26 May 2023
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Business sector views
Enquiry
Am writing up on yesterday business survey breakfast (Rotorua Business Pulse ) and had some comment I would like to flick through for response.
Some survey respondents called for a strategy for changing the CBD into a quality business area that attracted companies out of Auckland. Others wanted to see more investment into public and visitor-facing projects like the lakefront, forest, or into core infrastructure.
Rotorua Business Chamber chief executive Bryce Heard said there had been a noticeable shift in the community from the concerns around emergency housing to “more constructive stuff” like investment and the CBD, as well as stresses like inflation.
He believed the business community’s comments on wanting investment related to how chamber members expressed concern on various proposals in the plan that would stop “investing in the future”.
“Capital investment in our future, is what is going to secure our future if it is well directed.”
Secret Spot co-owner Keith Kolver said he understood the council was working to balance its spending.
“Any improvement in the budget they have got would be appreciated.”
He said the forest was a big tourist drawcard that had flow-on effects on surrounding businesses, and decision-makers should be aware of its importance.
Goody Goodies co-owner Laura Tynan said while she said there was an improvement in feeling safer in the city, it could be a more attractive place to be.
When asked if she thought there was a need for CBD investment she said, “hard out”.
Tynan said people did not venture into town just to hang out: “It doesn’t have the vibe.”
She also said customers complained of parking issues, either not being able to find a nearby park or with meters not working.
Response
From Mayor Tania Tapsell:
This time last year businesses were describing Rotorua as being in a bad state. It’s reassuring to see a significant upwards shift in perceptions where locals are feeling optimistic about our future again.
Building confidence in Rotorua and our future has been important for our new Council. We appreciate the concern from locals on debt and inflation which is why we’ve balanced responsible cuts in spending with a proposal to invest $141 million into crucial capital projects like public facilities, community safety, and safe and reliable infrastructure.
From RLC organisation:
We informed the reporter there was no comment from the RLC organisation with regards to the views expressed, particularly given they were largely referencing the annual plan and the process for the annual plan was still underway with deliberations and final decision-making by elected members to come.
For her reference/use we pointed her to p15 of the draft annual plan consultation document which provides a brief outline of work that is intended to be progressed across the next year in relation to housing, economic development, industrial and commercial development and inner city revitalisation.
