8 October 2019
Media: NZME (for Rotorua Daily Post, BOP Times, NZ Herald)
Topic: Westpac regional economic round-up
Enquiry
What is your response to this claim?
Does this worry you based on the understanding that Rotorua is a tourist town?
*NOTE: Destination Rotorua (Council's economic development CCO) was also contacted for comment
*NOTE: Link to report is HERE (go to p6 to view BOP specifics)
Response
From Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick:
Fluctuations are not unusual and bound to happen, especially since we have been experiencing such high numbers for so long.
We know that our domestic visitor numbers are performing well and the spotlight is still on Rotorua as an attractive place to visit for other Kiwis. We are still drawing large numbers of conferences and symposiums and sporting events such as GodZONE 2020, Crankworx and the Tarawera Ultra, and we remain one of the world's best mountain biking destinations.
Although tourism makes up a large part of our economy Rotorua is more than just a tourist town. We have amazing local innovators here and we see that flourish with the likes of Scion and a growing tech industry.
We are also seeing continued investment into the tourism sector. There are a number of private projects underway or recently completed including the Pullman Hotel, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, development at Rainbow Springs, Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua and Council's development of Lakefront and Forest Hub 2. This shows operators are confident and gives others the confidence to also invest, innovate and develop their own ventures.
Ongoing investment in our offering also helps maintain our status as a key tourism destination. Investment now when the industry is experiencing a period of quiet means our tourism community will be ready for future increases.
Response from Destination Rotorua:
Rotorua's GDP is growing at 2.3% (2.5% NZ) and consumer spending at 4.3% (4% NZ). Annual visitor spend in Rotorua is at $830m which is still in growth (1%) but not at the same levels we have seen in previous years. Rotorua Economic Development's (RED) strategy has been to ensure we provide a balanced portfolio of consumers to ensure we aren't over reliant on either the international or domestic markets. Domestic visitor nights to YE July 2019 grew 4% which helped offset the drop in international guest nights.
New Zealand has seen the growth slowing from key international markets and in Rotorua we have implemented direct to consumer campaigns in the USA and Australia over the past six months as well as continuing to collaborate with key partners such as Tourism NZ and Auckland International Airport to stimulate growth for Rotorua. RED, in collaboration with the visitor industry, continues to have a sustained domestic marketing campaign to encourage visitors to stay longer and do more with the focus being shoulder and low season visitation. Our visitor industry continues to innovate and improve to ensure we have a great range of products for our visitors to experience and share with their friends and family.
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Media: The Mud
Topic: Council Facebook posting during election period
Enquiry
I (and I guess lots of Rotorua people who are on Facebook) am receiving sponsored ads from Rotorua Lakes Council. Many of them have a purpose of promoting current developments or activities of the council and therefore the current council leadership. This would seem to be if not in breach of, at least pushing the boundaries of electoral rules surrounding the electoral period.
How does this work with council policy at this time. Do you have any comment soonest, please?
Response
From CE Geoff Williams:
"Business as usual, including the delivery of work programmes and projects, continues regardless of elections. Keeping people informed of projects and progress is a key part of that."
