27T05:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/What%27s-on-in-Rotorua-today---Saturday.aspx</link>
      <title>What's on in Rotorua today - Saturday 26 January</title>
      <description>There's lots going on in Rotorua this Anniversary Weekend. Check out what's happening today.</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 26 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-26T05:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Chief-executive-collects-rubbish-bags.aspx</link>
      <title>Chief executive collects rubbish bags</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council chief executive Peter Guerin likes to keep in touch with the frontline of council operations and regularly gets out and works with council teams. [Photo: CE Peter Guerin (right) jumped onboard the council’s refuse truck this week with Phillip Whare, Rima Tau and Awhi Paul to see first-hand what’s included in collecting rubbish bags around Rotorua streets].</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-25T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-project-helping-feed-local-community-and-improve-environment.aspx</link>
      <title>Council project helping feed local community and improve environment</title>
      <description>A Rotorua District Council project to help reduce dust in Ngapuna has resulted in over 100kg of vegetables being donated so far to the Salvation Army food bank to help needy residents. [Photo: Castlecorp general manger Mike Davies checks the produce in one of Castlecorp's vegetable gardens].</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-24T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Bike-expo-showcases-bike-builders%27-creations.aspx</link>
      <title>Bike expo showcases bike builders' creations</title>
      <description>Steel bikes, carbon fibre bikes, bamboo bikes - even a bike made from local radiata pine - will all be on show at next month's Rotorua Bike Festival.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-23T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Help-for-teen-drivers-travelling-to-Raggamuffin-and-other-festivals.aspx</link>
      <title>Help for teen drivers travelling to Raggamuffin and other festivals</title>
      <description>For the parents of teen drivers it can be a nerve racking time as their children embark on long journeys, some for the first time, to attend summer music festivals all over the country, such as the popular Raggamuffin music festival in Rotorua on 1-2 February.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-22T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/What%E2%80%99s-On-at-Rotorua-Museum-this-week.aspx</link>
      <title>What’s On at Rotorua Museum this week</title>
      <description>Locals are encouraged to check out the following exhibitions at Rotorua Museum this week. [Photo: Firebird, Susan Holmes]</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-21T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-Bike-Festival-a-mix-of-the-unconventional.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua Bike Festival a mix of the unconventional</title>
      <description>The Rotorua Bike Festival is a mix of the unconventional, like the Shweeb World Championships, and more mainstream cycling events such as mountain biking, BMX and road cycling.
</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 20 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-20T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/The-first-Shweeb-worlds.aspx</link>
      <title>The first Shweeb worlds</title>
      <description>It’s a unique feature of the Rotorua cycling scene. The Shweeb - pedal-powered pods hanging under monorails on a figure-8 course at adventure park, Agroventures.
</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-19T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Wood-first-choice-for-local-developments.aspx</link>
      <title>Wood first choice for local developments</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council is working with key community stakeholders, such as Waiariki Institute of Technology, to embrace the concept of wood being the material of choice for new and existing developments. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-18T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Events-and-Venues-predict-another-busy-year.aspx</link>
      <title>Events &amp; Venues predict another busy year</title>
      <description>The team at Events &amp; Venues expects 2013 to be another busy year for conferences, corporate business, shows and events.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-17T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/%E2%80%98Music-in-the-Band-Rotunda%E2%80%99-kicks-off-next-month-.aspx</link>
      <title>‘Music in the Band Rotunda’ kicks off next month </title>
      <description>Rotorua’s popular ‘Music in the Band Rotunda’ season returns to Government Gardens next month, kicking off with two local bands, Finely Tuned and Off Broadway. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-16T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/BMX-a-big-part-of-bike-festival.aspx</link>
      <title>BMX a big part of bike festival</title>
      <description>Some of the classiest BMX riders in the world will be at the inaugural Rotorua Bike Festival next month.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-15T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/CBD-design-critical-to-future-success.aspx</link>
      <title>CBD design critical to future success</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council regularly receives positive feedback on the Eat Streat precinct project towards the bottom of Tutanekai Street. This has been a very positive trial of public, private partnership, in developing a precinct within the CBD in unison with the business and building owners of the block.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-14T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Volcanic-ash-booklets-available-for-locals.aspx</link>
      <title>Volcanic ash booklets available for locals</title>
      <description>The International Volcanic Health Hazard Network has produced two useful information booklets to promote the safety of those who experience volcanic ashfall.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-13T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-seeking-nominations-of-people-who-help-Keep-Rotorua-Beautiful.aspx</link>
      <title>Council seeking nominations of people who help Keep Rotorua Beautiful</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) is encouraging local people to nominate those in the community who could potentially be recipients of one of this year’s Keep Rotorua Beautiful Awards. </description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-12T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-District-Youth-Council-for-2013-selected.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua District Youth Council for 2013 selected</title>
      <description>Sixteen young people from seven local schools have been selected to serve on the 2013 Rotorua District Youth Council (RDYC). They will be supported by former youth councillors as they begin their year’s journey.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-11T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Museum-offering-%27Buy-2-get-1-free%27-school-holiday-workshops.aspx</link>
      <title>Museum offering 'Buy 2 get 1 free' school holiday workshops</title>
      <description>Inspired by its 'Off the Wall: World of WearableArt Up Close' exhibition, Rotorua Museum is running creative workshops until 19 January, and offering a 'Buy 2 get 1 free' special.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-10T06:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Search-on-for-innovative-person-to-lead-Rotorua-airport.aspx</link>
      <title>Search on for innovative person to lead Rotorua airport</title>
      <description>Rotorua International Airport is currently searching for a new chief executive to help shape the airport’s future.  </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-09T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Planning-for-2014-bike-festival-already-underway.aspx</link>
      <title>Planning for 2014 bike festival already underway</title>
      <description>The first Rotorua Bike Festival from 8 to 17 February won’t be the last. With a full schedule set for this year's 10-day celebration of cycling, the festival team is already looking to 2014.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-08T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Bizarre-Bras-are-a-quirky-addition-to-the-WOW-exhibition.aspx</link>
      <title>Bizarre Bras are a quirky addition to the WOW exhibition</title>
      <description>Bras are normally tucked away out of sight but they are rapidly becoming the star of the Off the Wall exhibition. [Photo: Prickly Heat, Wendy Moyer (Mexico).</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-07T12:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Park-revamp-work-starts-soon.aspx</link>
      <title>Park revamp work starts soon</title>
      <description>Construction of a youth space at Koutu's Karenga Park will begin this month.
</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 06 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-06T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/WOW-inspired-workshops-for-kids-at-Rotorua-Museum.aspx</link>
      <title>WOW inspired workshops for kids at Rotorua Museum</title>
      <description>The Christmas presents have all been opened, the tree is starting to wilt and the kids are getting bored. It must be time to bring them to Rotorua Museum for some of our fantastic summer holiday workshops.</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-05T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/%27Free-Fiction%27-at-Rotorua-library.aspx</link>
      <title>'Free Fiction' at Rotorua library</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Library is offering free rentals on popular fiction titles for the month of January.  </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-04T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Searching-for-Rotorua-lakes-mooring-owners-.aspx</link>
      <title>Searching for Rotorua lakes mooring owners </title>
      <description>Bay of Plenty Regional Council is surveying Rotorua lakes during the next few months to find out who owns hundreds of moorings. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-03T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Giant-carved-%27cultural-doorway%27-for-national-kapa-haka-competition.aspx</link>
      <title>Giant carved 'cultural doorway' for national kapa haka competition</title>
      <description>Te Matatini Society and the New Zealand Māori Arts &amp; Crafts Institute (NZMACI) in Rotorua have joined together to create what may be the biggest carving made in Aotearoa.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2013-01-02T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Tomorrow%27s-GLO-event---Tuesday-1-January.aspx</link>
      <title>Tomorrow's GLO event - Tuesday 1 January</title>
      <description>Tomorrow's [1 January] GLO event.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-31T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Tomorrow%27s-GLO-events---Monday-31-December.aspx</link>
      <title>Tomorrow's GLO events - Monday 31 December</title>
      <description>Tomorrow's [31 December] GLO events.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-30T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Get-ready-to-GLO!.aspx</link>
      <title>Fireworks to make Rotorua GLO on New Year’s Eve</title>
      <description>Rotorua’s new three-day New Year's festival 'GLO' begins tomorrow [30 December].
</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-29T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-to-host-National-Sevens-in-2014-and-2015.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua to host National Sevens in 2014 and 2015</title>
      <description>The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has secured the rights to host the National Sevens Tournament at Rotorua International Stadium in 2014 and 2015 the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has announced.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-28T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Top-mountain-bikers-to-race-at-Rotorua-Bike-Festival-in-February-.aspx</link>
      <title>Top mountain bikers to race at Rotorua Bike Festival in February </title>
      <description>New Zealand’s top downhill mountain bikers will race at the Rotorua Bike Festival in February. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-27T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Important-reminder-for-jet-ski-safety.aspx</link>
      <title>Important reminder for jet ski safety</title>
      <description>A collision between a power boat and a jet ski in the Waikato region recently has highlighted the need for people to take care on the waterways this summer, says the Western Bay of Plenty harbour master, Jennifer Roberts. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-26T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rubbish-bag-collection-days-unchanged-over-holiday-season.aspx</link>
      <title>Rubbish bag collection days unchanged over holiday season</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council's rubbish bag collection service continues unchanged throughout the holidays including on Christmas Day. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-24T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-District-Council-Holiday-Hours-201213.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua District Council Holiday Hours 2012/13</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council Holiday Hours during the 2012/13 festive season. The council Civic Centre is open on Monday 24 December from 8am to 12 noon.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-23T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Titanium-to-headline-Rotorua%E2%80%99s-New-Year-Celebrations.aspx</link>
      <title>Titanium to headline Rotorua’s New Year Celebrations</title>
      <description>New Zealand’s hottest boy band Titanium will be performing in Rotorua as part of GLO, Rotorua’s new three-day New Year's festival. </description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-22T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Notice-of-withdrawal-of-two-requirments-for-designation-in-Proposed-District-Plan.aspx</link>
      <title>Changes to Appendix 6 Designations in Proposed Distict Plan</title>
      <description>Council has resolved on 19 December 2012 to withdraw the Whakarewarewa spray irrigation scheme and Tokorangi forest requirement to designate.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2012 15:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-21T15:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-adds-Facebook-and-Twitter-to-communication-channels.aspx</link>
      <title>Council adds Facebook and Twitter to communication channels</title>
      <description>Rotorua residents and people from anywhere in the world can now connect with Rotorua District Council through Facebook and Twitter. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-21T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Popular-parks-manager-farewelled-after-40-years.aspx</link>
      <title>Popular parks manager farewelled after 40 years</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council is farewelling its popular and respected Parks Operations manager Walter Miller this week [Friday 21 December] who is retiring after 40 years of outstanding service to the council and the Rotorua community.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-20T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/New-Infrastructure-Services-head-for-Rotorua-District-Council.aspx</link>
      <title>New Infrastructure Services head for Rotorua District Council</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council has appointed Andrew Bell as its new Infrastructure Services group manager. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-19T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Organisers-overwhelmed-by-donations-to-Community-Christmas-Tree.aspx</link>
      <title>Organisers overwhelmed by donations to Community Christmas Tree</title>
      <description>Since Monday 3 December the Rotorua Museum Community Christmas Tree has been accepting donated gifts for Waiariki Women’s Refuge. Within 30 minutes of the tree being decorated a local family brought in a box filled with presents for the families in need.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-19T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Our-Rotorua-%E2%80%93-monthly-round-up-of-council-news-highlights.aspx</link>
      <title>Our Rotorua – monthly round-up of council news highlights</title>
      <description>Read the latest edition of Our Rotorua, a monthly round-up of council news highlights and related activities and events. [Photo: Mayor Kevin Winters whose Christmas message appears in this issue of Our Rotorua].</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-18T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Historical-Te-Arawa-Taonga-Returns-to-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>Historical Te Arawa Taonga Returns to Rotorua</title>
      <description>A pōwhiri was held at Rotorua Museum on Friday [14 December] for an historical Te Arawa pare which was returned to Rotorua for the first time in more than 100 years.
</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-17T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Christmas-carols-at-Rotorua-Museum-Sunday-7pm-.aspx</link>
      <title>Christmas carols at Rotorua Museum Sunday 7pm </title>
      <description>The festive season continues at Rotorua Museum today [Sunday 16 December] when the Rotorua District Choir entertains visitors with a special Christmas performance of Carols at at 7pm. </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-16T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Deadline-extended-for-submissions-on-proposed-District-Plan-.aspx</link>
      <title>Deadline extended for submissions on proposed District Plan </title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council has extended the deadline by six weeks for submissions on its proposed District Plan. The submission deadline has been extended from 18 January to the new date of 1 March 2013 following a number of requests from local organisations for more time to prepare submissions. </description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-15T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Handy-wallet-sized-guide-launched-to-help-keep-visitors-safe.aspx</link>
      <title>Handy wallet-sized guide launched to help keep visitors safe</title>
      <description>Rotorua’s Visitor Safety Group launched a new fold-out pocket guide this week designed to help keep the city’s visitors safe.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-14T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Wallabies-are-pests-not-pets.aspx</link>
      <title>Wallabies are pests not pets</title>
      <description>Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff are concerned some residents may be treating Dama wallabies as pets instead of pests. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-13T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/2-hours-free-parking-for-12-days-of-Christmas-starts-today-.aspx</link>
      <title>2 hours free parking for 12 days of Christmas starts today </title>
      <description>Two-hour free parking in the central city for the 12 days of Christmas, up to and including Christmas Eve, starts today (Thursday 13 December). </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-13T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/National-Leadership-Award-for-Rotorua-District-Council.aspx</link>
      <title>National Leadership Award for Rotorua District Council</title>
      <description>12 December 2012

