Heart of the City NEWSRotorua, NZ’s coolest hot spot

rotoruanz.com

May/June 2015 - Issue 13

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Insert - What’s on calendar

Kia ora Welcome to the 13th edition of Heart of the City NEWS.

Rotorua’s tourism industry is all set to host hundreds of tourism and hospitality delegates from New Zealand and around the world as TRENZ rolls into town.

We are very lucky to be hosting TRENZ (Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand) in Rotorua May 17 - 20.

It is the largest international trade event for New Zealand’s tourism industry and more than 1000 people are expected to converge on Rotorua for the annual expo and trade show.

As well as a place for tourism operators and buyers to meet and do business, delegates will be exploring Rotorua and checking out what we have on offer here.

It is a chance for us to showcase our inner city and our superb businesses.

The majority of events will be happening in Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre but there will be several functions at various other locations around the region.

Debbie Guptill, TRENZ Rotorua coordinator

Rotorua gearing up for TRENZ

Exhibition breathing new life into Galleria space

Innovative concept for shared inner city facility

Empty Shops project underway

New tag-free wall painted in inner city

Wedding Industry Awards 2015

‘Hitched’ returns Queen’s Birthday Weekend

Inspiring futures at this year’s Rotorua Careers Expo

New Business

Matariki Whanau Night

Footpath trading

Beauty and the Beast at Civic Theatre

New bus stops for Rotorua inner city

Contributions:Rotorua TRENZ, The Wedding Guy Company, Rotorua Careers Expo, The Barber, MATOU Cuisine, Ponsonby Rd, Rotorua Museum, Rotorua Lakes Council, John Paul College.

Green Corridor moves towards City FocusWorks are now underway on the next inner city section of Rotorua’s Green Corridor pathway.

The latest section of the Green Corridor is being built along the southern side of the Hinemoa Street block between Fenton Street and City Focus.

It follows work along the Hinemaru to Fenton block of Hinemoa Street, which has been largely completed over recent days.

Construction of the Green Corridor’s latest inner city section involves removal of parking spaces along the southern side of Hinemoa Street to be replaced by the Green Corridor pathway running alongside the footpath. It will leave two lanes of car parking in that section of the street, rather than the current three.

The changes are expected to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety, reduce current congestion and increase vehicle manoeuvrability. The current layout of Hinemoa Street has often been singled out for criticism because of the difficulty it presents in manoeuvring vehicles, especially with the increasing number of larger SUV vehicles on city streets.

Heart of the City NEWS - November 2013 General updates 2rotoruanz.com

Heart of the City NEWS - May/June 2015

Exhibition breathing new life into Galleria spaceA new art exhibition in the revamped Civic Centre Galleria is titled ‘Large vs Small’ and aims to contrast the large scale with the delicate. It features works of five local artists, Debbie Thyn, Martyn Evans, Kristina Joyce, Bridget Thornton and Sarah Zeissen.

The art show comes hot on the success of the inaugural exhibition in the council Galleria. The venue was specially revamped to allow the showcasing of works by local artists.

The ‘Large vs Small’ exhibition runs until 17 July, with some of the works available for purchase.

Rotorua is gearing up to host hundreds of high profile and influential tourism industry operators and buyers at the country’s biggest tourism trade event.

Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand, more commonly known as TRENZ, is being held in Rotorua from May 17 to 20.

TRENZ is the largest annual international trade event on the New Zealand tourism industry calendar and helps grow the country’s tourism industry, which is worth more than $9.5 billion annually. It has been held annually since the early 1960s and in its current format since 1994.

Rotorua will host more than 1,000 people for this important event, including 700 exhibitors, more than 300 international buyers and about 45 influential media delegates.

High profile delegates at TRENZ this year include chief executives of some of the country’s biggest tourism businesses, including Air New Zealand.

A lot of hard work has gone into this event to make sure it is a success.

As several high profile and influential people will be in Rotorua for this event, we have the opportunity to showcase our fantastic city and everything we have on offer, including our cafes,

Rotorua gearing up for TRENZ

restaurants, superb retail stores and our wonderful people.

All attending delegates will have free time throughout the conference and exploring the central city would be high on their agenda.

Inner city businesses should use the opportunity to make the delegates feel welcome and showcase what they have on offer.

The trade show is four days of focused business-to-business activity, where tourism operators and buyers negotiate business agreements for

forthcoming seasons, ensuring New Zealand’s vibrant tourism industry continues to grow.

TRENZ features a substantial international and domestic media programme, promoting New Zealand as a visitor destination, and the economic importance of the country’s tourism industry.

For more information about TRENZ please feel free to contact me on Debbie@rotoruaNZ.com.

