Kelly Makiha

Bay of Plenty

Multimedia Journalist at New Zealand Herald

Rotorua Daily Post chief reporter and also works regularly as a singer and guitarist.

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Articles

Kerryarna Pene sentenced for theft of $88k from Rotorua Citizens Club

5 days ago | nzherald.co.nz | Kelly Makiha

Kerryarna Pene appears in the Rotorua District Court after admitting stealing from the Rotorua Citizens Club. Photo / Kelly MakihaKerryarna Shinska Pene stole nearly $90,000 from the Rotorua Citizens Club over two years. Judge Anna Skellern sentenced Pene to 10 months’ home detention and ordered her to pay reparation for theft by a person in a special relationship. Pene wrongly tried to implicate club manager Tanya Anderson for the thefts.
Killer attempts to appeal murder conviction

6 days ago | sunlive.co.nz | Kelly Makiha

The appeal has been thrown out on several grounds, including doubts over his claims about his mental health state at the time and the fact his then lawyer, Harry Edward from Rotorua, had since died and all documents relating to the case had been destroyed. Burr’s mother, Val Burr, said she was relieved Wharekura’s appeal attempt failed.
John Wharekura’s appeal denied 23 years after murdering Tanya Burr in Rotorua

1 week ago | newstalkzb.co.nz | Kelly Makiha

John Michael Wharekura’s appeal against his murder conviction for killing Tanya Burr has been dismissed. Wharekura, who was 16 at the time, claimed his mental illness affected his guilty plea. The Court of Appeal found no evidence of insanity, noting his actions appeared rational and remorseful. A murder victim’s mother is shocked the killer has tried to appeal his conviction more than 20 years later – and relieved he failed.
John Wharekura’s appeal denied 23 years after murdering Tanya Burr in Rotorua

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Kelly Makiha

John Wharekura's bid to appeal his murder conviction for the murder of Tanya Burr (inset) has been declined by the Court of Appeal. Photos / NZME, SuppliedJohn Michael Wharekura’s appeal against his murder conviction for killing Tanya Burr has been dismissed. Wharekura, who was 16 at the time, claimed his mental illness affected his guilty plea. The Court of Appeal found no evidence of insanity, noting his actions appeared rational and remorseful.
On the Up: Rotorua teacher credits marathon success to local group

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Kelly Makiha

Rotorua teacher Matthew Liley didn’t want to be one of those guys who crawled over the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon finish line in agony, declaring “never again”. It was the 56-year-old’s goal to finish his first marathon in good time and feel good – and he’s rapt to say he’s achieved his goal.
'This can't continue': Serial shop thief amasses 129 convictions

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Kelly Makiha

Serial shoplifter Santana Tonihi at an earlier court appearance in 2023. Photo / Andrew Warner Rotorua woman Santana Tonihi’s criminal record stretches 13 pages, with most of the 129 convictions being for stealing from shops. The 35-year-old says she learned how to do it from one of her parents. Tonihi appeared in Rotorua District Court last Thursday for sentencing on more charges, including stealing a $999 television from a shop from which she had been issued with a trespass order.
On The Up: Kaden Young tackles Rotorua Mini Marathon in Crocs

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Kelly Makiha

Kaden Young didn’t let a little hiccup like leaving his running shoes at home put him off smashing his Rotorua Mini Marathon effort. He slapped his Crocs into “sports mode” - heel strap up - and away he went. He was one of about 2400 Rotorua primary and intermediate pupils who got to experience what it is like to run part of a marathon at the event in Rotorua today. Image 1 of 14: Rotorua Mini Marathon 2025. Jayda Haines. Westbrook School. AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Minginui man Mark Jefferson denies manslaughter of Stuart Stobie

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Kelly Makiha

Mark Jefferson appears in the High Court at Rotorua charged with the manslaughter of Stuart Stobie following a hunting incident in Minginui in March. Photo / Kelly MakihaMark Kelvin Jefferson, 46, has been charged with manslaughter over the hunting death of Stuart Stobie. Jefferson pleaded not guilty to that and other charges, including unlawfully killing a deer. Justice Layne Harvey remanded Jefferson on bail, with a trial set for May 2027.
Rotorua dairy owner, daughter hide during armed robbery

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Kelly Makiha

A 7-year-old girl forced to hide at the back of her family’s dairy while it was held up by armed young men keeps asking her father whether police have caught the robbers yet. The owner of Lake Road Dairy in Rotorua, on the corner of Lake Rd and Tarewa Rd, spoke to the Rotorua Daily Post about his ordeal after two masked men burst into his store on Sunday night. One was armed with a tyre iron. The alleged offenders were seen on CCTV just after 6.50pm on Sunday.
Rotorua tyre-slashing spree: Two 12-year-old girls referred to police Youth Aid

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Kelly Makiha

Some of the slashed tyres in Rotorua's central business district. Photos / Kelly MakihaPolice say two 12-year-old girls will be dealt with over 17 complaints of tyres being slashed in Rotorua’s CBD. The girls, who were identified via CCTV footage, are being referred to the police Youth Aid section. One of several vehicles with slashed tyres in Rotorua's CBD. Photo / Kelly MakihaComplaints were made to police on Monday morning about tyres being slashed on vehicles.