RDC246 Lifestyle document RDC version 11.indd

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ROTORUA WORK & LIFESTYLE PROFILE
He aha te mea nui o te ao?
He ta
tangata! He tangata! He tangata!
What
hat is the mo
most important thing in the world?
It is people! It is ppeople! It is people!
Our
spirit of opportunity
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CONTENTS
KIA ORA, WELCOME TO ROTORUA.........................................1
Why live and work in Rotorua .................................................................... 2
Fast facts ............................................................................................................. 4
5 REASONS TO LIVE AND WORK IN ROTORUA ..... 6
1. Quality lifestyle .............................................................................................7
Community events .......................................................................................... 8
Arts and culture .............................................................................................10
Sports and recreation .................................................................................. 12
Dining and leisure ......................................................................................... 14
Affordable quality housing ........................................................................ 15
2. Extensive natural resources ............................................................... 16
Water, geothermal, forests ..........................................................................17
A gardener’s paradise................................................................................... 18
3. Central location and modern infrastructure .......................... 19
Accessible and connected ..........................................................................20
4. Strong support.............................................................................................21
Education services ........................................................................................22
Health services ...............................................................................................23
Community facilities ....................................................................................24
Expertise in science ......................................................................................25
Employment services ...................................................................................26
Business diversity - employment opportunities ............................... 27
5. Passionate people .....................................................................................28
Diversity of people ........................................................................................29
Keeping residents safe.................................................................................30
CONTACT US .......................................................................................................31
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................31
TESTIMONIAL PRABHA RAVI
Prabha Ravi, International
Education Director at Waiariki
Institute of Technology, moved to
Rotorua from Wellington to get back to
the front lines of education after a spell
in bureaucracy. As a recent arrival her
first impressions are very favourable.
“I think it’s a great place; the people
are really warm and seem to be good
at embracing
all cultures. The
staff at Waiariki
are fantastic – it
feels like a family
here. This is a
very supportive
community”.
Rotorua is a world famous
mountain biking destination
...with over 100 km of trails
to suit all ages and abilities
This document has been prepared by the Rotorua
District Council and Chamber of Commerce, assisted by
contributions from various stakeholders in the Rotorua
community, to provide a broad overview about Rotorua
as a destination to live and work. Although all due
care has been taken, neither Council nor stakeholders
accept liability to any person who places reliance on
the contents. It is recommended that people do their
own research for any planning and decision making.
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welcome
Rotorua
to
Rotorua
feel the
spirit
Manaakitanga
This is our brand...it’s the unique spirit of the people, land and
community culture that gives Rotorua a distinctive lifestyle appeal.
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WHY LIVE AND WORK IN ROTORUA?
Rotorua is located in New Zealand’s
Central North Island (CNI). The
region is formally known as the ‘Bay
of Plenty,’ named for its rich and
bountiful natural resources.
Rotorua is world famous.
Since the 1830s international
visitors have enjoyed Rotorua’s
natural geothermal wonders and
Maori cultural experiences. Rotorua
has built a successful reputation
as an iconic tourism destination,
renowned for its welcoming
hospitality – referred to in Maori as
‘manaakitanga’
(mar-nah-key-tongue-are).
North Island
ROTORUA DISTRICT
BAY OF PLENTY REGION
AUCKLAND
234km
HAMILTON
108km
WAITOMO CAVES
166km
•
Surf beaches
•
Private secondary schooling
Within three hours:
•
Hawke’s Bay vineyards
•
Access to nearly 50%
of NZ’s population
•
Major ski-fields
•
University of Waikato
University of Auckland
ROTORUA /
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
WHAKAPAPA / SKI FIELD
177km
TAUPO
80km
NAPIER
223km
Close to great skiing
Close to great surf beaches
Residents benefit from easy
access to world-class outdoor
activities including fishing,
camping, boating, swimming,
hunting, mountain biking,
geothermal bathing and
wellness treatments.
Within one hour:
TAURANGA / PORT
86km
WELLINGTON
460km
South Island
CHRISTCHURCH
888km
Regional comparisons
QUEENSTOWN
1,330km
travelling times and distances
TO/FROM: Auckland
234km
3 hours
TO/FROM: Hamilton
108km
1 hour
TO/FROM: Whakapapa Skifield
177km
2 hours 30 minutes
TO/FROM: Tauranga
86km
<1 hour
TO/FROM: Taupo
80km
<1 hour
TO/FROM: Napier
223km
3 hours
TO/FROM: Wellington
460km
6 hours
INFORMATION SOURCED FROM NEW ZEALAND STATISTICS AND NIWA.
Location
Housing average price
Rotorua
Population
Sunshine hours
Rainfall (mm)
$240,000
68,900
2,117
1,401
Central Auckland
$607,054
404,658
2,060
1,240
Waikato
$294,348
382,716
2,009
1,190
Tauranga
$428,943
115,700
2,260
1,198
Wellington Central
$542,191
179,466
2,065
1,249
Canterbury
$368,784
521,832
2,100
648
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WHY LIVE AND WORK IN ROTORUA?
Rotorua has been judged
New Zealand’s most
beautiful city six times in
the last 11 years and is the
current title holder.
TO TAURANGA
Kaituna River
Residents living in Rotorua
achieve unequivocal
work-life integration
through quality employment
opportunities, a stunning
natural environment and a
thriving community conducive
to sporting and recreational
pursuits.
(Tauranga Direct Road)
36
Okere Falls
(via Te Puke)
33
Otaramarae
Okere
Hamurana
TO AUCKLAND,
HAMILTON AND
WAITOMO CAVES
TO TAURANGA
Lake
Rotoehu
Lake Rotoiti
Mourea
30
5
Lake
Rotokawa
Mokoia Island
Mamaku
30
Rotoiti
30
TO WHAKATANE, OHOPE
AND GISBORNE
Lake
Rotoma
Gisborne
Point
TO WHAKATANE
Te Ngae
34
Kawerau
NORTH
Lake
Rotorua
Mt
Ngongotaha
Tarawera Forest
Access by permit
The city maintains a strong
Maori cultural heritage.
The local tribe (iwi) is Te Arawa
who have gifted substantial
amounts of land to benefit the
entire Rotorua community. There
is a strong bicultural partnership
between local government and
Te Arawa.
era
ver
Ri
w
Tara
Lake
Okareka
Whakarewarewa
Forest
Lake Tikitapu
(Blue Lake)
State highway
Public toilet
Picnic area
Lake
Okataina
ROTORUA
key
Walking trail
Mountain bike trails
Fishing
Boating
Tarawera Falls
Lake Tarawera
Tarawera Outlet
Swimming
Camping
Geyser
Golf course
International Stadium
30
5
Lake Rotokakahi
(Green Lake)
Hot Water Beach
Mt Tarawera
Tumunui
Lake
Rotomahana
30
Waimangu
5
Waikite Valley
Excellent value-for-money lakeside,
city, urban and rural housing living
3
TO TAUPO, TONGARIRO
NATIONAL PARK
AND WELLINGTON
Lake
Okaro
Rainbow
Mountain
Lake
Rerewhakaaitu
38
Wai-O-Tapu
TO MURUPARA,
WHIRINAKI FOREST AND
LAKE WAIKAREMOANA
Plenty of family, sporting, art and
music events to suit all tastes
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FAST FACTS
Economy
• GDP $2 billion
• 68,900 residents
• 10,000 daily visitors
• Multi-cultural – 150 nationalities
• Median house price $240,000
• 3+ million visitors p.a.
