Local business leaders are calling for greater collaboration, in partnership with key stakeholders and central government, in order to continue building Rotorua’s reputation as a business hub. Despite this call for more, the latest biannual Rotorua Business Pulse Survey reveals a return of optimism.
More than 40 per cent of respondents in the Rotorua Business Pulse Survey noted a continued recovery of international tourism, while 42% said they feel more positive about Rotorua’s tourism and events sector for the year ahead.
These findings highlight a business community that is resilient, forward-focused and ready to embrace change, RotoruaNZ chief executive, Andrew Wilson, says.
“Sentiment has lifted over the past 12 months, both for business and for leaders’ outlooks across the country. These are significant results for Rotorua, confirming that things are on the right track locally.”
Some hard mahi appears to be paying off, he explains.
“A great deal of work has been done over the past three years, and we are seeing the positive impact of that collective effort. There are obviously still some challenges, but it’s encouraging to see growing optimism, strong confidence in business strategy, and an appetite for innovation. These results reflect a city that’s finding its feet again and building momentum.”
Undertaken twice-yearly by RotoruaNZ and the Rotorua Business Chamber, the Pulse Survey (effectively) aims to provide a health check for the local business sector.
Rotorua Business Chamber CEO, Melanie Short, says she is encouraged by the latest results and supports the need for a collaborative approach to sustainable growth.
“One in five respondents highlighted the strength of Rotorua’s collaborative business community, reinforcing what we all know to be true about our city, that it’s a great place to live, work and play,” she says.
“These business sentiments are important as we head into local government elections this year. Together, we can build on everything that already works for us, and create an innovative, exciting future for everyone in our community and for future generations.”
Positive progress has been made, Rotorua mayor, Tania Tapsell, confirms.
“I’m excited to have $9.9 million of funding committed to improve our inner city over the next few years, as well as finishing and reopening the Rotorua Museum.
“It’s competitive out there so we’ve really gone above and beyond to get exposure and promotion to key domestic and international visitors. I teamed up with RotoruaNZ and local tourism businesses to promote Rotorua as a top destination to visit – it’s so great to see positive results coming through from this work already.”
While she says more improvements are needed, local businesses have come a long way.
“Rotorua has an exciting future ahead of us, investing in what matters to our community and encouraging private investment to really lift our district.
“Thank you to all our local businesses who have taken part in this survey. It helps us to focus on what’s important and fix what is not working to ensure we’re delivering a better Rotorua for all.”
Key findings:
- Sentiment over the past 12 months has lifted, with net confidence scores for Rotorua increasing from -29% to -11%, and for the whole of Aotearoa New Zealand rising from -42% to -28%
- Positive sentiment sits at +41% for respondents’ own businesses, alongside increased confidence in profitability, supported by stronger views on pricing and affordability
- Respondents were most confident in their own business strategy (28%) and organisational culture (25%)
Visit www.rotoruanz.com for more findings from the latest survey.
