Latest news with #MelanieShort
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Rotorua Business Sentiment Lifts But Greater Collaboration Needed
Rotorua business leaders are calling for greater collaboration across business, key stakeholders, and local and central government to continue rebuilding Rotorua's reputation and reimagine the inner city. The comments are a common theme in the latest Rotorua Business Pulse Survey, which also reflects a greater level of confidence across several key indicators. Undertaken twice-yearly by RotoruaNZ and the Rotorua Business Chamber, the seventh Pulse Survey was released today. The survey was completed by 96 local business owners, CEOs and GMs in April 2025. A list of key highlights is provided below. RotoruaNZ chief executive Andrew Wilson says the findings highlight a business community that is resilient, forward-looking, and ready to embrace change. 'Sentiment has lifted over the past 12 months, both for business in Rotorua, and for leaders' outlooks across the country. More than 40% of respondents noted the continued recovery of international tourism, while 42% said they feel more positive about Rotorua's tourism and events sector for the year ahead. 'These are significant results for Rotorua, confirming that things are on the right track locally. '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.' Rotorua Business Chamber CEO, Melanie Short, says she is encouraged by the latest survey's results, and supports the need for a collaborative approach to sustainable growth for Rotorua, its key sectors, and local businesses. 'One in five respondents highlighted the strength of Rotorua's collaborative business community – reinforcing what we all know to be true about our city. It's a great place to live, work and play. '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.' Rotorua Airport chief executive Nicole Brewer says air connectivity remains a critical enabler for business growth and collaboration will be essential to improving the status quo. 'Air connectivity continues to be a clear theme in the Business Pulse survey, and we know how vital reliable services are to Rotorua's business community. Direct feedback from businesses helps us advocate more effectively with Air New Zealand, and strong local support plays a key role in sustaining and growing our services. We're committed to working in partnership with our business community to help shape a more connected future for the region.' Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell says, 'It's really encouraging to see positive progress in areas our Council has been working hard to improve, such as our visitor economy and attracting great events. 'It's competitive out there so we've really gone above and beyond to get exposure and promotion to key domestic and international visitors. As Mayor 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.' 'We appreciate there are still some improvements needed. I recently met with the chief executive of Air New Zealand and he's committed to a further discussion regarding our local issues of flight cancellations and reliability. 'I'm excited to have $9.9 million of funding and action committed to improve our inner city over the next few years, as well as finishing and reopening the Rotorua Museum. 'Rotorua has an exciting future ahead of us, investing in what matters to our community and encouraging private investment as well 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,' says Mayor Tapsell. Additional key themes: 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%). Geopolitical volatility, driven by global trade tensions such as recent U.S. tariffs, was the highest-ranked concern. Fewer respondents expressed concern about central and local government regulation. Workplace stress remains an issue, with nearly one-third rating it at least 8 out of 10. Profitability pressures continue to weigh most heavily, though concerns about finding and retaining skilled staff have eased. For the first time, more than half of respondents reported using AI tools in their business – now the top-rated action under sustainability. There was strong support for transforming Rotorua's inner city into a vibrant mixed-use precinct, with many calling for boutique retail, pop-up vendors and entertainers, and safety improvements to respond to a changing retail environment. While most respondents agreed the inner city is clean and well-maintained, fewer saw it as attractive to new investment. Flight connectivity and capacity continues to be a concern, with flight cancellations, limited schedules, and high fares prompting some to travel by car or via other airports. Asked to describe Rotorua in one word, half of respondents chose positive terms like 'resurgent' or 'unique'. Tapsell says, 'We appreciate there are still some improvements needed. I recently met with the chief executive of Air New Zealand and he's committed to a further discussion regarding our local issues of flight cancellations and reliability. 'I'm excited to have $9.9 million of funding and action committed to improve our inner city over the next few years, as well as finishing and reopening the Rotorua Museum. 'Rotorua has an exciting future ahead of us, investing in what matters to our community and encouraging private investment as well 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.' These survey results come as wider confidence in Rotorua's future builds. Recent coverage in the Rotorua Daily Post highlights planned investment and steady tourism growth, while local leaders are calling for continued ambition and bold thinking to ensure Rotorua thrives as a vibrant, future-ready destination. The full Rotorua Business Pulse Report for April 2025 can be found here, and previous reports are available here. Business leaders can sign up to receive future surveys here.
