Council and business leaders commit to collaboration

Rotorua business leaders from across a diverse range of sectors have agreed to a collaborative approach for driving Rotorua’s future economic growth.

The 70 local business people were attending the 2015 Rotorua Business Leaders’ Forum at the invitation of Rotorua Lakes Council, at the Energy Events Centre (Tuesday 14 April).

Participants were welcomed to the forum by council Strategy Manager Aimee McGregor who chaired proceedings on behalf of the council and its businesses units.

Following a series of presentations and roundtable discussions strong consensus emerged for the business community to work collaboratively to achieve Rotorua’s economic aspirations.

Delegates tasked Rotorua Lakes Council with pulling together a team of business leaders to form an economic growth steering group to engage with the wider community on ways to unleash Rotorua’s economic potential.

The make-up of the steering group would mean economic direction was community-driven, with support from the council. The group would investigate development of an economic growth strategy to support the district’s Rotorua 2030 vision.

As forum host and the council’s Economic Growth Portfolio lead, deputy mayor Dave Donaldson addressed delegates on the challenges that had been identified after the last council elections. He spoke of the new direction the council had since embarked on in partnership with the community through the Rotorua 2030 vision and goals, and of restructuring the council’s operational and political arms to align with the new shared vision.

Mr Donaldson said a new era of partnerships and collaboration was underpinning a raft of projects already underway and these were helping to take Rotorua forward.

Other presentations were made by council Consents Solutions Manager Paul Spurdle about Rotorua’s Proposed District Plan, Tahi associate director Tamarapa Lloyd on the Maori economy and Andrew Coker from Tauranga’s economic development agency Priority One.

Delegates also heard updates on business activities and economic performance from CEOs of council business unit Destination Rotorua, and CCOs Grow Rotorua and Rotorua Airport.

A series of roundtable workshops provided delegates with the opportunity to share business experience and ideas for contributing to the district’s economic progress.

Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson said the forum had been well-received by attendees.

“There was a very encouraging sense of togetherness at the forum; a common feeling that through collaboration, and pooling of resources and experience, we can make a real difference for Rotorua.

“I was particularly delighted to see recognition of the increasingly important Maori economy and a view that Maori business leaders needed to be part of our future direction.

“My view is that Rotorua is poised for some great things. The time is right to proceed together down a path that can bring us increased prosperity, and this week’s gathering has been a big step forward along that path.

“The council listened carefully to what we heard at the forum. We’re fully committed to action that brings together and harnesses the exceptional talent we have in our district so it can be channelled towards a better future for the whole of Rotorua.”

The forum was closed by Mayor Steve Chadwick who said Rotorua lakes Council was an organisation that reached a new level of maturity over the last 12 months.

“It was music to my ears to hear delegates ask the council to help form a community-led economic growth strategy group. We’re committed to achieving that partnership and to staging another business forum in the future.

“In Rotorua we’re starting to live the dream,” Mrs Chadwick said.

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