Join the Short Term Rental Accommodation Working Group
For more information please see the Terms of Reference or email districtdevelopmentadmin@rotorualc.nz.
Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from individuals interested in participating in a Short Term Rental Accomodation working group. In accordance with the attached Terms of Reference, the role of the working group is to undertake a review of Council’s policy to apply the Business and Economic Development targeted rate (BEDTR) to Short Term Rental Accomodation (STRA) and to provide recomendations back to the Council.
Key dates
Expression of Interest Published: Friday 21 February 2025
Closing dates for registrations: Wednesday 12 March 2025
Interviews of shortlisted representatives: Week of 17-21 March 2025
Preferred representatives endorsed at Community and District Development Committee meeting (in-confidence): Wednesday 9 April 2015
Interested parties notified of outcome: Wednesday 10 April 2025
Role and purpose of the working group
The purpose and role of the working party will be to develop an understanding and report back on:
- The implementation process and effects of the policy;
- Any fairness and equity issues in the funding of destination marketing and the Rotorua tourism sector and recommend any proposed improvements;
- The business implications for STRA operators and service providers;
- Any information or changes nationally (e.g. bed levy) that may impact on the need for or focus of the policy;
- Any improvements to the rating policy for Council consideration.
Expectations
Members will be expected to commit to meeting bi-monthly, or as/when required for 6 to 8 months. Meetings will be in person in Rotorua (at Rotorua Lakes Council) and/or video link (e.g. Teams or Zoom) for members unable to attend physically.
Working party members will not be renumerated for their time, skills or experience.
Who should apply
There are roles on the working group for community members who:
- Reflect the diversity of the STRA accommodation sector in Rotorua and can share the perspectives of their communities (3 members)
- Have experience in and a sound understanding of the commercial accommodation sector i.e. hotel, hotel accommodation (1 member)
- Represent organisations that have interests in the Rotorua tourism sector (1 member)
Background
As part of the 2024-2034 Long-term Plan (LTP) the Council made a decision to apply the BEDTR to STRA properties that fit the following criteria:
- Advertised as avaliable for more than 60 days per financial year;
- Where the entire house/property is advertised.
STRA properties on farms or where a seconday dwelling is on the property have been excluded from the current rating approach.
The BEDTR is used to fund marketing and tourism promotion for the Rotorua district.
At the same time the Council also agreed to establish a working party to review the policy and propose any improvements to be considered for the next LTP (2027-2037).
