Wood first choice for local developments
18 January 2013
Rotorua District Council is working with key community stakeholders, such as Waiariki Institute of Technology, to embrace the concept of wood being the material of choice for new and existing developments.
The Wood First Product Design Competition 2013' is an opportunity for local secondary school students to help create new seating designs for the CBD. The designs need to incorporate sustainable materials, with wood being the predominant feature or resource used.
RDC Economic Projects manager Nick Dallimore said the forestry industry is the city's largest GDP contributor, while Rotorua is the birthplace of New Zealand's forestry industry.
"Rotorua is a leader in forestry research, products and innovation and the opportunity to develop this industry further is compelling.
"The CBD Revitalisation project is an ideal way to introduce 'Wood First' into our planning and implementation, and we're thrilled to be working alongside Waiariki Institute of Technology and some of our leading forestry businesses in making this happen.
"Our youth are our future, and providing opportunities for them to be involved with Rotorua's plans is a great way to strengthen community pride and ownership."
Nick said they have also created a 'badge of honour' for local forestry business to use alongside their local and internal marketing efforts. He said the mark symbolises the district's position as a centre of excellence for the forest industry as well as highlighting its importance to the future growth of our economy.
"The 'Wood First' initiative aligns well with the Rotorua Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy, and from a local government perspective Rotorua District Council is proud to be taking a leading role," said Mr Dallimore.