• 4 key industry sectors
NZ’s most
Environment
• 261,906 ha total size of district
• 41% forest
• 43% agriculture
• 8% lakes
award
winning
beautiful
city
• 300 metres above sea level
• 2,117 sunshine hours annually
• 22-26ºC summer temperatures
• 10-16ºC winter temperatures
• 18 volcanic lakes (16 accessible)
• 120 wetlands
• 3 main
ma rivers
• 9+ geothe
geothermal fields
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FAST FACTS
Infrastructure and services
• Rotorua International Airport
• Modern public, several private
hospitals
• 16 general medical practices
TESTIMONIAL MURRAY FLEMING
• 80+ childcare facilities
Murray Fleming, General
• 47 schools
Manager of Event
Promotions, moved his
• 21 tertiary training providers
Life and leisure
• 100+ things to do
• 100+ sports & recreation clubs
• 30+ arts and crafts groups
• 30+ annual community events
heartland
of NZ’s
Maori
culture
company to Rotorua to help
him achieve his dream of
growing it into the major event
management company in New
Zealand. “Rotorua is an ideal
central base for our portfolio of
events,” he said.
Rotorua’s central positioning
and the proactive and helpful
support of the District Council
• Two community theatre
groups
and other local stakeholders
• 800 ha of reserves, gardens
and parks free for public use
business.
• 1 daily & 2 weekly
newspapers. Local TV station
& 3 radio networks
• 85% say Rotorua is a safe
place
5
have made it a good place
for Event Promotions to do
As a former NZ representative
in international marathons,
with a personal best of 2hrs 18
min, Murray says “Rotorua is
an outstanding place to live – I
love running and biking in the
forest. For quality of life and the
people it’s a great place.”
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5 reasons
live work
inRotorua
to
and
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reason 1
quality lifestyle
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
7
rotoruaNZ.com
creativerotorua.org.nz
sportbop.co.nz
newcomers.co.nz
rotaz.co.nz
parksyde.org.nz
realestate.co.nz
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Rotorua has successfully hosted national and world championship events,
including mountain biking, fishing, sailing, bowls, target shooting, rugby,
touch and kapa haka.
Rotorua also puts on impressive community events that are an important part of the lifestyle,
culture and spirit. They bring together people from all generations, nationalities and religions to
celebrate who we are and what we are about. Weekly markets (Thursday night, Saturday and
Sunday) are complemented by annual events:
Bike Festival
The 10-day Rotorua Bike Festival
celebrates Rotorua’s great terrain,
on and off road, for cycling and
mountain biking. The 2013 Bike Festival
included the National Mountain Bike
Championships, a new off-road enduro
event, a spectacular downhill race series,
plus family fun rides, Tykes on Trikes,
criterium racing in the streets and many
other events.
January
Blue Lake Rowing Regatta, Blue Lake Multisport Festival, Rhythm@RAVE
February
Raggamuffin Reggae Concert, Rotorua Bike Festival
March
Lakeside Concert, Redwoods Half Marathon, Walking Festival, Tarawera
Ultra Marathon, Children’s Day April
100K Flyer cycle race, XTERRA Festival, ANZAC day commemoration
May
Rotorua Marathon, Cat Eye Moonride
Raggamuffin Reggae Concert
June
Targa Rotorua Rally, Rotorua Blues Festival, 3D Rotorua Multi Sport events
July
N-Duro Winter Mountain Bike Series, Fire and Ice Festival, Matariki
celebrations
August
Tough Guy & Gal
September
Kurangaituku Netball Tournament
Raggamuffin is a summer Reggae
music festival that has been held
annually at the Rotorua International
Stadium since 2008. With an audience of
over 30,000, it has become a must-do for
Reggae lovers across the country.
October
Ekiden Relay, Deepwali Indian Cultural Festival
November
Bike the Lake, Triathlon NZ Contact Tri Series
December
Rotorua Half Ironman, GLO Festival
rhythm@rave
Lakeside
This music extravaganza features
a wide range of local, national and
international artists organised by the
Rotorua BluesFeast Trust.
Lakeside is a free outdoor summer
concert at the Lakeside Village Green that
attracts over 25000 people annually. With
music for all tastes and ages, the event
brings the community together like no other
event in the region.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Children’s Day
Kurangaituku Netball
Held every summer in the beautiful
Redwoods, this Children’s Day
celebration is a time for adults and
children to enjoy the environment and
the activities on offer. With free entry and
activities including face-painting, nature-based
games, creative art, story-telling, performances,
music and other such forest adventures. The
activities change every year and encourage
adults to enjoy participating with their children.
Tournament
XTERRA Multisport Festival
GLO
This is New Zealand’s biggest multisport
event and the largest XTERRA event held
anywhere in the world.
Rotorua’s three-day New Years festival.
The festival is free to attend and has been put
together with family in mind, offering activity
for locals and visitors to enjoy. The evening’s
entertainment ends with a grand fireworks
display!
XTERRA is for people of all abilities, with multisport events for everyone from professional
athletes to once-a-year amateurs competing in
teams or as individuals for swimming, mountain
biking, running and walking events in spectacular
scenery. There is even an interactive XTERRA Kids
Zone.
New Zealand’s largest netball club
tournament has been in existence for over 75
years. Each year more than 300 teams compete
at Rotorua’s Westbrook Netball Complex over
three weekends. A staggering 650-plus netball
games are played each weekend, not counting
the semi-finals and finals. Teams travel from as
far afield as Kaitaia in the north and Otautau in
the south.
Rotorua Marathon
Rotorua Night Market
New Zealand’s iconic marathon
which takes participants around picturesque
Lake Rotorua, celebrates its 50th birthday
in 2014, attracting runners from around
the world. The event also features half and
quarter marathons and a 5.5km fun run.
The Rotorua Night Market is a premier
destination in the Heart of Tutanekai
Street.
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Every Thursday evening from 5:00 pm.
Live entertainment and a wide variety of stalls
ranging from artisan produce, arts and crafts
and street dining. The market provides a main
focal point for the community and visitors to
Rotorua.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
An array of visual, literary and
performing arts contribute to a vibrant,
thriving community. Home to New
Zealand’s Centre of Excellence for
Maori Arts and Craft. Rotorua is proud
of the influence of indigenous culture.
Community, philanthropic, local and central
government agency support Community Events
and the City’s Art’s Village (RAVE).
Concerts and Cultural Events
•
Free outdoor Lakeside Concert
•
Magma Short Film Festival and film-making
workshops
•
The New Zealand Aria
•
Rotorua Concerto
•
Rhapsody Rotorua (Musical Workshop for
Youth)
•
Music at the Band Rotunda
•
Stage Challenge
•
NZ Music Month Celebrations
•
SmokeFree RockQuest
•
Art in the Park
Art Classes - beginners’ to advanced
janetkeen.blogspot.com
Tai Chi
parksyde.org.nz
TESTIMONIAL CLARE BARRATT-WOOD
Reading Round
get-together of book lovers
rotorualibrary.govt.nz
Introduction to Artisan Breadmaking
facebook.com/ciabattabakerynz
Rotorua Music Federation:
Lazarus String Quartet
rotoruamusic.org.nz
Glass-blowing workshops
defluteglass.co.nz
Clare Barratt-Wood moved to
Rotorua in 2010 and teaches
contemporary dance. Her talents
were quickly recognised and she
was asked to choreograph ‘Rotorua
Entertains’, working with community arts
groups to create performance pieces to
entertain fans during the Rugby World
Cup. Besides her work with the highly
rated Anne Samson School of Ballet,
Clare works as a dance and movement
specialist with special needs children at
Kea Street Specialist School.
