Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
ROTORUA INVESTMENT ANALYSIS: STOCKTAKE OF RECENT AND PLANNED INVESTMENT AND ENABLING OPPORTUNITIES AND INITIATIVES
DRAFT FOR FEEDBACK
PREPARED BY
APR CONSULTANTS FOR
DESTINATION ROTORUA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UNIT AUGUST 2009
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................... 3 2.0 METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................................. 3 3.0 PUBLIC INVESTMENT......................................................................................................... 4 3.1 Main Areas of Rotorua District Council Recent Annual Spend ......................................... 4 3.2 Rotorua Regional Airport's trans-Tasman capability ......................................................... 6 3.3 Rotorua Hospital Redevelopment ..................................................................................... 6 3.4 District Marketing............................................................................................................... 7 3.5 The Great New Zealand Touring Route (GNZTR) ............................................................ 7 3.6 National Cycleway Project................................................................................................. 7 3.7 Rotorua in Gear Project..................................................................................................... 8 3.8 Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority Grant – Waiariki Gasification Plant ................. 8 4.0 PUBLIC/PRIVATE INVESTMENT ........................................................................................ 9 4.1 Rotorua Lakefront Redevelopment ................................................................................... 9 4.2 Film Central ....................................................................................................................... 9 4.3 Opening of the National Centre of Excellence for Conservation and Environmental Sustainability- Waiariki................................................................................................................. 10 5.0 PRIVATE INVESTMENT .................................................................................................... 11 5.1 Central North Island (CNI) forests iwi collective deed of settlement ............................... 11 5.2 Ngāti Whakaue Master Plan for Rotorua East ................................................................ 11 5.3 Waipa Valley Business and Recreation Park – EROS Capital Ltd.................................. 12 5.4 Eastgate Business Park .................................................................................................. 13 5.5 Skyline Skyrides Redevelopment.................................................................................... 13 5.6 Polynesian Spa Upgrade................................................................................................. 13 5.7 Redevelopment of former Post Office into Royal Court Apartments ............................... 13 5.8 Te Puia Redevelopment.................................................................................................. 14 6.0 SPORTS, ARTS AND TOURISM EVENTS ........................................................................ 15 6.1 Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand (2007, 2008)........................................................... 15 6.2 UCI Trials World Cup – 2009 .......................................................................................... 15 6.3 Ragamuffin Music Festival .............................................................................................. 15 6.4 Rugby League Test Match – 2009 .................................................................................. 16 6.5 International Netball – 2009 ............................................................................................ 16 6.6 Jambalaya Festival New Zealand – 2010 ....................................................................... 16 6.7 Rugby World Cup – 2011 ................................................................................................ 16 7.0 ENABLERS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: STRATEGIES AND PLANS .................. 17 7.1 Rotorua Eastern Basin Structure Plan ............................................................................ 17 7.2 Rotorua Western Basin Structure Plan ........................................................................... 17 7.3 Rotorua Retail Strategy ................................................................................................... 17 7.4 Rotorua Central Business District Revitalisation Strategy............................................... 18 7.5 Rotorua Events Strategy ................................................................................................. 18 7.6 Rotorua Parks Asset Management Plan ......................................................................... 18 7.7 Rotorua Geothermal Regional Plan ................................................................................ 18 7.8 Bay of Plenty Regional Land transport Plan.................................................................... 19 7.9 Bay of Plenty Economic Strategy .................................................................................... 19 7.10 Rotorua Lakes Strategy................................................................................................... 19 7.11 Rotorua Employment Skills Strategy............................................................................... 20
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
1.0 INTRODUCTION Rotorua District Council (RDC) is establishing a $7 million economic development fund to grow the local economy and tackle impacts from the global economic recession. The Grow Rotorua Development Fund will see $3.5 million allocated in each of the next two financial years (2009/10 and 2010/11). APR Consultants Ltd has compiled a series of reports that review available information to aid and inform stakeholder input around the development fund. Reports written or being compiled are as follows: • • • • •
Industry Overview. Global and National Emerging Industries Analysis. Complementary Funding Sources. Inventory of Current/Planned Major Investments. Exemplars of Funding Criteria in other Areas.
This report is the fourth in the series and presents a stock-take of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives in Rotorua’s economy. This report’s information, in combination with that in other background reports, seeks to facilitate debate around potential policies in regard to how the Fund will operate in terms of: • • • • • •
The likely scale of any new enterprise that may be attracted. The number of new jobs that any new enterprise would create, including skills, qualifications, and experience. The unique potential of any new enterprise to add vitality and variety to the local economy and community. The ability of any new enterprise to complement existing businesses. The track record of a new enterprise and those associated with it, in other communities or countries. Compatibility with the District’s current economy.
2.0 METHODOLOGY Within this report, current or planned initiatives in the Rotorua economy have been grouped in terms of: • • • • •
Public investment. Public/private investment. Private investment. Sports, arts and tourism events. Enablers of economic development (strategies and plans).
It is not intended that this report provides a comprehensive list of initiatives, but rather a helpful indication of significant areas of recent and planned investment activity in the District’s economy. Under each initiative’s sub-heading, web-links are provided to additional information as well as a brief description of the initiative.
