24 October 2017
Media: Rotorua Review
Topic: Rotorua not officially called Rotorua
Inquiry
It seems Rotorua isn't officially called Rotorua:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/oddstuff/98007603/most-new-zealand-towns-are-officially-nameless
I wanted to ask Steve whether she was aware of this?
Does she think this would surprise people?
Should moves be made to make Rotorua the official name, or is this perhaps an opportunity to come up with something else?
Response
From Rotorua Mayor, Steve Chadwick:
Gazetting the city's name will have little impact on the future of Rotorua. What Council has recognised is that people and businesses are choosing in greater numbers to come and live here and Council needs to provide for ongoing growth. We are currently asking people to have their say by November 17th, on the Draft Spatial Plan, a blueprint that will shape the development of our district. The draft plan is also a firm reminder that our future is founded on an agreement signed by Ngāti Whakaue, which gifted the land to government in 1880. This in essence can be described as the first spatial plan for the city, which we need to acknowledge. Although, I don't think gazetting Rotorua will hinder our development - Council's partner, Te Tatau o Te Arawa, may wish to consider its value as part of our Reo Rua (Bilingual Rotorua) journey, which it is leading.