“What’s great about Rotorua is its
fresh, dynamic approach to the arts.
There is a diverse selection of art forms
and there is a great passion and drive
for local people to get involved. I feel
the opportunities here are just beginning;
there are many great foundations to
produce a wealth of talent in Rotorua.”
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ARTS AND CULTURE
Arts and Crafts
Rotorua Arts Village (RAVE) hosts about 30 arts, Crafts and
community groups. With three large studios, a gallery, craft store and
meeting rooms, the Village is a key part of the district’s culture life. Offering
varied tuition in weaving, painting, origami, ceramics, photography and
pottery.
Theatre and Literature
Rotorua has two community theatre groups, which generally
stage two productions per year with at least one at the
custom-built Civic Theatre. The Rotorua Musical Theatre also perform
at their Riri Street Theatre while The Rotorua Little Theatre preform at the
Shambles Theatre.
The environment in Rotorua fuels creative writing and there are numerous
writing and poetry groups catering for most genres.
Exhibitions and Galleries
•
The iconic Museum of Art and History (Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa)
brings significant national and international Art exhibitions to Rotorua.
•
The District Public Arts Collection contains heritage features,
contemporary works, murals and sculptures.
•
Half a dozen galleries and studios offering paintings, sculpture,
ceramics, and art glass
•
Cottage and retail industries offering Arts and Craft supplies support
our creative community.
•
Rotorua Public Arts Trail featuring respected sculptors Jamie Pickenell,
George Andrews and Rakei Kingi and artists Marc Spijkerbosh, John
Pugh and Angel Croft.
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thriving
arts
community
with 30+ groups
TESTIMONIAL MIKE FIRTH
“Rotorua has always been a second home
for me. When I returned from working in
Los Angeles it was Rotorua that I came
back to. It’s now my first and only home.
I feel more connected to New Zealand
living here. I’m not just saying this –
Rotorua and the surrounding region are
uniquely different to any other place in
NZ.”
“Rotorua has a relatively small community
of creative people and we all know each
other. Some of us work together on the
Rotorua Magma Short Film Festival and
on Film Central to promote the region as
a filming location.
“I am building a team of local talent
in front of and behind the camera to
produce a feature film here. There’s a
genuine passion among locals to tell
stories from the region, which makes for
ment.”
a more creative working environment.”
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SPORT & RECREATION
Rotorua is an adventure playground; a gateway to
world class sporting and recreational activities for
residents and visitors.
Rotorua’s lakes and rivers cater for a wide range of
activities including:
•
Fishing and boating
The quality of Rotorua’s outdoor lifestyle is exceptional. Our lakes
and rivers have wide appeal and our mountain biking tracks
are amongst the best in the world. There is a diverse number of
walks and tramps in the district and Sports and Recreation is well
supported by over 100 clubs in the area.
•
White water rafting, sledging and kayaking
•
Water skiing, wake boarding and jet skiing
•
Windsurfing and kite boarding
•
Waka ama (outrigger canoeing) and flat water kayaking
1. LAKES AND RIVERS
2. MOUNTAIN BIKING AND CYCLING
Rotorua has an abundance of water with 18 lakes, 3 major rivers
(Waikato, Kaituna and Rangitaiki) and numerous streams and
springs that flow through our district.
The lifestyle benefits include:
•
Lak
Lakeside living and or stunning views
•
Awesome b
beaches – perfect for picnics, BBQ’s, swimming and
playing
•
ional family cam
Exceptional
camping opportunities
•
Fantastic walking, running and hiking trails around our lakes
3. WALKING AND TRAMPING
Rotorua has hundreds of walking tracks catering for
gentle pram-friendly or wheel-chair accessible strolls
through to multi-day rigorous hiking trips such as the
Okataina Tramping Track, the Kaharoa Kokako Track, and the
Mangorewa Track.
There is also a 26km designated city walkway winding through
scenic areas, lake frontage, bird sanctuaries, urban areas and
geothermal activities.
Within an hour of Rotorua, you’ll find Redpath Farm Trails and the
Waikato River Trails. Further afield, Tongariro National Park is a two
hour drive with one of the best ‘one-day’ treks in the world.
Rotorua is ranked as one of the top 10 mountain
biking destinations in the world. New Zealand’s most
popular mountain biking adventure playground is centred in the
Whakarewarewa Forest, only minutes from the city centre. With a
network of more than 100km of tracks, it caters for beginners and
family groups through to more extreme action riders.
Te Ara Ahi, The Thermal by Bike cycle trail offers a 74km
cycling adventure through a thermal wonderland of steaming
vents, bubbling mud pools and spectacular geysers. Rich in
diversity including rare flora and fauna and is steeped in Maori
history and folklore. This trail is normally ridden over two days.
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SPORT & RECREATION
4. SPORTS CLUBS AND FACILITIES
5. MAJOR SPORTING AND
RECREATIONAL EVENTS
There are over 100 sporting and recreational clubs
in Rotorua. Selected examples include:
•
Running, athletics and track
•
Diverse array of team and individual sports
•
Swimming, water polo, underwater hockey
•
Triathlon and multi-sport
•
Horse-riding, marching or wood chopping
Rotorua’s renowned natural
environment and spectacular
landscape makes it home to a
wide range of significant sporting
events including:
Supporting Sport and Recreational pursuits in
Rotorua, the district has exceptional facilities
including:
•
Mountain Bike World Champs (2006)
•
Hosting three games for the Rugby
World Cup (2011)
•
Oceania Mountain Bike Champs
(2012)
•
Smallbore Rifle Shooting
Championship (2013)
•
NZ Sports Academy
•
Energy Events Centre – purpose built indoor arena
•
International Stadium – for sporting fixtures, concerts and
community recreational activities
•
National Te Matatini Kapa Haka
Events (2013)
•
Aquatic Centre with outdoor 50m pool, lap pools, spa, lazy
river, splash pool and family pool.
•
Whitewater rafting world
championships
•
BMX track and Mid Island Gymnastic facility
•
•
Tennis courts and specialised sports fields
Kurungaituku – largest Netball
Tournament in New Zealand
•
National standard hockey astroturf
•
•
Netball complex
Rotohoe Waka Ama – annual
outrigger regatta
•
Internationally recognised golf courses
•
XTERRA Festival
•
Rotorua Bike Festival
TESTIMONIAL - ALASTAIR GATT
Alastair Gatt, a legal consultant at East Brewster, lawyers, first came to
New Zealand when playing badminton for Scotland in the 1990s.
“New Zealand felt like somewhere I could live and work as opposed to
just enjoying visiting,” the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist said.
