3 November 2021
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Lobbying for direct Rotorua-Queenstown flight
Enquiry
As Stuart Nash was in town today I asked him about what he thought about the idea of a direct flight between Rotorua and Queenstown - as I've noticed the mayor mention it many times.
I'd like to ask Steve if she still believes a direct flight between the two cities is a good idea, and if so why, and what conversations she might have had with QLDC and or Jim Boult about it, and if she's spoken to Air New Zealand about it.
Has a business case for it ever been made?
I am after this as soon as possible please - nice and quick if Steve just gives me a call back - but no later than 3pm please.
Response
From Mayor Chadwick:
Over the years there has certainly been lobbying from both Rotorua and Queenstown for direct flights between the two tourist destinations, but it’s not something we’ve been pushing since COVID.
We haven’t had the international visitors and the focus has been on supporting domestic tourism.
To date Air New Zealand has not found it to be commercially viable and I expect it’s something that we may pick up again once we have reopened our international borders and see how international tourism is looking once that happens.
Direct flights between our two destinations is something both districts have always wanted and have asked about at every opportunity, and I’m sure it will be raised again at the appropriate time in future. I have spoken to Mayor Boult about it in the past but it’s not something we’ve discussed in recent times. Ultimately it is a commercial decision for the airline but we’ll keep trying.
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Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Agrodome re-opening
Enquiry
I am seeking a reaction from Steve about the reopening of the Agrodome.
See the press release we got [see here].
Is it a sign that some tourism operators are bouncing back from the very hard times in the Covid environment?
My deadline for a response is by 2.45 pm today.
Response
From Mayor Chadwick:
It’s great to hear the Agrodome is coming out of hibernation – that does show there is confidence in the future, albeit a future that looks different to how things have been in the past. Like other operators they are looking to make changes to what they offer in order to appeal to a wider market, and I wish them well for the summer holidays. Times are still tough for many and we are all hoping for a good summer to provide the boost our economy needs.