Rotorua District Council’s has picked up a national award in the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants’ (NZICA) 2012 Leadership Awards. [Photo: CE Peter Guerin and RDC's Annual Report 2010/11].</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-12T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Simulated-crash-scene-and-Ruru-billboards-to-help-spread-holiday-season-road-safety-message.aspx</link>
      <title>Simulated crash scene and Ruru billboards to help spread holiday season road safety message</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) has teamed up with local road safety enforcers to help ‘paint the town red’ with road safety messages for the holiday period. [Photo: L-R Road safety coordinator jodie Lawson and St John paramedic Dave Jack with the simulated crash scene at City Focus]</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-11T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Free-parking-for-Christmas---Council%E2%80%99s-gift-to-CBD-retailers.aspx</link>
      <title>Free parking for Christmas - Council’s gift to CBD retailers</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council Chief Executive Peter Guerin's 'Council Talk' column from today's Daily Post. </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-11T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council%E2%80%99s-gift-to-Rotorua-two-hours-free-parking-for-12-days-of-Christmas.aspx</link>
      <title>Council’s gift to Rotorua: two hours free parking for 12 days of Christmas</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council is giving residents and city retailers a Christmas gift this year in the form of 2-hour free parking in the central city over the 12 days leading up to Christmas Day.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-10T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Councils-doing-a-good-job-with-debt-and-rates-Auditor-General-tells-Parliament.aspx</link>
      <title>Councils doing a good job with debt and rates Auditor-General tells Parliament</title>
      <description>Mayor Kevin Winters says a report tabled in Parliament brings in to question the recent Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill. 

[Photo: Parliament Buildings, Wellington] 
 
</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Dec 2012 14:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-09T14:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rural-Community-Safety-Day-on-Sunday-helping-target-rural-road-safety.aspx</link>
      <title>Rural Community Safety Day on Sunday helping target rural road safety</title>
      <description>RDC’s road safety campaign for rural roads will feature at the Rural Community Safety Day on Sunday [9 December] at Reporoa Domain. 