So after 20 years practising as a solicitor in Edinburgh, he and his wife
Catherine and daughter Scarlett made the move in 2007 and shifted to
Rotorua not long after that.
“The idea of bringing Scarlett up in New Zealand as opposed to a big UK
city was a big factor in our move. Of course, the weather is a big plus
when you come from Scotland! On top of that, we’ve found the people
here very welcoming and very down to earth, which we really like.”
13
Catherine and Scarlett have started mountain biking,
Alastair has started playing badminton again at
masters level, and the whole family enjoys residents
rates at many local attractions and a soak in a hot
pool at the end of an active day.
Alastair says he feels more involved at work, with
East Brewster smaller and less hierarchical than firms
he has worked at in the past. “I put my hand up to be the firm contact
for our membership of the Rotorua Sustainable Business Charter and have
found that really interesting. We’re in the process of implementing some
fairly significant changes that are pretty innovative for a law firm, which
will make our business much ‘greener’ and more sustainable.”
800ha
of reserves,
gardens,
parks
free
for public use
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DINING AND LEISURE
Restaurants, Cafes, Bars and Breweries
Residents Specials
Truly cosmopolitan, Rotorua’s cultural diversity is
reflected in Eat Street offering a mouth-watering
selection of quality restaurants, cafes and bars.
An instant success when a city block was closed to traffic,
Eat Street has outdoor tables, planters and umbrellas. An
abundance of delectable cuisine including Swiss, Italian, Thai,
Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Turkish, Mexican and
Algerian.
Many visitor attractions offer residents significant discounts or free
entry with a paying guest, with proof of address.
Rotorua also has it’s own award-winning craft brewery (Brew)
and a specialty icecream shop.
Aside from Eat Street, there are also beautiful dining
experiences in all of the major hotels, and chic cafés located
all over the city in shopping blocks and at many of the visitor
atttractions.
Leisure Activities
•
Indulge in one of the many quality spa resorts (Polynesian
Spa, WaiOra Spa, Hell’s Gate, Waikite Valley or other
smaller establishments)
•
Ask a local where the free hot pools are (e.g. Kerosene
Creek, Butcher’s Pool)
•
Rotorua has a multiplex cinema (Readings) and a
boutique cinema (The Basement)
TESTIMONIAL - BRENT PARK
Brent Park grew up in Rotorua, then headed off around the world to make a career
as a winemaker. He had a dream to come back and set up a winery somewhere in the
central North Island. When he met Sean Beer, another winemaker, at a West Auckland
winery the dream began to take on substance. Brent and Larissa Park and Sean and Jo
Beer began looking for the right place.
“We saw a real niche here, for an attraction that is more relaxed rather than adrenaline
filled. We have tthe view, good music and the wine: we could bring something to
orua that wasn’t here
h before.”
Rotorua
Rotorua’s solid tourism base, the fact that Volcanic Hills winery would be the
only one in the district, and Brent’s knowledge of resources and skills available in the
area made Rotorua the best choice. Allied with Skyline Skyrides, an iconic Rotorua
attraction, and based at a major tourist hub Volcanic Hills is finishing its winery and
offering tasting sessions at Skyline, a gondola ride above the town and overlooking
Lake Rotorua.
Brent and Larissa’s two children have started in year 4 and year 6 at St Mary’s Primary
School – “a very beautiful and very welcoming school”. Brent already feels “very much
involved with what Rotorua is about”.
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AFFORDABILE QUALITY HOUSING
The cost of living and housing (both rental and purchase
prices) in Rotorua are lower than other New Zealand
cities. Rotorua offers city, urban lakeside and rural living wit options
to suit all budgets and lifestyles. The median house price in Rotorua
as at Jan 2012 was $230,000 compared to $355,000 for New
Zealand as a whole. Lower house prices enable home ownership to
be a realistic option for young families.
Median house prices
$400,000
$350,000
$300,000
$357,000
$250,000
$200,000
$150,000
$100,000
$240,000
$50,000
$0
ROTORUA
NEW ZEALAND
SOURCE: ROTORUA ECONOMIC PROFILE. INFOMETRICS – MARCH 2012.
Comfortable three and four-bedroom homes in good areas sell
for $300,000-$400,000 and more modest family homes are still
available in the $180,000-$250,000 range.
In Rotorua, even many of the modest homes have excellent
gardens and outdoor areas. One of the advantages of Rotorua
housing is that in certain zones, homes are geothermally heated
15
which greatly reduces the cost of heating and hotwater.
For the discerning buyer Rotorua boasts lake edge
and luxurious properties (typically >$1 Million). Lifestyle
properties 15 – 20 mins from the city ranging in size from one to
six hectares sell for $500,000 to $1.5 million.
With the city boundaries only minutes from downtown, demand
g
for inner city living is not substantial, but is slowly increasing.
Most apartment developments are comparatively small scale, but
there is a range of quality apartments available from $192,000 to
$800,000.
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reason 2
extensive
natural
resources
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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rot
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ebop.govt.nz
eb
bop
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rrdc.govt.nz
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ggrowrotorua.com
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WATER, GEOTHERMAL, FORESTS
If there is one thing Rotorua celebrates, it’s our natural
environment: 18 lakes, numerous geothermal areas with hot
pools and spectacular steam eruptions, glorious landscapes of
native forests, some of the largest commercial plantation forests
in the world, farmland, hundreds of kilometres of walking, cycling
and mountain biking tracks.
The city is nestled in a huge, ancient caldera 20km across at its
widest point and 16km at the narrowest, with Lake Rotorua nearly
300 metres above sea level.
Home to
the World’s
largest
floating
wetland
...protecting our lakes for
future generations to enjoy
17
The district enjoys an average of 2,117 sunshine hours per year
and 1,401 mm of rain. Temperatures are moderate.
The forests, coupled with extensive trees and gardens in the city,
suburbs and parks, support a rich and varied bird life, both native
and introduced. Some of New Zealand’s rarer birds, such as the
secretive and formerly endangered kokako and the spectacular
native falcon, karearea, thrive in the district.
Environmental action
In recent years concern has grown about the effects of population
growth and intensive farming on a number of lakes. Increasing
enrichment of lake waters by farmland run-off and seepage
from waste water and sewage have prompted a programme
of improved sewage and waste water management and longer
term work to reduce enrichment without unnecessarily damaging
farming interests.
Leading edge research and combined action by local, regional and
central government, Te Arawa organisations and other community
groups are making real advances in cleaning up the Rotorua lakes,
supported by a $200 million funding commitment.
The work under way at present will produce land use changes
in the coming years, opening up new commercial and lifestyle
opportunities.
geothermal
energy
has
strong
potential
Most beautiful city
In the city and suburbs, the manmade environment has won
Rotorua the title of New Zealand’s most beautiful city six times
since 1999, rewarding the focus on continuing beautification, civic
pride and litter reduction and removal.
One of the things that strikes most newcomers (other than the
distinctive sulphur smell only noticeable for the first day or so) is the
high quality of both private and public gardens and the standard of
maintenance of most homes and other buildings. It’s a mark of the
ommunity.
pride that Rotorua people take in their city and their community.
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A GARDENER’S PARADISE
If there is a gardener’s paradise, Rotorua is a
strong candidate.
The district’s free draining volcanic soils, its 2000plus hours of sunshine per year and its height
above sea level of almost 300 metres make for
great growing conditions.
