Māori candidate Haehaetu Barrett returns to Rotorua mayoral race after health-related withdrawal.

Haehaetu Barrett, a Māori candidate running for Rotorua mayor, has returned to the race after briefly withdrawing due to a health issue. She initially said she would not campaign but later confirmed she is fit to run, following a doctor’s approval. Barrett will now compete against incumbent Tania Tapsell and challengers Takeina Fraser, Robert Lee, and Don Paterson. Voting remains open until October 11.