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
1200 Delegates, 16,000 Meetings, $3m Spend: City ‘Buzzing' For TRENZ
Rotorua's tourism sector is 'buzzing' in the lead-up to hosting TRENZ next week – an event set to showcase the city to the world. New Zealand's largest international tourism business event will be held from Tuesday to Thursday, with about 1200 delegates heading to Rotorua and the Energy Events Centre. Delegates include travel buyers and tourism businesses representing accommodation, transport, adventure and activities, and cultural, natural and wellness experiences. The event will bring 340 buyers from 26 markets, including Australia, China, US, UK, Japan and India. Tourism Industry Aotearoa manages the event and chief executive Rebecca Ingram said as well as experiencing Rotorua's 'unique tourism offerings', delegates were expected to hold 16,000 business meetings over two-and-a-half days. 'The conversations had will result in tourism business for years to come.' She said the event brought economic benefits to the host region, with delegates spending more than $3 million during last year's TRENZ in Wellington. That spend was expected to be similar this year, including at local cafes, bars, hotels and restaurants. Last year's event saw 74% of sellers expecting to generate more than $50,000 in turnover from attending. Of these, 58% expected to generate more than $100,000. Rotorua Business Chamber chief executive Melanie Short said hosting TRENZ offered 'significant benefits' from a business perspective. It created long-term opportunities, including through international partnerships, media exposure and tourism business growth. 'We also benefit from over 1000 influential attendees enjoying everything we have to offer – and taking their experiences back to their own countries to influence and sell to future visitors." Three million visitors a year Rotorua last hosted TRENZ in 2019, RotoruaNZ said in a statement to Local Democracy Reporting. 'We're stoked it's come back around to where NZ tourism began.' The tourism and economic development agency, which recently inked a promotional deal with Air China, was pleased several Chinese agents were coming as that market was 'very important' and slow to return after Covid-19. Having attendees experience Rotorua attractions helped them plan itineraries and build tours for customers, extending the impact of the event. Tourism is one of Rotorua's largest earners with about three million visitors a year, and TRENZ directly helped grow the industry. Rotorua NZ chief executive Andrew Wilson said events like TRENZ were catalysts for growth and resilience. 'It's about lifting each other up and ensuring the world continues to see New Zealand – and Rotorua – as world-class destinations.' Wilson said his team worked with TIA for months to plan 'every little detail', including the pōhiri and welcoming ceremony, familiarisation trips for buyers, meals, transport and the expo at the Energy Events Centre. Tourism businesses ready to woo buyers Redwoods Treewalk co-founder Bruce Thomasen said hosting was a great opportunity. 'The city is so very lucky to have this event.' He said it was great timing for Rotorua and the region to showcase its offerings, with New Zealand and Australia seen as attractive destinations. His team was busy preparing for some 300 to 400 visitors coming through on familiarisation trips over the next few days. About 60% of its market was international. Globally, staff turnover in the sector had been high since the pandemic, he said, and so it was an opportunity to meet with new buyers and reconnect with familiar ones. He said it was a chance to get ahead of any incoming challenges by making bookings for 2026 and 2027. Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village general manager Tanya Robinson was excited to connect to buyers who sent manuhiri to the village and meet people looking for 'authentic experiences in our beautiful city and village'. It would promote new products and offerings, including a new tour and refreshed kai Māori experience, new menu and new wharekai. The event offered a chance to understand the international market and Rotorua hosting allowed more of her staff to attend and learn from the experience. The village expected a 'good boost' in numbers from the event at the tail end of the season, as well as making bookings for the next. Rydges Rotorua general manager Kent Breeze said the city and its variety of attractions and accommodation were in the spotlight – 'there really is something for everyone in Rotorua'. Breeze said there had been a good rebound of international markets since 2023. 'We are showcasing to the world that we are open and ready for business. 'Seeing Rotorua in person will certainly give the buyers more confidence to sell our city internationally, which in turn will increase business levels, providing great job security and even more growth opportunities for local businesses.' The hotel had a 'high number' of buyers staying and had arranged 'special locally themed gifts'. It will host two TRENZ events. Rotorua is home to more than 30 Māori operators, including Ngāti Whakaue's $65m Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. The venue will host the NZ Māori Tourism and Tourism New Zealand breakfast with buyers from the Asia market. General manager Debbie Robertson said it was a chance to celebrate Māori-led tourism success. The Māori Economy 2023 report released in March showed Māori tourism contributed $1.2 billion to GDP in 2023, up from $975m in 2018. 'Māori tourism is thriving because our offerings provide something deeply authentic,' Robertson said. 'Visitors aren't just seeing the culture - they're feeling it. It's a sense of place, purpose, and belonging that's unique to our country.' City spruced up for TRENZ Mayor Tania Tapsell said securing the event was a 'significant milestone' for the tourist town. The local tourism industry was 'buzzing'. 'This comes off the back of Rotorua successfully delivering other major events, which will continue to be a focus for our council.' She said she and the chief executive expected the city will 'be looking its best' while hosting the buyers and the inner city will be given an 'additional tidy-up to ensure we're putting our best foot forward'. 'Attracting events the size and calibre of TRENZ is so important to support the many locals in our tourism and hospitality industries, which are our biggest providers of jobs.' - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