[Photo: RDC customer adviser Bridget Anderson setting up a display in the council Customer Centre.]

</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 08 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-08T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Western-Heights-Community-Day-at-Park-Rd-Reserve-Saturday-December-8.aspx</link>
      <title>Western Heights Community Day at Park Rd Reserve Saturday December 8</title>
      <description>A community fun day out for the whole family to enjoy is taking place this Saturday (8 December) at Rotorua's Park Road Reserve from 10am to 3pm.

</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-07T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Polynesian-Spa-top-Rotorua-attraction-in-AA%E2%80%99s-2012-list-of-%E2%80%98101-Must-Do%E2%80%99s%E2%80%99-.aspx</link>
      <title>Polynesian Spa top Rotorua attraction in AA’s 2012 list of ‘101 Must Do’s’ </title>
      <description>Four Rotorua tourism attractions have been named in AA’s ‘101 Must Do’s’ list for 2012 showing how well Kiwi’s are connecting with Rotorua and sharing news of their experiences.

</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-06T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Community-Christmas-Tree-and-Santa-Bear-collection-at-Rotorua-Museum.aspx</link>
      <title>Community Christmas Tree and Santa Bear collection at Rotorua Museum</title>
      <description>Rotorua Museum’s Community Christmas Tree is now in the Museum foyer ready to receive donated gifts for Waiariki Women’s Refuge.

 [Photo: Santa Bears courtesy Wendy Hurran]

</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-05T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Amendment-Bill-unlikely-to-achieve-Government%E2%80%99s-objectives-says-local-government-leader-.aspx</link>
      <title>Amendment Bill unlikely to achieve Government’s objectives says local government leader </title>
      <description>LGNZ President Lawrence Yule is warning the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill will not achieve the government’s objectives. 
[Photo: LGNZ president Lawrence Yule]



</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-04T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Changes-to-regional-council-Onsite-Effluent-Treatment-Plan-.aspx</link>
      <title>Changes to regional council Onsite Effluent Treatment Plan </title>
      <description>The public is being asked to submit on proposed changes to BOP regional council’s plan for domestic wastewater disposal.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-03T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-a-key-ingredient-in-the-Home-of-Cycling.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua a key ingredient in the Home of Cycling</title>
      <description>A single board of timber has become a symbol of the Rotorua Bike Festival’s commitment to the new Home of Cycling’s Avantidrome in Cambridge. </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 02 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-02T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/101-works-at-Rotorua-Museum-by-NZ-artist-Sir-%E2%80%98Toss%E2%80%99-Woollaston-.aspx</link>
      <title>101 works at Rotorua Museum by NZ artist Sir ‘Toss’ Woollaston </title>
      <description>Rotorua Museum’s exhibition, Woollaston 101, is a comprehensive representation of NZ artist Sir ‘Toss’ Woollaston’s mind at work. [PHOTO: Toss Woollaston, Lester McGrath, 1973. Collection of The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū.]</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-12-01T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-marks-opening-of-37-km-section-of-New-Zealand-Cycle-Trail.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua marks opening of 37 km section of New Zealand Cycle Trail</title>
      <description>Te Ara Ahi, a 37 km section of the NZ Cycle Trail, was opened in Rotorua yesterday by Associate Tourism Minister Chris Tremain. [PHOTO: Keen cyclist Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters &amp; RDC Works manager Peter Dine]

</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-30T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Likelihood-of-eruption-remains-at-Ruapehu-south-of-Rotorua-.aspx</link>
      <title>Likelihood of eruption remains at Ruapehu south of Rotorua </title>
      <description> Despite Mount Ruapehu being quiet at the moment there remain indications of volcanic unrest, and an eruption could occur with little or no warning say scientists. [PHOTO: Mount Ruapehu’s Crater Lake]
</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-29T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Boating,-diving-restrictions-around-Lake-Rotoma%E2%80%99s-Otangiwai-Point.aspx</link>
      <title>Boating, diving restrictions around Lake Rotoma’s Otangiwai Point</title>
      <description>An exclusion zone has been established around Otangiwai Point (Mailbox Point) in Lake Rotomā. The Harbour Master for Rotorua lakes has closed boat access to an area of water within 75 metres of the shore around the point, between 10am and 6pm seven days a week.

</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-28T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua%E2%80%99s-part-of-national-cycleway-becomes-a-reality-this-week.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua’s part of national cycleway becomes a reality this week</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council Chief Executive Peter Guerin's 'Council Talk' column from today's Daily Post.

</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-27T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-Council-picks-up-three-national-recreation-awards.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua Council picks up three national recreation awards</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council picked up three national awards at the NZ Recreation Association’s annual conference last week.


       [PHOTO: RDC's Walter Miller (right) receiving the Ian Galloway Memorial Cup from Paul Andrews of Wellington City Council.]
</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-26T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Public-feedback-sought-on-TERAX-governance-structure.aspx</link>
      <title>Public feedback sought on TERAX governance structure</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council is seeking community feedback on a proposed Limited Partnership structure between the council and Scion.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-25T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Australian-sister-city-mayor-and-family-holidaying-in-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>Australian sister city mayor and family holidaying in Rotorua</title>
      <description>The new mayor of Rotorua’s Australian sister city, Lake Macquarie, and her husband and children took time from their family holiday this week to stop by Mayor Kevin Winter’s office for a chat over lunch. PHOTO: Mayors Jodie Harrison and Kevin Winters.</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-24T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-continuing-to-monitor-Tongariro-eruption-situation.aspx</link>
      <title>Council continuing to monitor Tongariro eruption situation</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) is continuing to monitor the situation with Mount Tongariro following the sudden eruption of the mountain's Te Maari crater on Wednesday this week. PHOTO: Ash cloud over Mount Tongariro.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-23T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-consulting-on-joining-Local-Government-Funding-Agency.aspx</link>
      <title>Council consulting on joining Local Government Funding Agency</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council is considering becoming a shareholding local authority (SLA) in the recently formed Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA), and is seeking feedback from residents on this proposal by 4 December. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-22T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/TXTing-introduced-for-contacting-Rotorua-District-Council.aspx</link>
      <title>TXTing introduced for contacting Rotorua District Council</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council has introduced TXTing as another communication channel for the local community to use when contacting the council. Photo: RDC's Valeta Duncan and Walter Miller with a sign reminding people they can TXT the council.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-21T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Capacity-and-speed-enhanced-with-summer-jet-service-.aspx</link>
      <title>Capacity and speed enhanced with summer jet service </title>
      <description>Key domestic jet services have returned for the summer on the Rotorua to Queenstown via Christchurch route.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-19T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-Trust-gets-behind-1st-Rotorua-Bike-Festival-.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua Trust gets behind 1st Rotorua Bike Festival </title>
      <description>The 1st Rotorua Bike Festival in February 2013 is all charged up and ready to go after the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust and MoreFM announced major support for the event. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-19T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Tuesday-last-day-for-rates-payments.aspx</link>
      <title>Tuesday last day for rates payments</title>
      <description>The last day for paying the second quarterly installment of rates for Rotorua district is Tuesday 20 November.