Debbie Guptill, Rotorua TRENZ Coordinator.

Heart of the City NEWS - November 2013 Heart of the City NEWS - November 2013 General updates 3rotoruanz.com

Heart of the City NEWS - May/June 2015

A vibrant new hub incorporating a child health centre and future-focused library services is being proposed for Rotorua’s inner city.

The proposed project is a partnership between the Lakes District Health Board and Rotorua Lakes Council. The vision is to develop facilities that meet the needs of children, families and the wider community through co-located services in a shared environment, incorporating children’s play areas and a public plaza.

It is proposed that the children’s centre and library be co-located within Rotorua’s existing district library building on Haupapa Street, with the building retrofitted to meet the needs of both services. The building is in need of updating, repairs and earthquake-proofing and initial concept design work is expected to be done in the coming months.

Plans for a one-stop Rotorua child health centre, separate from hospital services and incorporating paediatrics, child development, public health, child protection, mental health, oral health and parenting services, were announced last August.

A review of library services to establish a strategic plan for future services that meet the needs of modern library users.

In recent months Lakes District Health Board and Rotorua Lakes Council have joined forces to explore the potential for a shared facility in the inner city with Lakes DHB Board members and councillors on the Rotorua Lakes Council approving the concept.

The concept aligns with the district’s shared Rotorua 2030 vision, and with the need to collaborate and form innovative partnerships to meet the needs of the community.

You can have your say about the proposed project during consultation for the Rotorua Lakes Council’s Long-term Plan and more information about the concept is available on the council website, rotorualakescouncil.nz.

New tag-free wall painted in inner cityA new tag-free wall has been painted in Eruera Street with the help of local Girls Brigade members, and coordinated by Keep Rotorua Beautiful.

‘Re-vibe Rotorua’ is an initiative promoting the concept of ‘pop-ups’ - short-term use of vacant inner city premises and other spaces - for creative and community uses.

A working group of eight members of the public has been formed following an Empty Shops meeting with more than 30 people attending.

At the close of the meeting, a resolution was made to approach landlords, and to present the creative sector as organised and professional, especially when communicating the concept to potential partners.

Working committee member, Tawhanga Nopera, is writing up two case studies for the Maori Pop-up shop and Art Space, which have both had successful runs in the Rotorua inner city in recent months. Learnings from both experiences will be captured and shared with others who are considering their own pop-up shop.

Alongside the case studies, two further projects are being developed as test cases. The plan is to present these ideas and the working model to landlords and property managers over the coming weeks. If this approach is successful, then we hope to see at least one trial up and running in the near future. Email tania.short@rdc.govt.nz for more info.

Empty Shops project underway

Innovative concept for shared inner city facility

4Heart of the City NEWS - November 2013 rotoruanz.com

Heart of the City NEWS - May/June 2015 Public events

Rotorua’s award-winning wedding show, ‘Hitched’ returns to Rotorua during Queen’s Birthday Weekend.

The city’s most loved annual wedding expo is being held at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, and will boast over 90 exhibitors from Rotorua, Central Plateau, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato.

Since its inception in 2011, ‘Hitched’ has gone from strength-to-strength, with around 1,100 visitors each year, making it one of the Bay of Plenty’s largest wedding expos.

‘Hitched’ directors, Peter and Valeta Duncan, expect the event to be even bigger and better than previous years as the show celebrates its fifth birthday.

“We’ve secured the best wedding experts from the Bay of Plenty and further afield. They see ‘Hitched’ as their opportunity to capitalise on a rapidly growing and lucrative niche industry,” says Peter.

Wedding Industry Awards 2015Rotorua will host the second annual Wedding Industry Awards NZ [WIANZ] at Novotel Lakeside Hotel this month.

Wedding businesses from Rotorua, Central Plateau, Bay of Plenty and Waikato will be among those celebrated at the prestigious event.

“The purpose behind the wedding industry awards is to celebrate the work of very talented individuals and businesses, many of whom would never receive accolades outside of a forum like the industry awards,” says WIANZ executive director, Peter Duncan.

Last year’s inaugural event saw 15 businesses, large and small, taking home awards including Rotorua’s Cake Artist Sugar Tiers, LK Rotorua, BloomArt, Absolute DJs, Xquizit Limousines & Tours, Pollards Menswear, and luxury lodge Peppers on the Point.

Two new categories will be introduced this year – ‘Outstanding Videographer/Cinematographer’ and ‘People’s Choice’ award.

The popular ‘Love & Longevity’ award also returns this year.

Peter says the award is very special as it acknowledges a nominated couple who have achieved a significant milestone, having been married 50+ years.