All fruit and vegetables grow well in Rotorua.
A number of nurseries around Rotorua grow
everything from blueberries to feijoas, along with
big forestry nurseries.
The free draining soils and cooler nights make
EDUCATION
Rotorua exceptional for growing Japanese
maples, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas,
and deciduous trees have stunning colours in
autumn.
Kuirau Park has wonderful gardens, a
huge pond and a fantastic playground, fenced
off from boiling mud pools and thermal activity
in the centre of Rotorua.
The Rotorua Tree Trust, overlooking the
city, has avenues of different types of trees and
is a sight to behold in spring with native birds
flocking to the flowering trees.
There are many great parks and reserves around
the Rotorua area like the Government Gardens,
Kuirau Park, the Rotorua Tree Trust and the
Redwoods.
The towering Redwoods are a must-see
and a great walk – six hectares of stunning
Californian Coast Redwoods over 110 years old
and nearly 70m tall. They are the gateway to
longer walks through a variety of several other
exotic tree species that make up The Redwoods,
Whakarewarewa Forest.
Lush native bush areas surround many
of our streams, lakes and parks. It is no
wonder that Rotorua has won the most beautiful
city award so many times. In spring you will be
amazed by the thousands of tulips planted in
the traffic islands, roundabouts and gardens in
Rotorua.
The Government Gardens house the picture
postcard Museum and colourful surrounding
gardens.
Rotorua Festival of Gardens
In late spring every two years Rotorua hosts its two-day Festival of Gardens, featuring visits to 35-40 gardens in the district –
urban and rural, large and small. This popular event, organised by Rotorua District Garden Festival Incorporated to raise funds
for community organisations, combines tourism and a love of gardening. Among the gardens that have featured in the Festival are:
A
Anna and Keith Garratt, Woodleyhill, Dansey Road
Nine Betula Jacqmintii lead visitors to the expansive lawns. The
surrounding borde
borders feature colourful rhododendrons, perennials
onds, making this
thi a perfect place for a restorative picnic.
and ponds,
The Garden Art Gallery of Graeme and Jeanette
Blackburn, Lynmore, is a fully landscaped garden full of
colour. There are hostas, rhododendrons, old roses, perennials
and specimen trees divided into two rooms. Two exclusive art
galleries feature original paintings on sale from international artist
Jeanette Blackburn.
Rhodohill Nursery, Dave and Alisa Stewart, 569
Paradise Valley Road
Paths meander through this stunning garden which features
mature rhododendrons, maples, azaleas and cherries. A
laburnum arbour is a special feature. A comprehensive nursery is
attached.
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reason 3
central location
modern
infrastructure
and
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
rotoruaNZ.com
19
rotorua-airport.co.nz
rdc.govt.nz
baybus.co.nz/regions/rotorua
intercity.co.nz
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ACCESSIBLE AND CONNECTED
Rotorua’s convenient size, its strategic Central
North Island location, international airport and a
high quality road network built to serve an extra
8000-10,000 users a day make the city one of the
most accessible in New Zealand.
The great majority of residents live 10 minutes from
anywhere else in Rotorua – friends, schools, medical and
dental services, downtown or suburban shops, cafes, visitor
attractions, parks and playing fields, even the airport.
Rotorua’s Central Business District (CBD) is located on the
shores of Lake Rotorua surrounded by world class visitor
activities, attractions, accommodation and conference venues.
Rotorua District Council along with local iwi have invested
significantly to upgrade the CBD.
100+
THINGS
TO DO
The CBD offers free wi-fi hotspots connected to fibre for
ultra-fast broadband. Parking is cheap and plentiful, traffic
flows easily and public buses service many suburbs
including discounts for tertiary students.
For businesses, all the major transport companies
operate in Rotorua, with domestic and international freight
services available through such companies as Mainfreight’s local
office.
Heavy transport is a vital part of Rotorua’s economy, serving
production sectors such as forestry and farming. The Port of
Tauranga is the largest export port in New Zealand and is less
than an hour’s drive away.
The combination of freight and tourism means
Rotorua lies at the centre of a network of high quality
main roads that make it an important hub – Rotorua is only
60km south of Tauranga, 80km north of Taupo, 105km east of
Hamilton and 230km southeast of Auckland, making it within
three hours drive of 50% of New Zealand’s population.
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reason 4
strong
support
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
21
rotoruaNZ.com
cab.org.nz
ssnz.govt.nz
raph.org.nz
lakesdhb.govt.nz
parentingcentral.co.nz
educationcounts.govt.nz
schoolzones.co.nz
nsrotorua.info
rotorualibrary.govt.nz
y.g
.gov
ovt.
t.nz
nz
rdc-aquatic.co.nz
uatic.
c co
co.nzz
talentid.co.nz
ent
n idd.co.
o nz
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EDUCATION SERVICES
Rotorua is well served by
educational institutions
from early childhood
through to tertiary,
providing quality
learning, cultural and
sporting pursuits.
EDUCATION
There are more than 80
licensed early childhood
services providing an early start
to formal education for more
than 3,400 Rotorua children
annually.
Rotorua district has 47
schools; 15 full primary schools
(including two catholic schools
and a private Christian school),
three intermediate/middle
schools, four kura kaupapa
Maori, 18 contributing schools
and seven secondary schools
(including four co-educational
and two same-sex, five state
schools and one Catholic). The
district also has a specialist
school, a teen parent unit, a Montessori unit and a Rudolf Steiner
school.
Rotorua boasts New Zealand’s only trilingual Maori,
Spanish and English speaking school and is a leader in
Chinese language and culture learning programmes.
Rotorua’s central location also
provides easy access to private
secondary schools in Tauranga,
Cambridge, Hamilton, Hawkes
Bay and Auckland.
Rotorua has 21 tertiary
providers including private
training establishments.
Waiariki (WIT) is Rotorua’s
largest tertiary provider followed by Te Wananga o Aotearoa.
related timber applications.
Waiariki Academy of Sport aims to develop young,
talented athletes to their potential while they also gain a tertiary
qualification. Academy staff work with the athletes, their coaches
and their mentors to provide complete support through training
and competition.
Waiariki Academy of Singing and Music students are
supported and mentored by staff who are experienced in working
with singers and musicians and are held in high regard in the
music industry. The academy hosts a band, quartet, a kapa haka
team and a choir, and provides performance opportunities to
help students build their music portfolio. Students now have the
opportunity of full time study towards two music qualifications in
Contemporary Music Performance at levels 4 and 5.
Waiariki Institute of Technology
Waiariki offers an extensive list of qualifications and has particular
strengths in hospitality and tourism, forestry, geothermal, nursing
and agriculture.
The Waiariki National Centre of Excellence for the
Forest and Wood Industry built on Mokoia Campus in
2008, supports courses associated with the forestry and timber
industries. It includes a computer suite featuing specialist software
and technology relating to forest mapping, forest operations and
TESTIMONIAL - ALASTAIR JOHNSON
Alastair Johnson, Head Coach at Swim Rotorua, moved to the United
Kingdom from New Zealand when he got his big break 10 years ago as the
National Youth Swim Coach for Scotland. But he and his family wanted to
come back to New Zealand, and he saw the Swim Rotorua role as a perfect
opportunity to be involved in a relatively new programme that had heaps of
potential to improve.