</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-18T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-unearthing-local-talent-to-%E2%80%98Find-the-Face%E2%80%99.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua unearthing local talent to ‘Find the Face’</title>
      <description>The depths of young Rotorua talent will be unearthed with Destination Rotorua Marketing’s ‘Finding the Face’ campaign to discover talent to front television commercials and online campaigns to promote Rotorua to New Zealand.</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-17T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-to-GLO-this-New-Year%27s.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua to GLO this New Year's</title>
      <description>Planning is well underway for Rotorua’s new GLO Festival, which will celebrate the New Year over three days this festive season.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-15T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-to-host-2015-brass-bands-championships.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua to host 2015 brass bands championships</title>
      <description>Rotorua has won the rights to host the National Brass Band Championships in 2015, heading off strong competition from Auckland’s North Shore.
The competition takes place in the first week of the July school holidays and is expected to bring around 2,000 visitors to the city. It will be staged at the Rotorua Convention Centre.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-15T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-satisfied-with-CEO%E2%80%99s-performance-but-not-the-right-time-for-pay-increase-Mayor-Kevin-Winters.aspx</link>
      <title>Council satisfied with CEO’s performance but not the right time for pay increase: Mayor Kevin Winters</title>
      <description>For the second year running there will be no pay increase in 2012 for Rotorua District Council chief executive Peter Guerin. 
[L-R: RDC chief executive Peter Guerin and Mayor Kevin Winters]</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-14T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-flags-at-half-mast-for-funerals-of-Te-Arawa-leader-and-former-RDC-director.aspx</link>
      <title>Council flags at half mast for funerals of Te Arawa leader and former RDC director</title>
      <description>Flags on Rotorua District Council’s Civic Centre headquarters will be lowered to half mast today Wednesday [14 November] and tomorrow to acknowledge the funerals of two prominent Rotorua men. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-14T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Special-events-bring-Dame-Suzie-Moncrieff-to-Rotorua-Museum.aspx</link>
      <title>Special events bring Dame Suzie Moncrieff to Rotorua Museum</title>
      <description>Hot on the heels of the opening of Off the Wall: World of WearableArt™ Up Close at Rotorua Museum, WOW® founder Dame Suzie Moncrieff will be visiting Rotorua for one day only.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-13T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/World-first-waste-innovation-offers-wider-business-potential.aspx</link>
      <title>World-first waste innovation offers wider business potential</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council and Scion have embarked on an innovative joint venture project which has significant future business potential. Evolving from the ‘Waste 2 Gold’ programme, the newly developed process for transforming biosolids from the waste water treatment plant into useable products has the registered trade name of TERAX™.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-13T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-leads-stand-against-violence.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua leads stand against violence</title>
      <description>Rotorua will be awash with white ribbons later this month as the city leads a national stand against family violence, hosting the national launch of the White Ribbon Ride at a great family event by the Lakeside. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-12T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Work-progressing-well-on-Lake-Road-four-laning.aspx</link>
      <title>Work progressing well on Lake Road four-laning</title>
      <description>Work on widening Lake Road to four-laning to improve safety and reduce congestion is progressing well.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-12T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-on-the-lookout-for-next-year%E2%80%99s-youth-council.aspx</link>
      <title>Council on the lookout for next year’s youth council</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) is on the lookout for the city’s future leaders.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-11T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Check-out-the-latest-edition-of-Rotorua-District-Council%27s-Safe-Rotorua!-newsletter.aspx</link>
      <title>Safe Rotorua! newsletter available now</title>
      <description>Check out the latest edition of Rotorua District Council's Safe Rotorua! newsletter.</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-10T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-offering-free-refresher-courses-for-elderly-drivers.aspx</link>
      <title>Council offering free refresher courses for elderly drivers</title>
      <description>Following recent publicity around concerns for the safety of elderly drivers on local roads, Rotorua District Council (RDC) is keen to promote the courses it has available for elderly drivers.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-09T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Added-WOW%C2%AE-at-Museum-this-summer.aspx</link>
      <title>Added WOW® at Museum this summer</title>
      <description>Hot on the heels of another hugely successful World of WearableArts™ (WOW) show in Wellington, Rotorua Museum is about to become the new home to an exciting exhibition of the very best costumes from their historic collection.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-08T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Buskers-wanted-for-city-bazaar.aspx</link>
      <title>Buskers wanted for city bazaar</title>
      <description>On Sunday 30 December the city centre will be transformed into a huge bazaar market and Rotorua District Council is on the look-out for local buskers to entertain the masses.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-07T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Mountain-bike-world-champ-racing-in-Rotorua-in-February.aspx</link>
      <title>Mountain bike world champ racing in Rotorua in February</title>
      <description>Junior World Mountain bike champion Anton Cooper is bringing his rainbow jersey and gold medal to Rotorua in February. </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-06T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Mayor-launches-Rotorua%E2%80%99s--White-Ribbon-Campaign.aspx</link>
      <title>Mayor launches Rotorua’s White Ribbon Campaign</title>
      <description>The White Ribbon Campaign to end men’s violence against women was today [5 November] launched throughout New Zealand with Mayor Kevin Winters endorsing Rotorua’s community response.  </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-05T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Mountainbiking-DVD-hits-Sydney-shores.aspx</link>
      <title>Mountainbiking DVD hits Sydney shores</title>
      <description>A DVD promoting mountain biking in Rotorua and the Central North Island has only been in the Australian market a month, but it is already receiving rave reviews and prompting Australians to plan trips across the ditch. </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-04T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Youth-Road-Safety-Expo-for-teens-and-parents.aspx</link>
      <title>Youth Road Safety Expo for teens and parents</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) is encouraging local teenage drivers and their parents to participate in the city’s Youth Road Safety Expo this month. 
The expo will take place at the Holiday Inn on Tryon St from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 November, and schools and alternative education providers are organising student attendance. </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-04T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-body-welcomes-housing-affordability-options.aspx</link>
      <title>Council body welcomes housing affordability options</title>
      <description>The government’s announcement this week that it will continue to work on policy options to tackle housing affordability has been welcomed by national council organisation Local Government New Zealand.</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-03T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98Manky%E2%80%99-a-winner-at-surveyors%E2%80%99-national-awards.aspx</link>
      <title>Council’s ‘Manky’ a winner at surveyors’ national awards</title>
      <description>A partnership between Rotorua District Council (RDC) and Canmap Hawley Ltd has resulted in a win for the local surveying company’s ‘The Manky’ fabric map creation. </description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-03T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Workshop-to-help-migrants-settle-into-the-community.aspx</link>
      <title>Workshop to help migrants settle into the community</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council is encouraging local people and organisations who want to make connections with migrants to attend its ‘Celebrate our Diversity’ workshop this month.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-02T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Works-to-reduce-travel-times-between-Rotorua-and-Paengaroa-start-today.aspx</link>
      <title>Works to reduce travel times between Rotorua and Paengaroa start today</title>
      <description>Road works to improve safety and reduce travel times along a section of the highway between Rotorua and Paengaroa and on SH33 will start today (Friday 2 November).</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2012 08:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-02T08:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-council-gets-clean-bill-of-health-from-Auditor-General.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua council gets clean bill of health from Auditor-General</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council’s performance for the 2011/12 year has received a clean bill of health from the Office of the Auditor-General following a comprehensive audit of the council’s Annual Report. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-11-01T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/District-Plan-%E2%80%9Cnotified%E2%80%9D-after-five-years-in-development.aspx</link>
      <title>District Plan “notified” after five years in development</title>
      <description>After five years of comprehensive research, intensive consultation and detailed refinement, Rotorua District Council has entered the next phase in producing a second generation District Plan for Rotorua. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-31T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-signs-M.O.U-with-China-Southern-Airlines.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua signs M.O.U with China Southern Airlines</title>
      <description>Early this week in Guangzhou, China, a delegation led by Rotorua District Council Deputy Mayor Trevor Maxwell signed an historic Memorandum of Understanding with China Southern Airlines, led by Executive Vice President Mr He Zong Kai and the airline’s senior executives.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-31T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Keep-Rotorua-Beautiful-takes-out-top-award.aspx</link>
