15 November 2022
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Summer events in Rotorua
Enquiry
I am working on a story about the summer events in the region would please like to get some economic insight into the events. I've included the large-scale music event in the Tauranga, Taupo, Whangamata, Waihi, and Okoroire Hot Springs as they are close to Rotorua. I have been advised by RED that RLC would be able to provide this information.
The events we have:
- McKenzie Crane Hire Demo Derby Cars Ramp Race. December 27 - TWS Paradise Valley Speedway
- Superstock Championship. January 20 - TWS Paradise Valley Speedway
Outside Rotorua
- Le Currents. December 27 - Taupo. (1 hour from Rot)
- Summer Haze. December 29 - Wharepai Domain (1 hour from Rot)
- L.A.B Summer Tour. December 30 - Wharepai Domain, Tauranga (1 hour from Rot)
- Famous Last Words. December 31 - Trustpower Baypark, Mount Maunganui (1 hour from Rot)
- Bay Dreams. January 3 - Trustpower Baypark (1 hour from Rot)
- Gold Rush Music Festival. January 3 - Waihi A&P Showgrounds (1hr 49 from Rot)
- A Summer's Day Live ft. UB40. January 4 - Wharepai Domain (1 hour from Rot)
- Juicy Festival. January 6 - Trustpower Baypark (1 hour from Rot)
- One Love Festival. January 28 - 29. Tauranga Domain (1 hour from Rot)
- That Weekend. January 28 - 30- Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel (40 mins from Rot)
- Blackcaps v England: 1st Test Match. February 16 - 20. Bay Oval. (1 hour from Rot)
Questions:
- Do you have estimates on the economic benefit of the Rotorua events for the city this summer?
- Even though most of the events are in Tauranga, Rotorua is very close with a lot of adventure, relaxing and family options people could stop by before or after. What economic (estimates or anecdotal) impacts will the events outside of the city have on Rotorua?
- Are many Rotorua residents expected to leave the city for the events? Will this be drawing money out of the local economy?
- How will this summer compare to last summer? Is this predicted to be the best summer yet?
- How will this summer compare to pre-Covid?
- In what other ways will the events impact the city?
Any other comments are welcome.
Response
Please attribute the responses to Rotorua Lakes Council Director of Events, Joelene Elliott.
Do you have estimates on the economic benefit of the Rotorua events for the city this summer?
re economic benefit estimates, individual event organisers would need to provide you with their own economic estimates – RLC would only have those for events it owns or is a major sponsor/supporter of.
Rotorua Lakes Council is a major supporter of the NRL Harvey Norman All-Stars: Māori v Indigenous games which will take place at Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday 11 February 2023. This milestone event is expected to generate about $4million in revenue, attracting both national and international visitors with teams and support staff in Rotorua for five nights participating in training and engagement events across the city.
Even though most of the events are in Tauranga, Rotorua is very close with a lot of adventure, relaxing and family options people could stop by before or after. What economic (estimates or anecdotal) impacts will the events outside of the city have on Rotorua?
We would expect a positive local impact from events hosted in the nearby regions. People travelling to and from concerts within the vicinity are likely to call in to Rotorua to enjoy hospitality and tourism activities on offer here.
Are many Rotorua residents expected to leave the city for the events? Will this be drawing money out of the local economy?
Just like people from nearby centres come to Rotorua for events here, we would expect there will be locals travelling to nearby districts for events there. That has always been the case and means we share the love across the wider region.
How will this summer compare to last summer? Is this predicted to be the best summer yet?
As you can see by the Rotorua Summer Events calendar (see attached. Due out in the Rotorua Weekender next Friday) we have a fantastic summer of events to enjoy. Some of these have moved into this time period following cancellations last year or earlier this year due to COVID.
It is going to be the best summer since we were affected by COVID in 2020. With the lifting of the Government traffic light system, event organisers have been able to move forward with event planning with certainty and the result is a wide range of sporting and arts-based events.
How will this summer compare to pre-Covid?
There are slightly fewer events compared to the summer of 2019-2020 but more larger events are happening this summer and we expect event numbers to increase over the next few years
In what other ways will the events impact the city?
As well as the economic impacts for our hospitality and tourism industry, it is great to have event opportunities for our community to participate in and enjoy. It creates a fantastic vibe in the city and adds to the local pride.
Any other comments are welcome.
