In my article a couple of weeks ago I mentioned the considerable list of community infrastructure resource we have that makes us the envy of most of the provincial cities in New Zealand.
Rotorua By-Pass relocation The Chamber is currently underway with its industry sector focus groups. Some of the feedback from these groups has been interesting. There has also been considerable discussion during the last twelve months on a 50 year vision for Rotorua and for that to inform shorter term planning documents and development projects for Rotorua. For may of the development projects it can take ages to progress through the planning, resource consenting, funding and implementation processes. more...
Bike Mania Festival It's interesting what you think about on holiday when you're lazing in the sun. My thoughts went to how can we build our off season business in Rotorua. Queenstown has its Winter Ski Festival. So what can we do for Rotorua. We have the finest mountain biking in the Southern hemisphere!! So what about … more...
Economic Recovery Having been in holiday mode for the last three weeks it's a bit of a challenge sitting down at the desk and getting back in to work. But then … That's life!! more...
Chamber seeking opinion on the Holidays Act Review The New Zealand Government is reviewing the Holidays Act 2003 and has called for submissions from the public. The Rotorua Chamber of Commerce has responded to this review by releasing a survey to its members to seek their opinion. more...
Ten Key Positive Events That Mark 2009 This is my final article for the year. Unlike some who are called on to work over the busy festive season, I am fortunate to be able to take a break for three weeks. I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my family and friends, and soaking up the fresh air and sunshine at the Mount. more...
Delays Show Need For Can-Do Attitude This week I am going to continue last week's article where I look at a number of case studies involving development within Rotorua. Last week we considered the case of Gould Photographics and Mini Gold NZ, this week I would like address the ongoing development of Rotorua Central. more...
Progress Requires Positive Outlook Great to read that RDC CEO Peter reads my articles. I was pleased to read his response. I look forward to his answer to the two questions raised in last week's article about staffing numbers. more...
Queenstown Shows The Way For Retail Last week, the Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Destination Rotorua Economic Development, took the opportunity to host Miles Wilson from Queenstown to a breakfast event to discuss Rotorua's readiness to host the new breed of visitors generated from the Trans-Tasman flights. more...
Excellence Recognised At Awards Evening Sitting down last Saturday to write this column I found it difficult to think past the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards that I had attended the previous night. more...
Opportunity Knocks Ar Trade Frees Up The environment for trade in the Asia Pacific region is changing with considerable pace and is providing great opportunities for Rotorua businesses should they wish to grasp them. more...
New Training Programme Should Serve City Well What an interesting week. The quick trip down to Wellington to attend the Prime Minister's launch of the KiaOraMai Programme was an enjoyable interlude. Both the Prime Minister and Tim Cossar, the Chief Executive of New Zealand Tourism Industry Association mentioned Rotorua's support of the programme and that we are the first city in New Zealand to adopt KiaOraMai. more...
Sound Move To Get Jobless Working The recent Labour Department Labour Market update shows some positive signs. To quote the report, “firms are intending to keep staff numbers at current levels. This may signal that job destruction has slowed, but may also suggest there is little sign of job creation. Employers may be waiting to see if the recovery will be sustained before hiring new staff.” more...