      <title>Keep Rotorua Beautiful takes out top award</title>
      <description>Local volunteer organisation Keep Rotorua Beautiful (KRB) won the Supreme Award at last night’s 2012 TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards (29 October).</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-30T12:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Elite-high-performance-swim-coach-for-Aquatic-Centre.aspx</link>
      <title>Elite high-performance swim coach for Aquatic Centre</title>
      <description>Swim Rotorua, the swimming club based at Rotorua's Aquatic Centre, has announced the appointment of Alastair Johnson as head coach of the Club.  He becomes one of only a small number of elite high-performance coaches working in New Zealand.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-29T14:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Dog-seizure-and-fines-for-owners-of-un-neutered-menacing-dogs.aspx</link>
      <title>Dog seizure and fines for owners of un-neutered menacing dogs</title>
      <description>Owners of ‘menacing dogs’ are being warned to have their dogs de-sexed or face a fine and seizure of their dog.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-28T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-supports-Lake-Okaro-transfer-to-iwi.aspx</link>
      <title>Council supports Lake Okaro transfer to iwi</title>
      <description>At a Rotorua District Council meeting this week (24 October) the council agreed to support the transfer of Lake Okaro’s lake bed to Te Arawa Lakes Trust ownership.
</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Oct 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-28T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Second-Hand-Sunday-this-weekend.aspx</link>
      <title>Second-Hand Sunday this weekend</title>
      <description>Keep Rotorua Beautiful’s annual Second-Hand Sunday is taking place this weekend (Sunday 17 October) from 8.30am to 10am.</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-27T15:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Utuhina-Bridge-closed-Sunday-for-Lake-Road-upgrade-works.aspx</link>
      <title>Utuhina Bridge closed Sunday for Lake Road upgrade works</title>
      <description>Utuhina Bridge on Lake Road will be closed to through traffic tomorrow [Sunday 28 October] with diversions in place re-routing traffic via adjacent streets.  
</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Oct 2012 08:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-27T08:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-seeks-artwork-designs-for-new-Redwoods-toilets.aspx</link>
      <title>Council seeks artwork designs for new Redwoods toilets</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) is encouraging local artists to submit artwork designs to adorn The Redwoods' new public toilets being constructed in the new year adjacent to the visitor centre.
</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-26T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/rMarguerita-St-upgrade-and-roundabout-underway.aspx</link>
      <title>Marguerita St upgrade and roundabout underway</title>
      <description>Work has begun in Marguerita Street to replace water mains, re-lay pavements, and construct a new roundabout at the intersection with Fenton Street.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-26T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Lauryn-Hill-to-headline-Raggamuffin-2013-in-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>Lauryn Hill to headline Raggamuffin 2013 in Rotorua</title>
      <description>The Raggamuffin music festival returns to Rotorua International Stadium in 2013 with a massive line up of reggae megastars over two days. With more internationals than ever before, mixed in with the best home-grown talent, festival-goers will be guaranteed a mind blowing festival experience.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-25T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/First-Rotorua-Bike-Festival-8-17-February-2013.aspx</link>
      <title>First Rotorua Bike Festival 8-17 February 2013</title>
      <description>Pedals? Schmedals! You don’t have to pedal to have fun on a bike. That idea is at the heart of a brand new event that will feature at the 1st Rotorua Bike Festival in February.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-25T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Busy-week-for-Rotorua-International-Airport.aspx</link>
      <title>Busy week for Rotorua International Airport</title>
      <description>It was a busy week for Rotorua International Airport last week with tarmac space for aircraft at a premium at times.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-24T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Stakeholders-to-help-develop-Lake-Rotorua-rules.aspx</link>
      <title>Stakeholders to help develop Lake Rotorua rules</title>
      <description>A new lake Stakeholder Advisory Group will help develop rules and a land use incentive scheme for the Lake Rotorua catchment.
The Rotorua Lakes Protection and Restoration Programme – a partnership of Rotorua District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council,  and Te Arawa Lakes Trust - has stopped water quality declining in Lake Rotorua, and last year the lakes had the best water quality since the 1990s. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-24T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Doing-more-business-with-Council-online.aspx</link>
      <title>Doing more business with Council online</title>
      <description>Increasingly Rotorua District Council customers are wanting to do business with the council online. This means they have the option of interacting with the council from any location, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And we’re keen to accommodate that growing expectation. </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-23T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/China-Southern-Airlines-signing-offers-huge-potential.aspx</link>
      <title>China Southern Airlines signing offers huge potential</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) has been invited to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China’s largest carrier, China Southern Airlines, in Guangzhou later this month. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-22T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Community-offered-free-short-%E2%80%98LibraryLive%E2%80%99-sessions-from-November.aspx</link>
      <title>Community offered free short ‘LibraryLive’ sessions from November</title>
      <description>Cooking and vintage clothes-making are just two of the fun and interesting new sessions that will soon be available to locals at Rotorua District Library.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Oct 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-21T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/19th-Century-fashion-and-design-on-show-at-Rotorua-Museum.aspx</link>
      <title>19th Century fashion and design on show at Rotorua Museum</title>
      <description>In times of great change, fashion can act as a barometer that reflects world events and cultural shifts. À La Mode – Early 19th Century Fashion Plates is an exhibition of exquisitely rendered fashion plates from the Dunedin Public Art Gallery collection, depicting modes of dress during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. </description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Oct 2012 10:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-20T10:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Lots-to-do-in-Rotorua-this-long-weekend.aspx</link>
      <title>Lots to do in Rotorua this long weekend</title>
      <description>There’s lots of special activities happening in Rotorua over the long weekend. 
There’s the Spookers’ Zombie Walk on Saturday from the Soundshell Craft Market at the Lakefront, horse racing is on at Arawa Park Racecourse on Saturday, the Gypsy Travellers’ Fair is back at the Lakefront for the long weekend, and the National White Water Rafting Championships are on at various rivers throughout the region.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-19T16:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Welcome-to-Rotorua-District-Council%E2%80%99s-new-website.aspx</link>
      <title>Welcome to Rotorua District Council’s new website</title>
      <description>In the biggest change to online services since setting up its first website many years ago, Rotorua District Council (RDC) has launched a brand new website this week. Welcome to rdc.govt.nz.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-19T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Kiwi-paddlers-taking-it-to-the-world.aspx</link>
      <title>Kiwi paddlers taking it to the world</title>
      <description>It’s a very big holiday weekend for local white rafters this weekend as they compete at the New Zealand Championships on rivers round the Bay of Plenty region – the Kaituna, Tarawera and Rangitaiki. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-17T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Bike-festival-presentation-next-week.aspx</link>
      <title>Bike festival presentation next week</title>
      <description>The inaugural Rotorua Bike Festival, a week-long series of events and activities, will need the community’s support to ensure its success and you don’t have to be on a bike to get involved. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-15T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-Business-Hall-of-Fame-launched.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua Business Hall of Fame launched</title>
      <description>The official opening of the Rotorua Business Hall of Fame took place at the Rotorua District Council Civic Centre this week. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-12T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/tRotorua-seen-in-transit-all-over-Sydney,-Brisbane-and-Melbourne.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua seen in transit all over Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne</title>
      <description>Australian’s can’t help but see Rotorua all over the place at the moment, including on buses and in train stations with a campaign in full swing to inspire them to come on over! </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-11T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/New-fence-between-skateboard-park-and-busy-road.aspx</link>
      <title>New fence between skateboard park and busy road</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council's (RDC) Roading and Parks &amp; Recreation departments have been working together to improve safety for skateboard park users crossing busy Ranolf Street close to the Ranolf-Amahou intersection. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-10T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/nNew-Investment-Profile-to-attract-more-business-to-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>New Investment Profile to attract more business to Rotorua</title>
      <description>Behind the scenes over recent months, Rotorua District Council’s Economic Projects team has been working on a key document aimed at attracting inwards investment to Rotorua and assisting potential investors. </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-09T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Fun-day-to-celebrate-Western-Heights-community.aspx</link>
      <title>Fun day to celebrate Western Heights community</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) and local service organisations have been working together to organise a fun event this weekend for the Western Heights community.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-09T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Walter-a-winner-at-business-awards.aspx</link>