The events strategy for Rotorua aims to attract a wide range of events for our community. From mountain biking to concerts, rowing to cultural performances, family fun to adrenalin action, we want to ensure we have a flourishing and diverse events offering that caters to all people living in and visiting Rotorua.
Please note larger events dues over the next few months
- Rotorua Off Road Trail Run/Walk (Nov 2022)
- New Zealand Blue & BBQ Festival (Nov 2022)
- McKenzie Crane Hire Demo Derby Cars Ramp Race (December 27) - TWS Paradise Valley Speedway
- Valvoline Superstock Invitational (December 2022)
- NZ Maori Touch Nationals (Dec 2022)
- NZ Secondary Schools Touch (Dec 2022)
- National Maori Basketball Tournament (Jan 2023)
- Superstock Championship (January 2023) TWS Paradise Valley Speedway
- Tarawera Ultra Marathon (February 2023)
- NRL Indigenous All Stars vs Māori All Stars (February 2023)
- Australasian Police and Emergency Games (March 2023)
- Xterra Rotorua Festival (March 2023)
- Lakeside (March 2023)
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Removal of roadside memorial
Enquiry
I was speaking with the mum of Joshua Heath whose memorial was cleared sometime on Saturday from Te Ngae Rd.
She said she was told by someone in council it wasn't council who cleared it and was not critical at all of council, but was wondering if I could please get confirmation this was the case please?
And a line about the process if a memorial needs to be cleared and what circumstances that would happen in?
Response
Council did not remove the items and we have confirmed this with the family.
Removal of such items might be required in locations where this was not permitted, if they were an impediment or causing an issue or if work was happening in the area and in such cases this would be worked through with the family.
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Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Local Heritage Week activities
Enquiry
I know you have a release in the works for Local Heritage Week, but just flicking through a few questions for a spokesperson as well:
- What sorts of events are included in this year's programme for Local Heritage Week? Are there any popular ones back or new events you're excited about?
- Why do you think it is important for the community to celebrate/learn about local heritage?
- What sorts of historical items do you think would be great to see at the Rotorua Heritage Road Show?
- Why do you think the Government Gardens is a great and special place for an Amazing Race?
- Is there anything you would like to add?
It would be great if some comments could be sent through by the end of tomorrow.
If it is possible to tee up an organiser with our photographer in the next couple days too that would be awesome? Perhaps at one of the locations like Government Gardens or at the library with a couple historical items?
Response
Thanks for your interest in doing a story on the programme of events for Heritage Week. Please attribute the following quotes to Abigail Wharne Rotorua Library Heritage & Research Team Leader:
What sorts of events are included in this year's programme for Local Heritage Week? Are there any popular ones back or new events you're excited about?
For the first time, the programme extends beyond the library, with free open-days at the Settlers and Steam Museum; children’s activities led by the museum team; a one-day workshop at the Māori Land Court, as well as a wealth of activities on site. We’re particularly excited to be hosting Raimona Inia, who will be discussing Mau-rākau as per the philosophies of Ngai Te Arawa. He was scheduled to talk last year, but COVID-19 got in the way. Josie Scott will reminiscing about growing up in Ōhinemutu, in conversation with Ann Somerville. We felt it was important to hear from all parts of our community, so have partnered with Rotorua Multicultural Council to host a panel discussion led by members of our diverse community.
Why do you think it is important for the community to celebrate/learn about local heritage?
Learning about the past helps us understand who we are today. The journey to the present is a fascinating one, filled with rich and thought-provoking narratives. By celebrating our local heritage, we solidify connections to the place we call home, and better understand the people we live alongside.
What sorts of historical items do you think would be great to see at the Rotorua Heritage Road Show?
We’re hoping the community will bring items that hold stories or memories. They don’t have to be things that have monetary value. Rather, things that are significant to them or their whānau. We can’t wait to see what treasures the public will bring in for the heritage roadshow.
Why do you think the Government Gardens is a great and special place for an Amazing Race?
Government Gardens is such a beauty filled place and filled with a rich and unique history.
Is there anything you would like to add?
If any local groups or organisations are keen to be involved next year, please reach out to the library’s Heritage and Research Team: Library.HeritageandResearch@rotorualc.nz
For a full programme of events, see the Rotorua Library, Te Aka Mauri, website: www.rotorualibrary.govt.nz/heritage-research/he-kete-rau-mahara-local-heritage-week