August 18, 2022
Positive signs in Rotorua despite homeless challenge
The head of New Zealand Māori Tourism is taking a positive approach to the historic heart of Māori tourism, Rotorua.
A pre-election report for Rotorua Lakes Council has identified problems reopening the sulphur city to tourists, including the use of a lot of its motel rooms as emergency housing for the homeless and an increase in street crime.
Dale Stephens says those are major, but a recent survey found half of the firms in the area are ready to invest in their businesses and hire more staff.
“They’ve got I guess the twin battle thereof unemployment, emergency housing, poor publicity around certain tourism items in the city. So there’s a whole lot of things that need to be tidied up, and with council elections coming up there’s a chance for a new direction setting, a new mayor and councillors. The mood looking forward is very positive,” he says.
Mr Stephens says mountain bikers are flocking to the city now the borders are open, and Rotorua has also been selected to host the next year’s National Rugby League All-Stars men and women’s doubleheader.