      <title>Walter a winner at business awards</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council congratulates Parks Operations Manager Walter Miller for winning the 2012 Rotorua Employee of the Year category at Friday's [5 October] Westpac Business Excellence Awards.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-08T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Have-your-say-on-Lake-Okataina-action-plan.aspx</link>
      <title>Have your say on Lake Okataina action plan</title>
      <description>Bay of Plenty Regional Council has proposed an action plan to help improve water quality at Lake Ōkataina. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-05T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Grow-Rotorua-Ltd-appoints-first-CEO.aspx</link>
      <title>Grow Rotorua Ltd appoints first CEO</title>
      <description>Grow Rotorua Ltd, the Rotorua District Council controlled economic development organisation, has appointed its first CEO. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-05T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Pre-Worlds-white-water-rafting-event-ahead-of-2013-World-Champs.aspx</link>
      <title>Pre-Worlds white water rafting event ahead of 2013 World Champs</title>
      <description>White water rafters from around the world are looking forward to the IRF World Championships in Rotorua and Kawerau in 2013 from November 13 to 24. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-04T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/%27What-are-the-boys-up-to-now%27-campaign.aspx</link>
      <title>'What are the boys up to now?' campaign</title>
      <description>The idea for Events &amp; Venues' sales and marketing team's latest efforts to promote their venues came from regularly being asked "what are you boys doing now?" </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-04T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Over-3100-votes-decide-photo-competition-winners.aspx</link>
      <title>Over 3100 votes decide photo competition winners</title>
      <description>After 3103 votes, the winners of the Rotorua Museum Wildlife &amp; Nature Photo Competition have been chosen by the public. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-03T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Mayor-applauds-ultrafast-broadband-rollout-for-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>Mayor applauds ultrafast broadband rollout for Rotorua</title>
      <description>Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters is pleased with news from Chorus that more parts of Rotorua are to be included in the company's ultra-fast broadband rollout plans for 2013. </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-02T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/t%27Famously-Rotorua%27-campaign-launches-to-lure-Aucklanders-past-the-Bombays.aspx</link>
      <title>'Famously Rotorua' campaign launches to lure Aucklanders past the Bombays</title>
      <description>Rotorua has this week launched a significant domestic marketing campaign focussed on enticing Aucklanders south of the Bombays to enjoy the region’s world-famous attractions. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-10-01T00:00:00+13:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-debt-in-NZ-well-managed-independent-report.aspx</link>
      <title>Council debt in NZ well managed: independent report</title>
      <description>Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) says a report by independent economic research firm, the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER), shows local government debt is well managed in the vast majority of cases. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-27T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/%27Rotorua-Glo-Festival%27-to-lead-New-Year-celebrations.aspx</link>
      <title>'Rotorua Glo Festival' to lead New Year celebrations</title>
      <description>‘Rotorua Glo Festival’ is the new name of a three-day event to celebrate the New Year in Rotorua. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-27T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Earthquake-exercise-for-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>Earthquake exercise for Rotorua</title>
      <description>More than 500 Rotorua District Council (RDC) staff joined the national ShakeOut earthquake drill at 9.26am this morning, practicing the drop, cover and hold technique during the simulated earthquake. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-26T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/cDrop,-Cover-and-Hold-at-9.26am-today---ShakeOut-earthquake-drill-.aspx</link>
      <title>Drop, Cover and Hold at 9.26am today - ShakeOut earthquake drill </title>
      <description>At 9.26am today across New Zealand people will be undertaking an earthquake drill called ShakeOut. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-26T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Eight-point-local-government-reform-plan.aspx</link>
      <title>Eight point local government reform plan</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council has made a submission on the government’s local government reform proposals and recently joined forces with other Bay of Plenty and Waikato councils to give a united council perspective to the select committee considering the Local Government Reform Bill. </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-25T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Weaving-workshop-at-Rotorua-Museum.aspx</link>
      <title>Weaving workshop at Rotorua Museum</title>
      <description>Locals have the opportunity to learn the basics of weaving with Glenda Hape and Harata Black at Rotorua Museum tomorrow [22 September] from 10am to 1pm.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-21T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Perth-beckons-for-Rotorua-council-infrastructure-head.aspx</link>
      <title>Perth beckons for Rotorua council infrastructure head</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council’s (RDC) Infrastructure Services Group Manager, Nico Claassen, is leaving the council after eight years to take up a new position in Western Australia. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-21T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Exclusive-exhibition-showcases-Rotorua-Museum%27s-collection.aspx</link>
      <title>Exclusive exhibition showcases Rotorua Museum's collection</title>
      <description>The Object of the Portrait exhibition, exclusive to Rotorua Museum, brings together a wonderful selection of Māori portraits and taonga Māori (treasures) from Rotorua Museum’s collection, as well as the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust Heritage Collection. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-20T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Koutu-Youth-Space-completion-set-back-by-wet-weather.aspx</link>
      <title>Koutu Youth Space completion set back by wet weather</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) has moved out the original completion date for the Koutu Youth Space in Karenga Park by two months due to wet weather delaying ground works. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-19T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Stadium-lounge-naming-rights-for-local-electrical-firm.aspx</link>
      <title>Stadium lounge naming rights for local electrical firm</title>
      <description>A well known Rotorua company has cemented its relationship with the Rotorua International Stadium by taking on naming rights to one of the stadium’s corporate lounges. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-19T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Work-progressing-on-unstable-rocks-above-SH30-at-Rotoiti.aspx</link>
      <title>Work progressing on unstable rocks above SH30 at Rotoiti</title>
      <description>Work to improve the safety of an unstable rockface at Ruato Bay Rotoiti, which reduced SH30 between Rotorua and Whakatane to one lane, is progressing well says the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-18T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/See-a-different-side-of-nature-this-spring.aspx</link>
      <title>See a different side of nature this spring</title>
      <description>You’ll feel invigorated venturing into the outdoors after a winter of frosty mornings by exploring Rotorua where nature comes with surprises like lakes, geothermal activity, waterfalls, towering trees, rare birds and views galore. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-17T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Farm-effluent-discharge-leads-to-$89,000-in-fines.aspx</link>
      <title>Farm effluent discharge leads to $89,000 in fines</title>
      <description>Three Bay of Plenty dairy farmers were sentenced in the Tauranga District Court last week for the unlawful discharge of dairy effluent after separate prosecutions brought against them by Bay of Plenty Regional Council. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-17T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Local-%27Blow-the-Whistle-on-Violence%27-campaign-to-kick-off-at-tonight%27s-Steamers-vs-Auckland-match.aspx</link>
      <title>Local 'Blow the Whistle on Violence' campaign to kick-off at tonight's Steamers vs Auckland match</title>
      <description>Treasure Rotorua, Te Waiariki Purea Trust and Bay of Plenty Rugby Union have once again given away tickets to a Bay of Plenty Steamers’ rugby match in Rotorua to help promote the local Blow the Whistle on Violence campaign. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-14T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Celebrating-World-Car-Free-Week.aspx</link>
      <title>Celebrating World Car Free Week</title>
      <description>How do you travel each day? Could you do it without jumping in the car? </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-14T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/%27Ultimate-Customer-Service-Centre%27-award-for-Rotorua-District-Council.aspx</link>
      <title>'Ultimate Customer Service Centre' award for Rotorua District Council</title>
      <description>It's been a week of awards for Rotorua District Council (RDC) with the latest announcement that the council has taken out top spot in the ALGIM (Association of Local Government Information Management) Customer Service Awards.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-13T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rockfalls-mean-delays-on-SH30-at-Ruato-Bay.aspx</link>
      <title>Rockfalls mean delays on SH30 at Ruato Bay</title>
      <description>State Highway 30 at Ruato Bay on Lake Rotoiti (on the Rotorua - Whakatane road) has been reduced to a single lane as a result of rockfalls. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-13T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/National-award-for-Rotorua-council%27s-business-efficiency-programme.aspx</link>
      <title>National award for Rotorua council's business efficiency programme</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) picked up one of four national awards in the 2012 Local Government Excellence Awards announced yesterday in Auckland at the annual conference for the New Zealand Society of Local Government Managers (SOLGM). 
</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-12T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Air-New-Zealand-cuts-Christchurch---Rotorua-fares.aspx</link>
      <title>Air New Zealand cuts Christchurch - Rotorua fares</title>