So how’s it going after a few months? “Fantastic! I am loving it here. My work
is going extremely well. The club is growing very quickly and we are improving
every month. I am very fortunate to work with so many great people who are
very supportive and who all take the long term view. Success always takes time,
but our goal is to build a swim club that the whole city is immensely proud of.
“My family are really enjoying it too. My wife has just started her nursing
degree at Waiariki whilst my two children are thriving at John Paul College.
“I sincerely believe that Rotorua is New Zealand’s best kept secret. It’s obviously
a great tourist hot spot, particularly with the geothermal and Maori attractions,
but to me it is much bigger and better than that. The compact city with great
amenities, a place where people can do business, the lifestyle afforded by the
awesome forests and lakes, and of course the friendly locals, all add up to a
truly special place”.
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HEALTH SERVICES
Rotorua has a recently upgraded public hospital with
extensive secondary services and specialties, including
an Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit,
surgical and orthopaedic units, a Coronary Care Unit
and medical unit.
In addition, Rotorua Hospital and several private hospitals have a
range of special services not usually seen in a district of Rotorua’s
size.
These include:
•
A fully equipped renal dialysis unit at Rotorua Hospital
•
Private provider QE Health offers a unique rehabilitation
service for patients with chronic pain and disability, dealing
with rheumatology, post-polio syndrome, physiotherapy,
occupational therapy, counselling and education, vocational
and home based rehabilitation, orthotics, orthopaedics,
balneotherapy and research.
•
A 32-bed private surgical hospital, Southern Cross QE, with
high-tech operating theatres and a range of new clinical
facilities for medical specialists and their patients.
•
The privately owned Rotorua Eye Clinic has three specialist
eye surgeons who consult on all aspects of ophthalmology
Primary Care
Sixteen general medical practices provide front-line
care It is relatively easy to enrol with a GP. Most practices are
members of Health Rotorua Primary Health Organisation, which
subsidises a range of doctor visits and other services for the 71,000
enrolled patients in the district.
Lakes Primecare provides after hours care and some emergency
care services. Owned by a group of Rotorua general practitioners
and staffed by a roster of local GPs, the centre provides services
seven days a week for residents and visitors.
St John Ambulance has a strong presence in Rotorua, providing
ambulance services and first aid and emergency care services at key
community events. Other health services include nutrition services,
speech services, mental health services and sexual health services.
23
specialist care including consultations, ophthalmic surgery, laser
procedures and ACC cases.
•
Rotorua Hospital’s Radiology Department DHB is one of the
few public departments in New Zealand that holds IANZ
accreditation. Rotorua Hospital also has an MRI (Magnetic
Resonance Imaging) machine, made possible by the generosity
of the Rotorua Trust. In addition, two private radiology
providers in Rotorua offer a range of speciality radiology
services, giving patients a choice of provider.
•
The Rotorua Trust chemotherapy day unit at Rotorua Hospital
for cancer patients.
•
The BayTrust Rescue Helicopter covers Rotorua and the
surrounding Bay of Plenty region and sometimes areas well
beyond. The service is supported by strong community
fundraising and volunteers.
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Rotorua’s built facilities are exceptional and are some of
the best in New Zealand.
4000 in theatre style. Exhibitions or trade shows with up to 500
booths can be staged by using the whole complex.
The Rotorua Museum of Art and History has by far
the largest number of visitors of any museum outside the four
major cities, and has recently been expanded, refurbished and
modernised to broaden its appeal still further.
The city has another five substantial, dedicated
conference and event centres, including the downtown
Convention Centre, Novotel Rotorua, Millennium Hotel, Distinction
Hotel and Holiday Inn Rotorua, plus a number of smaller venues.
The Museum in the Government Gardens is consistently in the
running for the title of most photographed urban scene in New
Zealand.
The Rotorua Girls High School Arena is also suitable for
medium-sized conferences and a wide range of business and
community events. It’s fine if you’re having up to 350 round for dinner.
The Blue Baths. The 1930s Spanish Mission-style Blue Baths are
described by the NZ Historic Places Trust as a building of national
and international significance both for its association with the
history of tourism and for its rarity as a building type. The building
has been restored to its unique 1930s ambience and operates as a
private function facility.
The Convention Centre includes the Civic Theatre,
recently refurbished with new stage facilities, and the Concert
Chamber.
The Energy Events Centre is the newest major building
in Rotorua and one of the half dozen biggest conference and
events centres in New Zealand. The centre has four multi-purpose
function spaces and a further six break-out rooms. One of its larger
rooms can accommodate 2600 delegates for a seated banquet or
One of the big advantages of Rotorua is how quickly residents and
visitors can get to so many of its facilities. Ten minutes from
the CBD, with extensive parking for big events, is the
Rotorua International Stadium with seating for 30,000 or
standing room for up to 60,000.
The Rotorua Aquatic Centre has conference facilities, heated
50-metre outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor spa pools, learners’
pool, fun pool, splash pad, picnic areas and playground.
Rotorua International Airport Underpinning much of the
visitor-driven extra facilities is Rotorua International Airport, 10
minutes drive from the CBD. The airport has daily flights to main
centres in New Zealand, plus several flights a week to Sydney to
link with the major South Pacific hub for international travel.
Rotorua Public Library, established in 1889. The library is
an important repository of local history, including a rich store of
Maori history. It reflects the Rotorua culture and the diversity of
the community with special collections of New Zealand, Maori
and Polynesian history, matched with information and books in
other European, Asian and Pacific languages. It plays an important
role in improving the standard and quality of life for residents by
providing a means for lifelong learning, independent decisionmaking and cultural development.
24
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EXPERTISE IN SCIENCE
Rotorua’s unique position at the heart of New
Zealand’s forest industry makes it an important,
world-class centre for fundamental and applied
research and development.
Clustered around Scion, the only Crown Research Institute (CRI)
based outside a major city, are a group of smaller research
organisations working on specific forestry and environmental
programmes, often in conjunction with the CRI.
For almost 70 years, Scion has provided the science behind one of
the most productive plantation forest industries in the world.
Scion’s purpose is to drive innovation and growth
from New Zealand’s forestry, wood product and woodderived materials and other bio-material sectors, to
create economic value and contribute to beneficial environmental
and social outcomes for New Zealand.
Scion is becoming increasingly known for its work on bio-fuels,
bio-plastics and other bio-materials.
Current projects include TERAXTM, a world leading system of
technology to convert municipal sewage and waste water into
energy and useful products, as well as slashing the amount of
solids going to landfills from sewage treatment plants.
Formally known as Waste-2-Gold, TERAXTM is based on principles
and knowledge developed from treating waste from pulp mills.
Scion’s expertise in tree improvement and tissue culture has
supported a cluster of local businesses dedicated to conifer
breeding and propagation. From Timberlands Tree Nursery to
specialised producers like Forest Genetics Ltd, Radiata Pine
Breeding Company and Plant Protection Chemistry NZ, these
businesses draw on technologies and knowledge that connect with
Scion through research programmes or through the experience of
former staff members.
SUCCESS STORY - SCION
Scion is a Crown Research Institute dedicated to improving the
international competitiveness of the New Zealand forest industry and
building a stronger bio-based economy. The only major CRI based
outside New Zealand’s main centres, Scion has 320 staff in Rotorua.
