8 Sept 2026: Rotorua deaths, Toi Ohomai initiative for school leavers

Media: NZME, Stuff, MediaWorks, 1News, RadioNZ

Topic: Police investigation into three deaths

Enquiry

Various media outlets requested comments from Mayor Tapsell relating to the homicide investigation launched following the deaths of a woman and two children in Rotorua overnight.

Response

Mayor Tapsell provided the following statement in response to the enquiries and conducted short interviews with MediaWorks and RadioNZ, reiterating the statement:

Our Rotorua community are heartbroken to hear of this tragic loss.

As the investigation continues our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those impacted.

This has been deeply distressing for the neighbourhood involved.

We acknowledge our emergency services and front line staff who have responded to this horrific tragedy.

Police are continuing to investigate what has happened to provide answers, and we will continue to support them to keep our community safe.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Toi Ohomai fees-free initiative for school leavers

Enquiry

I am working on a story about Toi Ohomai's investment in its Mokoia campus in Rotorua. As part of the investment, the institute has announced it will offer a year of fees-free study to eligible school leavers who enrol at the campus for 2027.

The initiative will be open to students who were enrolled in Year 12 or 13 at any secondary school in New Zealand at any time during 2026. Toi Ohomai says the move is designed to make tertiary education more accessible, boost enrolments at the Rotorua campus, attract more young people to the city and encourage local school leavers to stay in Rotorua for their studies.

I was hoping to get some comment from Mayor Tania Tapsell for this story. I have put a few questions below.

• What benefits do you see this fees-free initiative bringing to Rotorua, both in attracting young people to the city and encouraging local school leavers to stay and study here?
• How could increased tertiary enrolments at Toi Ohomai's Rotorua campus contribute to Rotorua's long-term economic growth, workforce development and community?

I also understand Tania studied at Toi Ohomai so if she would like to share anything about her own experience, she is welcome to do so!

Response

From Rotorua Mayor, Tania Tapsell:

This is an exciting move from Toi Ohomai and a great opportunity for locals considering tertiary education to learn something new and upskill for the future.

This will be a big help to making tertiary education more accessible while further strengthening Rotorua as a great place to live, learn and build a future.

I know how important it is for some people to be able to study close to home as I also previously studied at Toi Ohomai.

Supporting more young people to stay in Rotorua for their education helps them stay connected with their families, community and local employers, while reducing some of the very real financial barriers that can come with tertiary study.

This initiative is expected to have long-term benefits as well because increased enrolments will strengthen our local workforce, help meet future skills needs and attract additional talent into our city.