Nine To Noon Around the motu: Kelly Makiha in Rotorua
Mar 26, 2026
Kelly Makiha, senior Rotorua Daily Post journalist who covers local news, crime and community stories. She recounts a child abduction case and prison recall, Te Arawa’s purchase of Rotorua Duck Tours and its sustainability aims, a missing Tokoroa teacher and family concerns, and a record-breaking Supper Club fundraiser for Ronald McDonald retreats.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Daycare Abduction And Breathless Community Reaction
- Kelly Makiha covered the case of 20-year-old John Takuru who snatched a three-year-old from a Rotorua daycare and later told police he intended to rape her.
- Takuru was jailed for two years, released after half the term, breached conditions by returning to a child-frequented area and was returned to custody.
How Short Sentences Affect Community Safety
- New Zealand law lets prisoners serving two years or less be released after serving half their term, creating community concern in serious child-related cases.
- In this instance release conditions barred return to Rotorua and proximity to children, but a detected breach returned him to custody.
Te Arawa Buy Iconic Rotorua Duck Tours
- Te Arawa Management Limited, a commercial arm of Te Arawa Lakes Trust, bought Rotorua Duck Tours, the 23-year amphibious World War II landing craft attraction.
- The trust aims to manage lakebeds and believes the craft causes less water damage than many recreational boats, and plans tourism development.