•
Forestry research was established in Rotorua with an experimental
station in 1947, so there is a rich legacy from the development of
trial plots, specialist infrastructure and industry linkages in the region.
•
There is a strong concentration of the forest industry in Rotorua and
nearby districts.
•
Rotorua provides an attractive physical environment for staff. It is
centrally located, has sound transport links to major centres and, for
those with outdoor interests, a huge array of things to do.
•
Scion sees strong potential for further strategic alignment and
integration with the district and regional economic development
plans, particularly in water quality, geothermal and core forestry
practice.
25
Future Forests Research Ltd aggregates forest industry
and government research funding to commission and
manage a wide range of research into forest growing and
management, new and existing commercial tree species, harvesting
and logistics and environmental aspects. FFR also plays an
important role in reporting back to its members and helping them
to implement the benefits of research.
The research carried out and commissioned in Rotorua
is increasing New Zealand’s competitiveness and
productivity, finding new and sustainable uses for natural fibres
and chemicals and increasing understanding of cellular properties
and influences of growth on wood quality.
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OPPORTUNITIES AND SERVICES
Rotorua and the surrounding district offers plenty
of employment opportunities in a wide range of
industries. A satisfying and productive work place coupled with
balanced work-life integration ensures Rotorua residents have a
quality lifestyle, leading to personal fulfilment, sense of purpose
and genuine happiness.
Tourism and Hospitality
Tourism is the district’s largest employer with over 100
attractions including Maori cultural experiences, NZ wildlife and
adventure pursuits. Leading tourism businesses include Te Puia,
Skyline, Polynesian Spa, Agrodome and Agroventures. Rotorua
also hosts large corporate and sporting events throughout the
year. Supporting the vibrant tourism sector is Rotorua’s Hospitality
Industry offering significant employment opportunities in customer
service, cuisine, bar-tending and food services in several large
hotels, quality restaurants and cafés.
Agriculture and Forestry
The main industry sectors of Forestry & Wood Processing and
Agriculture are well established within the region and are
excellently supported by a number of leading forestry companies
including Red Stag Timber, Scion, Lockwood, PF Olsen, Peterson
Sawmills, Tachikiwa, McAlpines, Claymark, Timberlands and
Verda. Employment opportunities exist for manual and skilled
workers including forestry workers, machine operators, mechanical
engineers, management roles, technical and research positions and
health and safety officers.
Geothermal and Manufacturing
Rotorua is well positioned to take advantage of geothermal energy.
The industry is established with standards, stability and monitoring
in place. Leading SOE NZ energy company Mighty River Power
has relocated to Rotorua. Rotorua has an innovative, established
Manufacturing industry with companies like Hayes International
and Damar Industries offering employment for skilled workers.
Business and Innovation
Rotorua has an industrious, profitable and thriving business and
retail community. Many of these small to medium organisations
are truly innovative and compete globally. Rotorua Chamber
of Commerce provides a professional network where business
operators network, receive training and share resources. Rotorua
District Council is committed to working collaboratively with public
and private partners to grow the Rotorua Economy in line with the
Rotorua Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy.
Uniquely Maori Opportunities
There are unique opportunities to work with local Te Arawa and
other Maori tribe in tourism, geothermal, forestry, hospitality, the
arts, health and education.
Employment Services
Rotorua works hard to ensure its residents and new arrivals can
find work. They offer recruitment services and settlement support
for newcomers to the region.
tourism
is a
major
employer
26
AFT
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BUSINESS DIVERSITY - EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Hayes International
The Agrodome
Mighty River Power
PF Olsen
Hayes International is a world leader in the
design and manufacture of roll-forming
machinery to produce roofing and wall cladding
profiles, structural sections, long length power
folding machines and associated metalworking
equipment.
The Agrodome is one of New Zealand’s most
loved tourist attractions, established more than
40 years ago and highlighting the best of our
country’s agriculture and horticulture with fun
and informative activities. The Agrodome won the
supreme award in Rotorua’s 2012 business awards.
Mighty River Power is New Zealand’s only large,
renewable dominated energy company with
both hydro and geothermal generation.
PF Olsen Group is a leading independent
provider of forestry services in Australia and
New Zealand, employing 104 staff in 15 centres.
Damar Industries
Polynesian Spa
Rotorua District Council
Red Stag Timber
Damar Industries Ltd is a manufacturer
and marketer of a wide range of coatings,
chemicals and aerosols under its own brands
and for customers. Damar produces more than
7,000,000 aerosol cans a year at its state-of-theart manufacturing centre.
Polynesian Spa is a 100% New Zealand-owned
private company operating for over forty
years. It has developed a reputation as a world
class must-do experience in Rotorua. Polynesian
Spa employs 90 staff and the organisation’s
focus on innovation and excellence in customer
service has been recognised.
Rotorua District Council is one of the top five
employers in the district that offers a range of
roles and career paths with senior management,
operational and front line service positions across
many fields including the regulatory, planning,
building, engineering, I.S., scientific, finance,
H.R., horticulture and tourism departments.
Red Stag Timber is an independent, privately
es drive
owned timber company, only 10 minutes
from the city. Approximately 260 staff are
employed to meet the various operational and
as a proud
business skill requirements. Red Stag has
’s largest employers
history of being one of Rotorua’s
mmunity.
and having a close-knit community.
27
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reason 5
passionate
people
FOR
OR MO
M
MORE
O INFORMATION:
rotoruaNZ.com
rro
otooru
ruaaN
NZ.
Z.co
.coom
newcomers.co.nz
mer
ers.co
s.co
s.
co.n
nz
rdc.govt.nz
ssnz.co.nz
rotoruachamber.co.nz
rro
ottoor
amb
mbber
er.co.
o.nz
nzz
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DIVERSITY OF PEOPLE
Rotorua is a growing ethnic district with people from
around 150 nationalities.
Most residents of Rotorua (80%) are New Zealandborn. At any one time about 3% of residents are newcomers and
11% are longer term migrants. Many of the remainder are foreign
students studying at Waiariki Institute of Technology or at one of
language schools based in the city.
More than a third of residents are Maori – about two-and a-half
times the proportion of Maori in the New Zealand population. Over
the past two Census periods the number of Rotorua people in the
European ethnic group has fallen by more than 5000 to 38,076
in 2006 – not because they are leaving but because people in this
group have classed themselves as New Zealanders rather than New
Zealand Europeans.
here and finding work that meets the criteria of the skilled migrant
category. The largest ethnic groups after these are Pacific Island
and Asian – though both represent a range of nationalities.
Rotorua’s importance as an international tourist destination means
that tourism and hospitality operators often need a range of
language skills among their staff, especially Chinese and Korean.
New settlers are served by a Settlement Support
Coordinator at the Rotorua District Council and the
Newcomers Network Coordinator for Multicultural
Rotorua, plus job-hunting assistance through the New Kiwis online service run by Immigration NZ and the Chamber of Commerce.
Education is also an important catalyst for ethnic
diversity, with a number of private language schools in Rotorua
as well as a range of courses at Waiariki Institute of Technology
that are tailored for students from many parts of the world,
particularly in the fields of forestry and health care. Up to half
of the Chinese, Korean, Fijian, Tokelauan, Indian and Filipino
newcomers living in Rotorua are in the student age group. Twenty
percent of Waiariki’s students are from overseas.
