The Rotorua Business Chamber has been serving the Rotorua community for 116 years, acting as a unified voice for local businesses. We connect, lead, and collaborate with various organisations and agencies to create a thriving business environment in Rotorua.
Established in 1908, the Rotorua Business Chamber acts as a collective voice for businesses working in the following key areas:
Advocacy
Rotorua’s Future Development Strategy, Bay of Plenty proposed changes to industrial Stormwater runoff bylaws and Rotorua’s Long-Term Plan and Vision are just some of the significant challenges we have been working on, behind the scenes.
To effect positive change, the Chamber advocates on issues impacting the business environment in Rotorua, reflecting the issues our members are concerned about. We have been active in many areas, always seeking to put solutions and facts before the decision makers, rather than opinion.
Networking
Whether your business is a startup or well-established, networking is an essential and cost-effective strategy for expanding your connections. The Chamber organises over 50 events each year, offering diverse networking opportunities like Business After 5, Business Connection Breakfast, and Women in Business.
Women in Business
We’re excited to share the success of our first Women in Business luncheon with our new sponsor and keynote speaker, Ashleigh Nairn. As the owner of BurgerFuel Fairy Springs and the 2023 Employer of the Year, Ashleigh’s leadership shone through. The event was inspiring and set a high bar for future gatherings.
Business Awards
Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards, the premiere event of its kind in New Zealand.
For over 20 years, these esteemed awards have celebrated excellence, innovation, and creativity within the local business community, becoming a highlight of Rotorua’s calendar. The awards not only recognise outstanding organisations but also provide opportunities for benchmarking and expert advice, aiding businesses in their ongoing growth and success.
Last year’s successful event was held on Saturday November 4th, 2023, attracting a record setting number of entries (111) and finalists (62). With almost 800 attendees, we enjoyed a celebration of Rotorua business excellence, in a manner that only Rotorua seems to be capable of.
Business Support
Sam Hulton, manager of Mountain Jade, the largest green stone manufacturer and retailer in New Zealand says his experience with the Regional Business Partner Network at the Rotorua Business Chamber has been helpful and beneficial and recently shared this insight:
“Coming out of covid, we had some challenges around staffing, specifically resources to invest in the staff that we have.
“Thanks to the funding from the Regional Business Partners back in late 2022, we were able to send three of our managers to the Dale Carnegie Step up to Leadership course.
“I’ve long believed that investing in your people always pays off exponentially and this funding really helped us get our people into expert training.
“We saw some immediate performance outcomes from those individuals, and this actually accommodated us for winning the Supreme Overall Category of the Rotorua Business Awards in 2023.
I’ve long believed that investing in your people always pays off exponentially and this funding really helped us get our people into expert training,” – Sam Hulton, Mountain Jade
“This support was so helpful, it’s such a challenging time. And I know that any business would benefit from working with the Regional Business Partner Network.”
Membership
The Rotorua Business Chamber membership continues to expand, with 90 percent of local businesses benefiting from our comprehensive support, advocacy, and initiatives. In 2023 we launched our new membership app, providing members with seamless access to all our services and resources at their fingertips.
Jane Jennings, Membership Manager | Phone 07 346 3657
Email membership@rotoruachamber.co.nz | www.rotoruachamber.co.nz
