Progress Rotorua Committee

Who is in the group?
At present, Progress Rotorua consists of a small and diverse group of people, who all believe in the potential of Rotorua, and who want to see it achieve that potential. Current members are Jay Bocock, Rick Vallance, Darryl Aston, Margriet Theron, Mark Watson, Tony Jacques, Jeremy Williams and myself, Keith Garratt.

What is the goal of Progress Rotorua?
After some stimulating debate and discussion, we have concluded that the key goal is to drive sustainable wealth creation in Rotorua. This means wealth creation at all levels - for the community at large, for businesses and for individuals. It is not sufficient just to grow business opportunities. We must also address poverty and benefit dependence at the lowest end of the economic scale. If we can lift wealth and spending power at the bottom end, everyone in Rotorua will benefit.

What is the vision for Rotorua in future?
We want to see a Rotorua that is:

• A desirable place for investment
  
  
• A growing, dynamic economy
  
  
• A safe, desirable place in which to live, work and play
  
  
• A skilled, educated population
  
  
• A place where the full potential of resources is realised
  
  
• To achieve this vision, we need to set some more specific targets. For example, if we can achieve just the following two targets for Rotorua, we will be well on the way to success.

A city that attracts regular visits by private jets to our airport, because Rotorua has become a prime destination for wealthy international businessmen for both business and pleasure.
A city that can no longer be used as a subject for television documentaries on poverty and benefit dependence.

How do we turn the vision into reality?
The following are some examples, with some first ideas for actions:

Encourage and help those wanting to set up business in Rotorua.

Work with Council to make processes easier for new businesses.
Undertake an economic study to identify and quantify the costs of delays and barriers for new businesses.
Identify the things that Rotorua needs to do to remove disincentives for business and to give it a comparative advantage, then find ways to achieve these.
Set up a Rotorua Business Leaders Group to provide mentoring to other businesses.
Negotiate with airlines to get more realistic airfares for business travelers to Auckland and Wellington.
Develop business networks

Develop business networks to include both Maori and non-Maori businesses, and achieve greater interaction between them.
Develop international networks through the Chamber.
Organise Chamber of Commerce business exchanges.
Enhance educational opportunities

Work with our educational institutions to enhance programmes to develop literacy, numeracy, work skills and life skills that are needed by existing and future Rotorua businesses.
Find ways to build upon Rotorua's growing reputation as a centre of excellence for learning.
Support the Ngati Whakaue leadership school
Support the Rotary Youth Leadership Award
Promote Rotorua as a Convention Venue

Find ways to get greater engagement between convention delegates and Rotorua businesses.
Give greater visibility to Rotorua's function as a convention venue, for example by specifically targeted welcome signs to delegates at the city entrances and the airport.
Liaise with convention organisors and venues to seek opportunities for business or Chamber input to appropriate conventions.
Use Chamber of Commerce networks to promote Rotorua's attractions as a convention venue.
Promoting a Positive Attitude

The members of Progress Rotorua are convinced that development of a positive attitude at all levels in Rotorua is probably more important than any specific action. Rotorua's motto is "Feel the Spirit". Some people criticise that, but I do not. Having come from Wellington, I believe that there is something special about the spirit and attitudes that one encounters when doing business, visiting or shopping in Rotorua. However, we must foster and grow that positive spirit. If we are to attract people to live or to set up business in Rotorua, first impressions are critical. If visitors to the city encounter a spirit of welcome, of confidence, of support and co-operation at all levels in the city, this is the first step towards encouraging them to stay.

Can you help?
If you think that you can help, or if you have some ideas to contribute, please don't hesitate to talk to any member of Progress Rotorua or to Mark Watson at the Chamber office.

Keith Garratt (Chair) Progress Rotorua