Rotorua Lakes Council Nursery

Response

Sent: Friday, 19 September 2025 02:52 pm
Subject: Official Information Request - Rotorua Lakes Council Nursery

I refer to your Official Information request of 29 August 2025 for information regarding the Nursery.

Question:

I understand that there is a proposal to close the plant nursery sometime towards the end of the year. Will there be any public input to this decision? What effect will it have financially on the upkeep on Rotorua presentation of gardens ie Rose Garden, Ngongotahā Baskets and other features that make the city attractive.’

Answer:

Rotorua Lakes Council has been working through a change process with Open Space Operations (ex InfraCore) staff over the last few weeks. The outcome of this process, which has been communicated to staff, will reduce nursery operations, including retail. The nursery will continue to provide plants for annual flower beds and hanging baskets. Plants for other Rotorua gardens will be obtained from other sources – this already happens with approximately 45% of RLC plantings purchased from elsewhere.

This change is expected to save approximately $10,000 to $30,000 per year depending on the amount of plants that are purchased. The maintenance and upkeep of the city’s gardens will not change as a result of changes to operations at the nursery.

For further detail on the Nursery, please refer to Councils media release.