About a dozen formal national groups run regular events, and
many more ethnic communities get together informally for social,
sporting, festivals, cultural and religious activities.
Over the next few years Waiariki will look to diversify its
international market base in Latin America, North America, South
East Asia and the Middle East, offering higher level qualifications
like post-graduate studies.
The largest proportions of newcomers have for many years been
those born in England (21%), Australia (11%) and South Africa
(9%). They all joined sizeable longer term migrant communities of
people who were born in those countries.
Waiariki is also developing opportunities to establish partnerships
with overseas institutes which would see students completing one
or two years of study toward a qualification in their home country
and the final one or two years in Rotorua. Rotorua employers are
very receptive to employing international students.
In recent years the number of newcomers from England and other
UK countries has decreased and the number of Indian migrants has
risen due to international students from India completing studies
Rotorua
is a
growing
multi-cultural
district 72%
These figures add to more than 100% because people may
classify themselves as more than one cultural group.
29
36%
4%
3%
European
Maori
Pacific Islands
Asian
TESTIMONIAL - ALADINA HARUNANI
Aladina Harunani, Director of APA Architects, came to
New Zealand from Kenya as a student in 1989 and worked
as an architect, project manager and design manager in
Auckland for 17 years. From the early 90s he enjoyed Rotorua
as a holiday destination. After he and his wife began to
think about raising their children somewhere “in a quieter
place”, he accepted a job offer because he saw potential for
development and an opportunity to contribute to the city’s
growth – as well as a great place to relax.
Through APA, Aladina has involved himself in community and
iwi projects that have become flagship features on the firm’s
website, www.apaarchitect.co.nz.
“Here I can talk to anyone – the
Mayor, the local MP – and the
district is open to involvement in
community matters, as well as
having the lifestyle.
“My wife has a shop in the CBD.
The kids are all in good schools –
that’s a major element for us. We
are very happy with our lifestyle in Rotorua.”
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KEEPING RESIDENTS SAFE
Every year Rotorua’s District Council conducts a survey to
find out how safe people feel. In 2011 just over 85% said
Rotorua is definitely or mostly a safe place to live. More than
90% of respondents said they felt safe at home and in their
neighbourhood during the day, and 88% felt safe or very safe
in their homes at night.
Policing plays an important role in perceptions and the reality of safety.
Proactive policing has seen significant reductions in most
categories of crime, according to the latest statistics for the district.
Particularly significant have been falling rates of violent crime.
police foot patrols, a 27-camera CCTV system, mostly in the CBD but also
covering favourite tourist spots such as the lakefront and Government
Gardens, plus a mobile unit and fixed cameras at the Redwoods forest
parking area (popular with local and visiting walkers) and Okere Falls
parking area.
In addition Rotorua has introduced its City Safe Guardians
Project, using five fulltime guardians in the CBD and nearby reserves as
extra eyes and ears for the Police, businesses and the Council.
New Zealand Police and the District Council have combined to develop a
range of measures to keep Rotorua’s citizens safe.
The City Safe Guardians report potential or actual behaviour problems to
the Police, work with businesses to report crime, report and ensure that
vandalism and graffiti can be dealt with promptly and answer questions
from locals and visitors, with maps and brochures to distribute.
Recent developments include the formation of a Neighbourhood Policing
Unit to work with residents in areas experiencing particular problems. The
initiative aims to prevent crime rather than react to events.
Their aim is not only to reduce problems, but to continue improving
perceptions of safety, ensuring that locals and visitors feel the Rotorua CBD
is a safe place to visit and shop.
Citizen-based Neighbourhood Support, working with police,
has 585 active groups in the district, with representation in every
suburb. Its success can be measured by its achievement in winning the
overall award in the 2011 Rotorua TrustPower Community Awards.
Media reports can sometimes link Rotorua with major criminal trials, but this
is affected by the fact that the city is home to the High Court jurisdiction
that deals with serious charges arising throughout the entire Bay of Plenty
and some nearby areas.
Safety and security in the central business district is tackled through visible
85%
is a
say
Rotorua
safe place
30
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CONTACT US
If you would like more information about
living or working in Rotorua, contact:
Settlement Support Rotorua:
A: 1061 Haupapa St, Private Bag 3029,
Rotorua Mail Centre, Rotorua, 3010, NZ
P: +64 7 351 7054
E: [email protected]
W: rotoruaNZ.com
Rotorua District Council:
A: 1061 Haupapa St, Private Bag 3029,
Rotorua Mail Centre, Rotorua 3010, NZ
P: +64 7 348 4199
E: [email protected]
W: rotoruaNZ.com
Rotorua Chamber of Commerce:
A: 1209 Hinemaru St, PO Box 385,
Rotorua, NZ
P: +64 7 349 8365
E: [email protected]
W: rotoruachamber.co.nz
CYCLING TRAIL
TO NGONGOTAHA
AQUATIC
CENTRE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
KUIRAU PARK
TOILETS
TOILETS
ROTORUA
PUBLIC
HOSPITAL
OHINEMUTU
AMOHIA STREET
TUTANEKAI STREET
SHOPPING
TOILETS
NZ POST
OFFICE
LIBRARY
T
DINING
FR
ON
BOUTIQUE
TOILETS
AREA
KE
TOILETS
TOILETS
LA
LARGE
RETAIL
ARAWA STREET
This document was largely prepared by
Zeal Communication, with information contributed
by Roger Gordon, Rotorua Chamber of Commerce;
Sue Wilkie, Lakes District Health Board;
Brent Crowe, NZ Police; Kathy Hawker;
Damien Radesic, Wayne Werder, Sport Bay of Plenty;
Phil Hereford, Professionals Real Estate; Mel Short;
Russell Dale, Future Forests Research; Kiri Jarden,
Nick Dallimore, Rotorua District Council;
Darryl Pierce; Don Atkinson; Margriet Theron;
Kay Clark; Kellie Hamlett and Julia Charity.
LAKE ROTORUA
TOILETS
Testimonials & Success Stories
Murray Fleming, Event Promotions; Prabha Ravi,
Waiariki Institute of Technology; Alastair Johnson,
Swim Rotorua; Claire Barratt-Wood; Mike Firth;
Aladina Harunani, APA Architects; Brent Park,
Volcanic Hills Winery; Alastair Gatt,
East Brewster Lawyers.
POLICE
SUPERMARKETS
ROTORUA
ROTORUA DISTRICT
DISTRICTCOUNCIL
COUNCIL
TE ARA AHI
Go Thermal by Bike
NZ National Cycle Trail
GOVERNMENT
GARDENS
www.rotoruaNZ.com
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N
Graphs, Images and Other Information
Destination Rotorua Marketing; Huang Wei;
Pig & Whistle; Red Stag Timber.
MUSEUM
CYCLING TRAIL
TO REDWOODS
31
ROTORUA
CHAMBER
ROTORUA
CONVENTION
CENTRE
ROTORUA ENERGY
EVENTS CENTRE
AFT
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ON
Our
spirit of opportunity
www.rotoruaNZ.com
PUBLISHED: AUGUST 2013
33