NZ Herald
01-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
TRENZ 2025: Rotorua gears up for major international tourism event
Delegates include travel buyers and tourism businesses representing accommodation, transport, adventure and activities, and cultural, natural and wellness experiences. The event will bring 340 buyers from 26 markets, including Australia, China, US, UK, Japan and India. Tourism Industry Aotearoa manages the event and chief executive Rebecca Ingram said as well as experiencing Rotorua's 'unique tourism offerings', delegates were expected to hold 16,000 business meetings over two-and-a-half days. 'The conversations had will result in tourism business for years to come.' She said the event brought economic benefits to the host region, with delegates spending more than $3 million during last year's TRENZ in Wellington. That spend was expected to be similar this year, including at local cafes, bars, hotels and restaurants. Last year's event saw 74% of sellers expecting to generate more than $50,000 in turnover from attending. Of these, 58% expected to generate more than $100,000. Rotorua Business Chamber chief executive Melanie Short said hosting TRENZ offered 'significant benefits' from a business perspective. It created long-term opportunities, including through international partnerships, media exposure and tourism business growth. 'We also benefit from over 1000 influential attendees enjoying everything we have to offer – and taking their experiences back to their own countries to influence and sell to future visitors." Three million visitors a year Rotorua last hosted TRENZ in 2019, RotoruaNZ said in a statement to Local Democracy Reporting. 'We're stoked it's come back around to where NZ tourism began.' The tourism and economic development agency, which recently inked a promotional deal with Air China, was pleased several Chinese agents were coming as that market was 'very important' and slow to return after Covid-19. Having attendees experience Rotorua attractions helped them plan itineraries and build tours for customers, extending the impact of the event. Tourism is one of Rotorua's largest earners with about three million visitors a year, and TRENZ directly helped grow the industry. Rotorua NZ chief executive Andrew Wilson said events like TRENZ were catalysts for growth and resilience. 'It's about lifting each other up and ensuring the world continues to see New Zealand – and Rotorua – as world-class destinations.' Wilson said his team worked with TIA for months to plan 'every little detail', including the pōhiri and welcoming ceremony, familiarisation trips for buyers, meals, transport and the expo at the Energy Events Centre. Tourism businesses ready to woo buyers Redwoods Treewalk co-founder Bruce Thomasen said hosting was a great opportunity. 'The city is so very lucky to have this event.' He said it was great timing for Rotorua and the region to showcase its offerings, with New Zealand and Australia seen as attractive destinations. His team was busy preparing for some 300 to 400 visitors coming through on familiarisation trips over the next few days. About 60% of its market was international. Globally, staff turnover in the sector had been high since the pandemic, he said, and so it was an opportunity to meet with new buyers and reconnect with familiar ones. He said it was a chance to get ahead of any incoming challenges by making bookings for 2026 and 2027. Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village general manager Tanya Robinson was excited to connect to buyers who sent manuhiri to the village and meet people looking for 'authentic experiences in our beautiful city and village'. It would promote new products and offerings, including a new tour and refreshed kai Māori experience, new menu and new wharekai. The event offered a chance to understand the international market and Rotorua hosting allowed more of her staff to attend and learn from the experience. The village expected a 'good boost' in numbers from the event at the tail end of the season, as well as making bookings for the next. Rydges Rotorua general manager Kent Breeze said the city and its variety of attractions and accommodation were in the spotlight – 'there really is something for everyone in Rotorua'. Breeze said there had been a good rebound of international markets since 2023. 'We are showcasing to the world that we are open and ready for business. 'Seeing Rotorua in person will certainly give the buyers more confidence to sell our city internationally, which in turn will increase business levels, providing great job security and even more growth opportunities for local businesses.' The hotel had a 'high number' of buyers staying and had arranged 'special locally themed gifts'. It will host two TRENZ events. Rotorua is home to more than 30 Māori operators, including Ngāti Whakaue's $65m Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. The venue will host the NZ Māori Tourism and Tourism New Zealand breakfast with buyers from the Asia market. General manager Debbie Robertson said it was a chance to celebrate Māori-led tourism success. The Māori Economy 2023 report released in March showed Māori tourism contributed $1.2 billion to GDP in 2023, up from $975m in 2018. 'Māori tourism is thriving because our offerings provide something deeply authentic,' Robertson said. 'Visitors aren't just seeing the culture - they're feeling it. It's a sense of place, purpose, and belonging that's unique to our country.' City spruced up for TRENZ Mayor Tania Tapsell said securing the event was a 'significant milestone' for the tourist town. The local tourism industry was 'buzzing'. 'This comes off the back of Rotorua successfully delivering other major events, which will continue to be a focus for our council.' She said she and the chief executive expected the city will 'be looking its best' while hosting the buyers and the inner city will be given an 'additional tidy-up to ensure we're putting our best foot forward'. 'Attracting events the size and calibre of TRENZ is so important to support the many locals in our tourism and hospitality industries, which are our biggest providers of jobs.'
