Rotorua wins hosting rights for 2015 local government conference

Rotorua will be the focus of local government in July next year when mayors, councillors and CEOs from 78 local authorities descend on the city for the 2015 Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference.

Rotorua’s successful bid was announced by LGNZ president Lawrence Yule yesterday (20 July) at the opening of this year’s conference in Nelson.

Mr Yule said he was delighted that the organisation’s annual get-together was returning to Rotorua. He said the city had a very good record of successfully staging major conferences and boasted excellent meeting and exhibition venues, a wide range of accommodation and other relevant visitor infrastructure.

“The LGNZ conference is highly anticipated by the sector as informative and engaging for learning and networking. The conference is attended by mayors, chairs, chief executives, councillors and senior management from New Zealand's councils are expected to attend alongside key stakeholders from the private sector, government and non-government agencies,” Mr Yule says.

“Rotorua is also is known for its long history of welcoming and hosting visitors; so I know our delegates can look forward to a warm reception next year.”

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick said the announcement about Rotorua’s successful bid would be welcomed by Rotorua people and she was confident all delegates would experience the city’s long established tradition of friendly visitor hospitality – or ‘manaakitanga’ as it was known locally.

Mrs Chadwick said it would be an opportunity to showcase the city and the array of projects that have been put in place to advance the district as part of the council’s and community’s shared Rotorua 2030 vision.

“The annual LGNZ conference represents a critical coming together of councils from across the country, along with stakeholders from central government and industry. It’s a time when local authority mayors, regional council chairs, councillors and CEOs roll up their collective sleeves to address issues of common concern, identify shared solutions, and share their successes.

“Our council is a strong supporter of LGNZ, particularly because it provides a strong and unified voice for our sector, and is a key interface for advocacy and communication with central government. By helping to strengthen the local government sector LGNZ contributes to the economic success and vibrancy of New Zealand and its communities.

“News that we will be hosting the LGNZ conference in 2015 is particularly sweet, given it comes close on the heels of the recent announcement that we’ve also won the rights to host TRENZ in 2015, the country’s major international tourism event.”

Local Government New Zealand represents the country’s 78 local, regional and unitary authorities. It is involved in advocacy for local democracy, developing local government policy, and promoting best practice and excellence in leadership, governance and service delivery.

The 2015 annual LGNZ conference will be held at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre from 19 – 21 July with over 500 delegates expected to attend.

ENDS

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