1 Oct 2026: FOGO go-live, events and festivals

Media: The Heat FM

Topic: Go-live of the new council FOGO service

Enquiry

An interview was arranged with RLC CE Andrew Moraes regarding the go-live of our new FOGO service

Response

Mr Moraes encouraged the community to give the new service a go and to reach out if they have any questions or experience any issues.

You can watch the one-minute interview here: Facebook

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Events and festivals in the Bay of Plenty

Enquiry

I am working on a story about the growing number of major events and festivals being held in the Bay of Plenty this summer, and the impact they may have on the region.

The story is part of our summer coverage, which will be published in December and January. Could I please receive a response from Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell to the below questions for this.

• Do you think Rotorua is emerging as one of New Zealand's leading destinations for major events alongside centres like Auckland and Christchurch? Why?
• What role do major events play in supporting local businesses, tourism operators and the regional economy?
• What has Rotorua done well in recent years that has helped attract large events?
• Since the end of larger events/festivals in Rotorua, such as Raggamuffin, has there been a gap in the local events calendar? If so, how important is it to attract new events to fill that space?
• Why do you think the Bay of Plenty is seeing an increase in large-scale events and festivals now? What's driving that growth?
• What would you like Rotorua's reputation as an events destination to look like in five or 10 years' time?
• Do you have a dream event you want to be hosted in Rotorua?
• Is Rotorua and the wider Bay of Plenty the place to be this summer in terms of events?

Response

From Rotorua Mayor, Tania Tapsell:

“Rotorua is one of the best destinations for events because we’ve got the accommodation, the attractions, the venues and our central location makes it easy for people to come here for an event and then stay longer to enjoy everything else we have to offer.

“Major events bring people into our city, fill hotel rooms, support local cafés, restaurants, retailers and tourism operators, and help create jobs. Tourism and hospitality are our biggest employers so attracting major events is incredibly important for us.

“We've worked hard to build a reputation as a city that can successfully host world-class sporting, cultural and entertainment events. Rotorua is an amazing host city and organisers know they'll get great venues, great experiences and a community that gets behind events.

“Council has also made a deliberate decision to strengthen our events focus. We moved the responsibility for events and venues to RotoruaNZ to better support local business opportunities, stimulate our economy and promote our district.

“We're already seeing the benefits of that approach, with events choosing Rotorua as their exclusive New Zealand destination because of what we can offer, such as 8th Wonder Festival.

“I think the Bay of Plenty is experiencing growth because people are looking for destinations that can offer a complete experience. Visitors want great events, but they also want great places to stay, things to do and places to explore, and our region ticks all those boxes.

“I'd love to bring a Warriors game to Rotorua. It’s such a popular sport here, I know our community would fully get behind it.

“Of course Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty is the place to be this summer. We have an awesome line-up of events, our stunning lakes, fantastic attractions and plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages.”