“Last year’s winners, Rotorua couple John and Maisey Bond were blown away at winning, and at having their family present alongside them on the night of the presentation,” he said.

Peter says the wedding industry awards’ organisers are expecting over 200 people to attend the red carpet event on 29 May, and he hoped its success will ensure it become a nationally recognised event in the New Zealand wedding scene.

The gala event is open to the public with tickets to the awards available online at www.weddingindustryawards.co.nz

Brides-to-be will have the opportunity to meet and chat with wedding professionals from every aspect of the wedding planning process, including sought after venues, award-winning photographers, florists, couture wedding gown designers, and much more.

A bridal runway is scheduled for 1pm, showcasing a gorgeous selection of gowns from bridal houses, including Rotorua’s Fab Frocks and Tauranga’s Vanilla Bridal.

There are also giveaways and prizes at exhibitor stands, and every visitor entering the show will have a chance to win a $26,500 Belle prize package, including a new Suzuki Celerio GLX Auto valued at $18,000.

The ‘Hitched’ Wedding Show at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre is on Sunday 31 May from 10am to 3pm.

For more info go to www.facebook.com/HitchedWeddingShow orwww.hitched.nz

‘Hitched’ returns Queen’s Birthday Weekend

5rotoruanz.com

Heart of the City NEWS - May/June 2015 Public events

Inspiring futures at this year’s Rotorua Careers Expo The period of transition from school to the world of work can be an overwhelming time for our youth, while they explore what career is right for them, what employment opportunities are available in Rotorua, and whether they should continue further study? As Rotorua Careers Expo trustees, we aim to answer these questions by bringing the right people and organisations together in one place.

The Rotorua Careers Expo is an important event in the city’s calendar. It provides the only opportunity for those planning their future pathways, or contemplating a new career pathway, to have face-to-face conversations with education and training providers from across the country, including every university. It is also the best way for parents and caregivers to discuss their children’s options with providers they are likely to leave home and be studying with.

Alongside the educators and trainers, we have a number of Rotorua’s biggest employers ready to discuss training and employment options they can offer, and what they want and look for in an employee.

The Rotorua Business Hub, made possible by the Rotorua Lakes Council, also encourages those leaving town for further education, to return to Rotorua to work when they are qualified - a win-win for all parties.

Seminars for students and parents about CV design, career advice, dressing for success, careers for international science graduates living in Rotorua, successful job interviews, becoming an engineer, dairy farming success and more will also be presented over the two days. Search ‘Rotorua Careers Expo’ on Facebook for seminar times.

The expo is a one-stop shop for any employment, education or training enquiry Rotorua people may have.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Lynn Gillespie

Programme Manager, Career NetWork and Rotorua Careers Expo Trustee

Careers ExpoRotorua

2015

‘Keeping local talent here’

Energy Events CentreQueens Drive, Rotorua

Wednesday 13 May9:00am - 2:30pm

Tuesday 12 May10:00am - 6:30pm

RotoruaCareersExpo

FREE2 day expo

The Rotorua Business Hub is all about inspiring local talent to pursue employment opportunities in our district:

> ASB> Gold’s Gym> OGO> Polynesian Spa> Rotorua Chamber of Commerce> Rotorua District Health Board and Dental Clinic> Rotorua Hotels Collective> Rotorua Lakes Council> Scion> Skyline Rotorua> Westpac> Work & Income

Out and About - Anzac commemorations

New businessesThe inner city welcomes the following new businesses

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The BarberHinemoa Street

Matou Chinese CuisineHinemoa Street

Ponsonby RoadEat Streat

Inner city success 6rotoruanz.com

Heart of the City NEWS - May/June 2015

Map Key:P120 ZONE. Free parking, maximum two hours*.

MIXED PARKING. Longer term paid and free parking*.

TI ST

AMOHAU ST

RAN

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HIN

EMAR

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TE NGAE RD

HAUPAPA ST

PUKAKI ST

EAT S

TREA

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RAN

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MALFROY RD

GREY ST

CARNOT ST

SEDDON ST

ROTORUA CENTRAL MALL

WHAKAUE ST

AMOH

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NEK

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PUKUATUA ST

HINEMOA ST

ERUERA ST

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* All areas still include Disabled, P15 and Loading Zone spaces.

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It’s cool having a business in town. The inner city needs a resurgence of shops - I could’ve gone in the mall but this is the heart of Rotorua.Ants Haines, owner The Barber.

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We want to run a traditional Chinese restaurant with modern management, providing authentic delicious cuisine at affordable prices. No deep frying - just healthy food. Recently, we have started offering hotpot dishes, and expect other Asian culinary concepts like sushi before long.