      <description>To stimulate tourism Air New Zealand has today cut airfares on many regional routes, including Christchurch - Rotorua which has seen a reduction in seat-only fares by up to 18 percent. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-12T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Nightmare%20at%20the%20Museum%20is%20back.aspx</link>
      <title>Nightmare at the Museum is back</title>
      <description>Just when you thought it was safe, 'Nightmare at the Museum' is coming back to Rotorua Museum for four spooky nights! </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-11T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Let-communities-decide-council-priorities.aspx</link>
      <title>Let communities decide council priorities</title>
      <description>A key element of central government’s draft legislation to reform local government doesn't have the support of this council, and has also failed to gain support from any other council in the country. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-11T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/%27Name-the-Festival%27-competition-closes-Friday.aspx</link>
      <title>'Name the Festival' competition closes Friday</title>
      <description>Rotorua residents have until the end of the week to come up with a new name for the city's inaugural three-day new year festival replacing the former New Year's Eve Mardi Gras. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-10T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/September-events-in-Civic-Theatre.aspx</link>
      <title>September events in Civic Theatre</title>
      <description>A $6 million revamp of the backstage area has turned the Rotorua Civic Theatre into a top notch venue for musical and stage shows. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-07T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-to-celebrate-Conservation-Week.aspx</link>
      <title>Council to celebrate Conservation Week</title>
      <description>Conservation Week begins on Sunday [9 September] and Rotorua District Council (RDC) is hosting four projects to celebrate the national event. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-07T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/White-Water-Rafting-World-Champs-for-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>White Water Rafting World Champs for Rotorua</title>
      <description>Great rivers - and great skill and talent on show. That’s the story of the 2013 IRF White Water Rafting World Championships in Rotorua and Kawerau. The event will run November 13 – 24 and will incorporate Junior (16-21), Masters (40+) and Open categories. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-06T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Bike-Festival-headlined-by-Mountain-Bike-National-Champs.aspx</link>
      <title>Bike Festival headlined by Mountain Bike National Champs</title>
      <description>The first Rotorua Bike Festival in February 2013 will kick into high gear another big year in one of New Zealand’s premier adventure sports destinations.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-06T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Good-progress-for-shared-services-among-councils.aspx</link>
      <title>Good progress for shared services among councils</title>
      <description>The Waikato Mayoral Forum, which includes Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters, says good progress is being made in assessing opportunities for collaboration and shared services among member councils.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-05T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Registrations%20open%20for%20councils%20Driver%20Directions%20course.aspx</link>
      <title>Registrations open for council's Driver Directions course</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) is taking registrations for its October Driver Directions course for young drivers wanting to get valuable driving skills and practice on a safe off-road environment.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-03T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Busy-weekend-of-events-for-all-at-Rotorua-Museum.aspx</link>
      <title>Busy weekend of events for all at Rotorua Museum</title>
      <description>This week Rotorua Museum celebrates the one year anniversary of the opening of the Don Stafford wing.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-09-03T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Council-gets-three-finalists-in-2012-business-awards.aspx</link>
      <title>Council gets three finalists in 2012 business awards</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council's (RDC) Parks Operations Manager Walter Miller and Aquatics &amp; Leisure Programmes Manager Louis Sylvester, along with Rotorua Museum, are all finalists in the 2012 Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-31T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/New-museum-deputy-director-brings-strong-museum-and-curatorial-experience-to-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>New museum deputy director brings strong museum and curatorial experience to Rotorua</title>
      <description>Rotorua Museum’s new deputy director Pamela Lovis is expected to bring substantial museum experience to Rotorua and outstanding curatorial credentials when she commences her new role with Rotorua District Council in October. Ms Lovis' appointment was announced yesterday by Rotorua Museum director Stewart Brown. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-30T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Biological-Curiosities-and-Strange-Behaviour-from-the-World-of-Wildlife.aspx</link>
      <title>Biological Curiosities &amp; Strange Behaviour from the World of Wildlife</title>
      <description>Join Dr Alison Campbell (associate Dean, Lecturer Biological Science, Waikato University) for an entertaining journey through some of the by-ways of biology, looking at the science that underlies some of the weird, and sometimes downright kinky, curiosities of the biological world. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-30T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Bus-fares-to-rise-on-Monday-3-September.aspx</link>
      <title>Bus fares to rise on Monday 3 September</title>
      <description>Rotorua bus fares are increasing on Monday (3 September). </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-29T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/eBooks-offer-library-members-more-access-to-good-reading.aspx</link>
      <title>eBooks offer library members more access to good reading</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Library members now have another way to read their favourite books with the launch of its new eBook (electronic book) collection today [29 August].</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-29T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua%27s-interests-vital-in-local-government-reform.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua's interests vital in local government reform</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council is keeping an open mind about the government’s proposals for local government reform. However our council does have a very clear position on one thing: keeping the ‘local’ perspective in ‘local government’ is vital and should be non-negotiable. </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-28T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Earthquake-prone-buildings-seminar-attracts-400.aspx</link>
      <title>Earthquake prone buildings seminar attracts 400</title>
      <description>A seminar coordinated and hosted by Rotorua District Council to discuss earthquake prone buildings and the Building Act attracted nearly 400 local people with interests in Rotorua buildings to the city's Convention Centre yesterday afternoon. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-28T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Inaugural-Sister-Cities-Scholarship.aspx</link>
      <title>Inaugural Sister Cities Scholarship</title>
      <description>Applications are open for the inaugural Geyser Community Foundation Rotorua District Council Sister Cities Scholarship. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-27T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Who%27ll-be-Rotorua-District-Library%27s-first-ever-Junior-Library-Chef.aspx</link>
      <title>Who'll be Rotorua District Library's first ever Junior Library Chef?</title>
      <description>Thirty school children are preparing to take part in Rotorua District Library’s new culinary challenge for young local chefs this week. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-27T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Event-volunteers-required-for-great-experience.aspx</link>
      <title>Event volunteers required for great experience</title>
      <description>Rotorua is set to host several major national and international events in 2013 – but a large team of volunteers will be needed to help make them a success. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-24T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Iwi-and-councils-to-sign-Upper-Waikato-River-agreements.aspx</link>
      <title>Iwi and councils to sign Upper Waikato River agreements</title>
      <description>Te Arawa River Iwi Trust (TARIT) is to enter into separate agreements over the Upper Waikato River, with Rotorua District Council (RDC) and Waikato Regional Council. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-23T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/World%27s-largest-man-made-floating-wetland-completed.aspx</link>
      <title>World's largest man-made floating wetland completed</title>
      <description>Rotorua’s football field-sized floating wetland is now complete and will remain temporarily moored in a sheltered Bay at Sulphur Point for the next few months to allow plants to grow and root systems to fully establish. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-22T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Keep-New-Zealand-Beautiful-Clean-Week.aspx</link>
      <title>Keep New Zealand Beautiful Clean Week</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) is encouraging the Rotorua community to get behind Keep New Zealand Beautiful 'Clean Week' from 16 to 22 September. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-20T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rock-fall-reduces-SH30-to-one-lane-at-Rotoiti.aspx</link>
      <title>Rock fall reduces SH30 to one lane at Rotoiti</title>
      <description>State Highway 30 at Rotoiti, half way between Rotorua and Rotoma, is reduced to one lane and drivers are being advised to expect delays while workers continue to remove unstable rocks from the Rotoiti Cliffs. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-16T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/New-appointments-complete-balance-for-Rotorua-Tourism-Committee.aspx</link>
      <title>New appointments complete balance for Rotorua Tourism Committee</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council has appointed two new members to the Rotorua Tourism Committee, the group tasked with driving implementation of the district’s tourism master plan alongside Destination Rotorua Marketing, Rotorua Visitor Centre &amp; i-SITE, and Events and Venues Rotorua. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-15T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Cycle-trail-initiative-offers-80-kms-of-economic-opportunity.aspx</link>
      <title>Cycle trail initiative offers 80 kms of economic opportunity</title>
      <description>Over the last 18 months a quite remarkable sporting, recreation and visitor innovation has been taking shape and is set to add another valuable element to Rotorua’s impressive collection of world class outdoor visitor and leisure activities. </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-14T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Business-rates-remissions-delayed-on-Auditor-General%27s-advice.aspx</link>
