Latest news with #RotoruaNZ
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Rotorua tourism, hospo businesses concered about exchange rate fluctuations
The Rotorua Museum - Most survey respondents were from tourism, accommodation, or hospitality and food service. Photo: LDR / Laura Smith The latest Rotorua business sentiment survey shows local companies are not immune to global instability. Geopolitical volatility was the highest-ranked concern for business leaders, with 43 percent very or extremely concerned about its effect on their business. This was the first time global concerns had outweighed local issues, such as finding skilled staff, the survey showed. RotoruaNZ chief executive Andrew Wilson said this showed many business leaders were very connected with their global markets. Most respondents were from tourism, accommodation, or hospitality and food service. While these might be less affected by tariffs then export-led industries, Wilson said geopolitical volatility led to fluctuations in exchange rates, which effected the value of a visitor dollar. "Obviously, when we've got a weaker New Zealand dollar, we look very favourable for international tourism." He said the key for businesses riding out this volatility was having diversity in the markets they targeted. "Within those international markets, have you got a good spread in terms of the types of countries you are focused on, so you're not ending up in a scenario where you've got all your eggs in one basket." This was similar to other industries, like agriculture , which was also encouraged to look for new markets. Wilson said he wasn't completely surprised to see the survey result. "We've got a local economy, which is quite export-focused, so from that perspective, whether it is tourism or forest or wood processing, what's happening in that global environment is really important for local businesses." RotoruaNZ began the business sentiment survey three years ago to get a better view of what was happening in the city's economy. "A lot of banks do business confidence surveys, but we found a lot of the data was aggregated up at a regional or national level, so it was really about making sure we've got a view about what is going on in our local economy here in Rotorua," he said. Business sentiment was up 14 percent since the last survey in October 2024, but was still a net negative of minus-11 percent - higher than the national figure of minus-29 percent, but Wilson said the trend toward positivity was a good sign. "Certainly, that advance-metric of the positivity trend up is a really good signal in terms of what we will start to see over the next 12-24 months in terms of business activity." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Rotorua survey: Business confidence up, focus on air connectivity and growth
Air connectivity and a greater collaboration between business, key stakeholders, and local and central government are common themes in the latest Rotorua Business Pulse Survey. The twice-yearly survey was released this week by RotoruaNZ and the Rotorua Business Chamber, who said in a press release that it reflected a 'greater
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Rotorua Bucks National Trends With Growth Across Key Economic Indicators
The city has recorded a 1.4% increase in guest nights a strong contrast to the national decline of 2.7%. Rotorua is standing out from the rest of the country, according to the latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor, with the district recording positive movement across several key areas, despite a challenging national economic environment. The city has recorded a 1.4% increase in guest nights – a strong contrast to the national decline of 2.7%. The housing market is the standout area, with residential consents in Rotorua surging by 40%, compared to a national decline of 3.3%. House values rose by 3.8% (against a national drop of 2.1%) and house sales jumped 15.7%, exceeding the national growth rate of 12.5%. These results point to growing confidence in the local property market. Rotorua Lakes Council, GM destination development, Jean-Paul Gaston said, 'Increases in the average residential rent in the district of 4.4% in the year to March 2025 (higher than the national increase of 2.7%) highlight sustained demand and the need to encourage further housing development.' Further positives include a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 1.3%, ahead of the national decrease of 1.0%, and growth in new businesses, with business unit numbers lifting by 0.5%. RotoruaNZ chief executive Andrew Wilson says the results signal a positive trajectory for the district. 'The numbers are a strong indication that Rotorua is heading in the right direction. Despite the national context, we're seeing resilience and renewed energy in our tourism and housing sectors. The growth in guest nights and tourism spending speaks to Rotorua's enduring appeal, and the uplift in residential development and house sales reflects real confidence in our future. 'We still have work to do, especially around employment, but the momentum is shifting, and these results highlight the strength of Rotorua as a great place to live, visit and invest in.' Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell said, 'These positive results are massive news for Rotorua and shows how focused and committed we've been to ensure the best future possible for our community. 'We've not only turned Rotorua around but managed to rise above the bar and boost our local economy through smart investment to grow much needed housing, as well as achieving standout statistics in our visitor economy.' The full Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor report for the March 2025 quarter can be found here at: About RotoruaNZ RotoruaNZ is a values-led organisation committed to developing and promoting Rotorua as a destination of choice to work, study, visit, invest and live in. We connect people, land, capital and ideas. Our work directly supports the development of the Rotorua economy, unlocking opportunities for commercial investment and providing employment, wealth and wellbeing for all our people. RotoruaNZ works in partnership with iwi, the private sector, community organisations, and local and central governments to support the growth aspirations of Rotorua and enhance the city's identity and reputation.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Rotorua Bucks National Trends With Growth Across Key Economic Indicators
Rotorua is standing out from the rest of the country, according to the latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor, with the district recording positive movement across several key areas, despite a challenging national economic environment. The city has recorded a 1.4% increase in guest nights – a strong contrast to the national decline of 2.7%. The housing market is the standout area, with residential consents in Rotorua surging by 40%, compared to a national decline of 3.3%. House values rose by 3.8% (against a national drop of 2.1%) and house sales jumped 15.7%, exceeding the national growth rate of 12.5%. These results point to growing confidence in the local property market. Rotorua Lakes Council, GM destination development, Jean-Paul Gaston said, 'Increases in the average residential rent in the district of 4.4% in the year to March 2025 (higher than the national increase of 2.7%) highlight sustained demand and the need to encourage further housing development.' Further positives include a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 1.3%, ahead of the national decrease of 1.0%, and growth in new businesses, with business unit numbers lifting by 0.5%. RotoruaNZ chief executive Andrew Wilson says the results signal a positive trajectory for the district. 'The numbers are a strong indication that Rotorua is heading in the right direction. Despite the national context, we're seeing resilience and renewed energy in our tourism and housing sectors. The growth in guest nights and tourism spending speaks to Rotorua's enduring appeal, and the uplift in residential development and house sales reflects real confidence in our future. 'We still have work to do, especially around employment, but the momentum is shifting, and these results highlight the strength of Rotorua as a great place to live, visit and invest in.' Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell said, 'These positive results are massive news for Rotorua and shows how focused and committed we've been to ensure the best future possible for our community. 'We've not only turned Rotorua around but managed to rise above the bar and boost our local economy through smart investment to grow much needed housing, as well as achieving standout statistics in our visitor economy.' The full Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor report for the March 2025 quarter can be found here at: About RotoruaNZ RotoruaNZ is a values-led organisation committed to developing and promoting Rotorua as a destination of choice to work, study, visit, invest and live in. We connect people, land, capital and ideas. Our work directly supports the development of the Rotorua economy, unlocking opportunities for commercial investment and providing employment, wealth and wellbeing for all our people. RotoruaNZ works in partnership with iwi, the private sector, community organisations, and local and central governments to support the growth aspirations of Rotorua and enhance the city's identity and reputation.
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.