Ting Wang, Manager, MATOU Chinese Cuisine

If Rotorua’s many shops are the heart of the city, then Eat Streat is well and truly the stomach, and Ponsonby Rd is proud to be a part of it!

Tamati Coffey, Owner, Ponsonby Rd

Out and About - Anzac commemorations

7Did you know? rotoruanz.comHeart of the City NEWS - May/June 2015

Matariki Whanau NightMatariki is a star cluster which reappears in the Southern skies during the cold months of winter, signalling the beginning of the Māori New Year. About 500 stars make up the cluster but only seven can be seen clearly by the naked eye here in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Traditionally Matariki was celebrated by gathering with whanau (family) and reflecting on the past. The festival’s connection to the stars provided an opportunity for families to remember their whakapapa (genealogy) and those ancestors who had passed away.

Bring the family to enjoy Rotorua Museum’s fun Matariki celebrations on Saturday 20 June, from 5pm.

View the stars in the Cosmodome – Rotorua Museum’s cool, inflatable planetarium.

There will be something to keep the whole family entertained, including storytelling, arts and crafts, face painting, and more.

The Museum Café will be open for refreshments throughout the evening.

For further information, contact Kathy Nicholls by phone on07 351 8456 or emailkathy.nicholls@rdc.govt.nz

Footpath TradingThe use of our footpaths provide vibrancy and variation in our city, however, this space must be managed to ensure pedestrian access and safety. From 1 July the footpath trading policy will be enforced. This policy outlines the sustainable use and management of the footpath trading areas. It provides the requirements for obtaining a permit and sets out conditions that apply for using a footpath for outdoor dining, trading goods and displaying signs. In the next month, if you are using the footpath to trade, someone will come and visit you and discuss how it can work for you. For more information email brigitte.nelson@rdc.govt.nz

This year’s 51st Lion Foundation Rotorua Marathon on 2 May again brought an influx of visitors to the city. The kids Mini Marathon on the Friday was another popular part of the marathon weekend.

Out and About - Kids’ Mini Marathon

Thought for the month

“Excellent firms don’t believe in excellence... only in constant improvement and constant change.”Tom Peters

Based on the Academy Award winning animated feature, John Paul College's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast includes spectacular costumes and all the original songs, plus some new numbers. Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's modern classic.

Beauty and the Beast is on at the Civic Theatre on 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15 and 16 May. Book at Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts’ Ticketmaster outlet or call 0800 111 999.

Brigitte NelsonRotorua Night Market P: 07 351 7057E: brigitte.nelson@rdc.govt.nz

Cr Karen HuntRotorua Lakes CouncilP: 07 348 4199E: karen.hunt@rdc.govt.nz

Harm ZuidmeerRotorua Cycle Action Group E: rotoruacycleaction@gmail.com

Did you know? rotoruanz.com

Mike SteinerInner City Focus GroupE: mike@steiners.co.nz

Peter RiordanRotorua PoliceE: peter.riordan@police.govt.nz

Denton GrimesRotorua PoliceE: denton.grimes@police.govt.nz

Heinz FettRaising the Bar GroupE: heinzf@abcbusiness.co.nz

Richard HornInner City SupervisorP: 07 348 4199E: richard.horn@rdc.govt.nz

Key contacts for Heart of the City:

Heart of the City NEWS - March/April 2015

Send contributions to Megan

Do you have any news, snippets, photos, events that you’d like included in Heart of the City News? Send your

contributions to Rotorua Lakes Council public

relations advisor,

Megan Lacey, on

megan.lacey@rdc.govt.nz or contact Megan on

07 351 8113.

New bus stop locations across Rotorua’s inner city area will come into effect with the start of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s new City Ride circular inner city bus route, which starts on 29 June 2015.

New bus stops will be established at:

• Arawa Street – southern side outside Jean Batten Square;

• Amohia Street – eastern side between Haupapa Street and Pukuatua Street;

• Fenton Street – western side outside Cobb & Co restaurant;

• Rotorua Central mall between Smith City and Noel Leeming.

The new bus stops will mean removal of the existing Pukuatua Street bus stop site which will be changed to provide car parking spaces. All stops within the city will be transfer opportunities for all routes. A user could get off at Arawa Street and walk to the city, and get on their bus and return home from Rotorua Central.

The bus stop changes are expected to reduce some of the problems which occur from time-to-time on Pukuatua Street where large numbers of people often gather at what is currently the prime inner city bus hub.

The four new bus stops will increase bus user convenience and provide easier access to various parts of the city.

New bus stops for Rotorua inner city