      <title>Business rates remissions delayed on Auditor-General's advice</title>
      <description>Implementation of Rotorua District Council’s rates remission guidelines for reducing the impact of the recent change to a capital value rating system on a number of businesses has been delayed following advice from the Office of the Auditor General. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-13T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/More-choice-for-Rotorua-air-clean-up-scheme.aspx</link>
      <title>More choice for Rotorua air clean up scheme</title>
      <description>Rotorua home owners now have more choices to upgrade their old wood burners and open fires to cleaner heating methods under Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Hot Swap scheme. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-10T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Wildlife-exhibition-inspiration-for-photo-competition.aspx</link>
      <title>Wildlife exhibition inspiration for photo competition</title>
      <description>Be mesmerised by the sheer beauty, extraordinary drama and astonishing variety of the natural world in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011 exhibition.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-09T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Central-North-Island-volcanic-alert-issued.aspx</link>
      <title>Central North Island volcanic alert issued</title>
      <description>Level 2 volcanic alerts have been issued for both Mount Tongariro in the central North Island and White Island off the coast of the Bay of Plenty.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-07T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Volcanic-eruption-threat-advisory-cancelled.aspx</link>
      <title>Volcanic eruption threat advisory cancelled</title>
      <description>A national advisory from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) about Mount Tongariro's volcanic activity has been cancelled. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-07T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Final-two-directors-appointed-to-Grow-Rotorua-board.aspx</link>
      <title>Final two directors appointed to Grow Rotorua board</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council’s new economic development CCO, Grow Rotorua Limited, now has its full complement of directors with the announcement today of two final appointments to the board. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-03T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Stewart-Brown-appointed-to-head-Rotorua-Museum.aspx</link>
      <title>Stewart Brown appointed to head Rotorua Museum</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) has announced the appointment of Rotorua businessman Stewart Brown to the position of Rotorua Museum director. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-08-01T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Famous-geyser-may-be-cruising-back-into-life.aspx</link>
      <title>Famous geyser may be cruising back into life</title>
      <description>Rotorua's once-famous Waikite Geyser is showing signs of rejuvenation after 43 years of very little activity, scientists say. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-30T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Motorists-reminded-to-display-%27Pay-and-Display%27-parking-receipt-or-risk-$40-fine.aspx</link>
      <title>Motorists reminded to display 'Pay &amp; Display' parking receipt or risk $40 fine</title>
      <description>With ‘pay &amp; display’ machines progressively replacing parking meters in the city motorists are being reminded that they risk a $40 fine if they fail to display a valid parking receipt. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-27T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Half-million-people-ready-to-%27Drop,-Cover,-Hold%27.aspx</link>
      <title>Half million people ready to 'Drop, Cover, Hold'</title>
      <description>Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters is encouraging Rotorua residents and businesses to register to take part in the New Zealand ShakeOut earthquake drill taking place across the country at 9.26am on 26 September. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-26T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-New-Years-festivities-to-go-off-with-a-different-bang.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua New Years festivities to go off with a different bang</title>
      <description>Locals and visitors celebrating the New Year in Rotorua will be dancing to several new tunes this festive season with the announcement of a wider Mardi Gras festival to be held on the days leading up to and following New Years Eve.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-25T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Searching%20for%20Rotorua%27s%20voluntary%20heroes.aspx</link>
      <title>Searching for Rotorua's voluntary heroes</title>
      <description>The once a year opportunity to celebrate and recognise local volunteers has arrived in the Rotorua District, with entries now open for the TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-24T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Victoria-St-Arterial-vital-for-economy.aspx</link>
      <title>Victoria St Arterial vital for economy</title>
      <description>Preparing for the future is an essential job for any local authority, and Rotorua District Council regards strategic planning as one of its most important functions. </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-24T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/%27ShakeOut%27-registrations-hit-250,000.aspx</link>
      <title>'ShakeOut' registrations hit 250,000</title>
      <description>More than 250,000 people are now registered to take part in New Zealand's biggest ever earthquake drill, New Zealand ShakeOut. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-20T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/More-information-featured-in-new-Good-Health-Rotorua-directory.aspx</link>
      <title>More information featured in new Good Health Rotorua directory</title>
      <description>The Good Health Rotorua directory has become one of the most highly regarded and best used community directories in Rotorua and the latest 2012 edition is available now. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-17T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/nRotorua-Tourism-Committee-seeking-new-member.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua Tourism Committee seeking new member</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) is looking to appoint a new member to the Rotorua Tourism Committee (RTC) to help drive the city’s future tourism growth.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-16T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Recruiting-CEO-and-entity-name-on-first-meeting-agenda-for-Rotorua-economic-development-CCO.aspx</link>
      <title>Recruiting CEO and entity name on first meeting agenda for Rotorua economic development CCO</title>
      <description>Identifying a trading name and recruiting a CEO were on the agenda of Rotorua’s new economic development CCO (council owned organisation) when directors held their first board meeting this week.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-13T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/$8.5%20million%20upgrade%20of%20wastewater%20treatment%20plant%20to%20boost%20lakes%20water%20quality.aspx</link>
      <title>$8.5 million upgrade of wastewater treatment plant to boost lakes water quality</title>
      <description>Rotorua District Council (RDC) has completed an $8.5 million upgrade of its waste water treatment plant which includes the commissioning of new membrane bioreactor technology to further improve Rotorua’s lake water quality. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-11T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Business-focused-Long-term-Plan-adopted.aspx</link>
      <title>Business focused Long-term Plan adopted</title>
      <description>After nearly a year in development and following an extensive programme of consultation with business groups and other stakeholders, Rotorua District Council has adopted its Long-term Plan, setting out the work programme and budgets for the next 10 years. 
</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-10T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Rotorua-District-Council-hosting-hundreds-of-young-Americans.aspx</link>
      <title>Rotorua District Council hosting hundreds of young Americans</title>
      <description>More than 400 young Americans are descending on Rotorua this month. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-09T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Artist-Nigel-Brown-talks-about-his-inspiring-career.aspx</link>
      <title>Artist Nigel Brown talks about his inspiring career</title>
      <description>New Zealand artist Nigel Brown is hosting an exclusive floor talk on Sunday 15 July at 2pm at Rotorua Museum. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-07-05T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/New-role-for-Rotorua-Museum-director.aspx</link>
      <title>New role for Rotorua Museum director</title>
      <description>After fifteen years heading Rotorua’s award-winning cultural facility, Rotorua Museum director Greg McManus is moving on to a new role based in the Bay of Islands. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-06-29T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Collaborative-effort-making-CBD-safer.aspx</link>
      <title>Collaborative effort making CBD safer</title>
      <description>A multi-faceted collaborative effort between Rotorua District Council, Rotorua Police and the business community, is proving successful in making the CBD a safer place for our city businesses and their customers.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-06-28T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Local-Rotorua-security-company-wins-half-million-dollar-council-contract.aspx</link>
      <title>Local Rotorua security company wins half million dollar council contract</title>
      <description>Local Rotorua company Watchdog Security Group has been awarded two three-year contracts worth more than half a million dollars to provide a range of security services to Rotorua District Council.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-06-26T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/Gregory-O%27Brien-gives-talk-on-acclaimed-NZ-artist-Graham-Percy.aspx</link>
      <title>Gregory O'Brien gives talk on acclaimed NZ artist Graham Percy</title>
      <description>Gregory O’Brien, curator of The Imaginative Life and Times of Graham Percy, will host an exclusive talk sharing the exciting stories behind this exceptional exhibition and his own eventful career. </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-06-25T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
    <item>
      <link>http://www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news/Pages/EWorld%27s-largest-man-made-floating-wetland-being-assembled-in-Rotorua.aspx</link>
      <title>World's largest man-made floating wetland being assembled in Rotorua</title>
      <description>Work on assembling and planting what is believed will be the world’s largest man-made floating wetland is underway in Rotorua. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +1200</pubDate>
      <a10:updated>2012-06-22T00:00:00+12:00</a10:updated>
    </item>
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