5 July 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Waipa Mountain Bike Park updates
Inquiry
Following discussion with Red Stag, the building consents for the mountain biking complex at Waipa have been approved, with building looking to start at the end of July. The consents for the spa complex have not yet been approved.
I have several questions for the Rotorua Lakes Council:
- It has been a long process to get to this stage, how are the RLC feeling that things are (almost) starting to get underway?
- What impacts will the mountain bike hub have for locals and tourists in Rotorua?
Response
From Deputy Mayor and Economic Development Portfolio lead Dave Donaldson:
We're delighted that this development is now almost underway - it will be a great addition to existing facilities at Waipa and to Rotorua's offering as a mountain biking destination.
This is the latest in a series of developments in Rotorua which are underpinned by confidence in our visitor economy, of which mountain biking is an important component.
Red Stag's projects show the strategy to establish Rotorua as a globally recognised mountain biking destination is working. Red Stag has long been a supporter of mountain biking initiatives, providing the public spaces at Waipa and are a regular sponsor of the sector.
From Destination Rotorua CEO Michelle Templer:
Mountain biking and spa and thermal wellness are key pillars used to promote Rotorua as a world class visitor destination. This development will help to bolster the claim that Rotorua is both the mountain biking capital of New Zealand and the preeminent spa destination in the South Pacific.
It's yet another example that proves that Rotorua is on the rise. Our visitor industry continues to be a major driver for the Rotorua economy, so we are thrilled that there is so much investment still in the pipeline. This is off the back of the major developments that have already taken place here such as Motion Entertainment and the Redwoods Treewalk and the numerous projects underway like the Te Puia redevelopment, the new 5-Star Pullman Hotel and the luxury Kings on Peace apartments opening late this month.
