3 May 2017

Media: Radio New Zealand

Topic: Job market/house prices

Inquiry

I'm putting together a story for Checkpoint with John Campbell tonight about the rapid rise in Rotorua house prices. It seems both investors and first home buyers are snapping up property. But, I'm trying to find out what the job market is like? Is there anyone from the council's economic development agency who I can have a quick chat with about this?

Response

The Mayor was available for an interview and made the following points -

Our population is growing - people are moving here for lifestyle changes and jobs

Increased retail, tourism and business development in the past few years - new businesses moving here and existing businesses expanding - that's creating more jobs

Recruitment agencies say they're busy. TradeMe listings for Rotorua for the first quarter 2017 were up 16% on last year

Highest number of vacancies in trades and services; hospitality and tourism; and retail which fits with increased tourism, retail and development we're seeing

There is pressure on our housing stock with rentals particularly hard to find and increased demand impacting on house sale prices

Opening up land is a priority and there's a lot of interest in subdividing but ultimately it's up to landowners and developers when they proceed