16 June 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Aquatic Centre - Mens Health Month
Inquiry
I'm working on a Men's Health Month story for the Rotorua Weekender and I understand the Rotorua Aquatic Centre are doing different things each week for it. Is it possible please to get some answers to the following questions from an appropriate person at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre?
- What things have been/are taking place this month at Rotorua Aquatic Centre for Men's Health Month?
- Is this something the Rotorua Aquatic Centre do every year?
- How has the response been from the public?
- Why does the Aquatic Centre think it is something important to get behind and raise awareness of?
- Are there any photos available which could go with the story?
Response
Rotorua Aquatic Centre Manager spoke to RDP directly.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Lions tour
Inquiry
I am doing a Lions story and had a few questions for Rotorua Lakes Council:
- On the eve of the big game how is Rotorua feeling?
- How are the preparations going for the Big Brekkie on Sunday? Why should people head along on Sunday morning?
- I was wondering if Steve wanted to comment on her prediction for the game result? Will she be heading to the game?
Response
Rotorua Daily Post spoke directly to Major Events Manager Martin Croft.
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Media: NZ Herald Sport
Topic: Lions tour
Inquiry
I was hoping to have a chat with Steve Chadwick if possible this afternoon, about how the town is preparing for the Lions game tomorrow.
Response
From Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick:
The excitement has really geared up since we welcomed the Maori All Blacks - it feels like they're home.
We're extremely proud to be hosting and especially of our local team members, Liam Messam and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, who both played their junior rugby here.
The taiaha being presented to the winner of the Rotorua game, Te Roto, is a bit special too - the carvers added some Te Arawa flair the others don't have. Tomorrow's world record haka attempt adds to this all being a great fit for Rotorua and we're expecting it to be a fantastic weekend.
Locals will be outnumbered among the 28,500 at the game and we expect Rotorua will benefit for the duration of the tour with games in Hamilton and Auckland still to come.
This weekend will be a boost for accommodation and hospitality providers in particular with spin-off for our tourist attractions. Add the worldwide media and social media exposure and we'll see the benefits beyond the game and beyond the tour.
Rotorua's known for its manaakitanga or hospitality and we know how to put on great events. We've already had the Tarawera Ultra and Crankworx mountainbiking festival this year, now it's the Lions tour and in December our inaugural three-day Mudtopia festival so it's all go, all year.
Additional information provided
Events line-up:
Tima Tangata Maori All Blacks exhibition at Energy Events Centre showcasing the 100 year history of Maori rugby
Friday night Matariki All Stars lantern parade through town to the lakefront with the Matariki Star Search showcase and a fireworks finale
Midday Saturday Guinness world record attempt for biggest haka, record currently held by the French (4100)
Saturday 2 women's curtainraisers - Australia v Canada 12.30pm, Black Ferns v England at stadium 4.15pm before the big match at 7.30pm
People not going to game can watch it at Official Fan Zone at Rotorua Energy Events Centre from 6.30pm - family friendly alcohol free event
Free bus shuttles to take people to stadium from 1pm Saturday + our routine bus services are free all day (bring people into town to then catch the shuttle)
Sunday morning from 8am is the Big Brekkie at lakefront village green - a pop-up food truck festival with live music - people will be able to enjoy picnic style