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
3.0 PUBLIC INVESTMENT 3.1
Main Areas of Rotorua District Council Recent Annual Spend
Council spending is included in this report as it is one of the largest single sources of ongoing investment in the District’s economy. Council spending is funded by rates, borrowed funds and various disbursements from government and other sources. Council expenditure in the 2008/09 June financial year provides and indication of the areas and activities in the local economy that the Council has invested in or supported recently. Table 1 shows the Rotorua District Council’s (RDC) annual operating spend for the year ended June 2009 in terms of activity groups (refer also to Figure 1). The largest spend on the local economy in this period was on Infrastructure (46.1%) followed by Social and Cultural (34.5%), Environment (10.0%) and Economic (5.7%) activity groups. Table 1:
Breakdown of Rotorua District Council’s 2008/2009 Operating Expenditure
Expenditure category Operating Expenditure ($’s in thousands) % breakdown Castlecorp Bus Unit 154 0.2% Community Leadership 3,737 3.8% Corporate Wide 849 0.9% Economic 5,686 5.7% Environment 9,897 10.0% Infrastructure 45,786 46.1% Social and Cultural 34,244 34.5% Total 100,353 Less Internal Charges Included in operating expenditure 991 Total Operating Expenditure 99,362 100.0% Source: Compiled from Rotorua District Council Annual Plan 2008/09 Notes: (1) Expenditure is for the year ended June 2009. (2) Percentages shown are calculated in terms of the total operating spend. (3) Note that data provided relates only to spending and is therefore an indicator of the magnitude and allocation of RDC funds.
Figure 1:
Rotorua District Council Activity Groups
Source: Rotorua District Council Annual Plan 2008/09
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
The greatest spending in the year ended June 2009 by the Infrastructure Group was on Transport (29.0%) followed by Waste Water (25.1%) and Water (14.5%). Table 2:
2008/09 Operating Expenditure for the Infrastructure Group
Expenditure category Operating Expenditure ($’s in thousands) % breakdown Airport (engineering) 4,495 9.8% Engineering Compliance 493 1.1% Engineering Support 13 0.0% Hydrus Engineering Consultants-Internal Service 150 0.3% Land Drainage 2,612 5.7% Rural Fire 147 0.3% Transport 13,295 29.0% Transport (Road Safety) 366 0.8% Transport (State Highways Management) 153 0.3% Waste Management 5,912 12.9% Waste Water 11,509 25.1% Water 6,640 14.5% Total Operating Expenditure 45,785 100.0% Source: Compiled from Rotorua District Council Annual plan 2008/09 Notes: (1) Expenditure is for the year ended June 2009. (2) Note that data provided relates only to spending and is therefore an indicator of the magnitude and allocation of RDC funds. (3) Percentages are in terms of total operating spend projected to be made by the Infrastructure Group.
The greatest projected spend in the year ended June 2009 by the Social and Culture Group was on Events Venue (18.9%) followed by Library (11.2%), Art and History Museum (9.0%), City Service Operations (8.9%) and Aquatic Facilities (8.3%) (Table 3). Table 3:
2008/09 Operating Expenditure for the Social and Cultural Group
Expenditure category Aquatic Facilities Art and History Museum Cemeteries/Crematorium City Services Operations Community Assistance Community Halls Community Policy & Resources Emergency Management Events Venue Library Pensioner Housing Public Gardens/General Reserves
Operating Expenditure ($’s in thousands) 2,826 3,094 393 3,056 1,470 308 1,448 353 6,474 3,822 1,093 9,907
% breakdown 8.3% 9.0% 1.1% 8.9% 4.3% 0.9% 4.2% 1.0% 18.9% 11.2% 3.2% 28.9%
Total Operating Expenditure 34,244 100.0% Source: Compiled from Rotorua District Council Annual Plan 2008/09 Notes: (1) Expenditure is for the year ended June 2009. (2) Note that data provided relates only to spending and is therefore an indicator of the magnitude and allocation of RDC funds. (3) Percentages are in terms of total operating spend projected to be made by the Social and Cultural Group.
The greatest spending in the year ended June 2009 by the Environment Group was on Environment Planning (41.3%) followed by Building Services (24.1%) (Table 4). Table 4:
2008/09 Operating Expenditure for the Environment Group
Expenditure category Operating Expenditure ($’s in thousands) % breakdown Animal Control 911 9.2% Building Services 2,386 24.1% Environmental Planning 4,092 41.3% Inspection 1,505 15.2% Parking Enforcement 10.1% 1,003 Total Operating Expenditure 100.0% 9,897 Source: Compiled from Rotorua District Council Annual Plan 2008/09 Notes: (1) Expenditure is for the year ended June 2009. (2) Note that data provided relates only to spending and is therefore an indicator of the magnitude and allocation of RDC funds. (3) Percentages are in terms of total operating spend made by the Environment Group.
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
The greatest spending in the year ended June 2009 by the Economic Group was on Destination Rotorua Economic Marketing (44.1%) followed by Tourism Rotorua Travel And Information (32.9%) and Destination Rotorua Economic Development (23.0%) (Table 5). Table 5:
Operating Expenditure for the Economic Group
Expenditure category Operating Expenditure ($’s in thousands) Destination Rotorua Economic Development 1,305 Destination Rotorua Marketing 2,510 Tourism Rotorua Travel And Information 1,871 Total Operating Expenditure 5,686 Source: Compiled from Rotorua District Council Annual Plan 2008/09
% breakdown 23.0% 44.1% 32.9% 100.0%
Notes: (1) (2)
Expenditure is for the year ended June 2009. Note that data provided is relates only to spending and is therefore an indicator of the magnitude and allocation of RDC funds. In other words, the data shows areas and activities that are projected to be invested in over the next ten years. (3) Percentages are in terms of total operating spend projected to be made by the Economic Group.
Web link: www.rdc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/CouncilDocuments/AnnTYPs/AnnPlan0809.aspx
3.2
Rotorua Regional Airport's trans-Tasman capability
The single largest investment Council has made for many years is in development of the Rotorua Regional Airport infrastructure to accommodate trans-Tasman scheduled air services. This capital expenditure is due to be completed in 2009. It is projected to make a significant difference to the level of employment and local economy of theRotorua District and wider Bay of Plenty Region. Air New Zealand’s Trans-Tasman services through Rotorua International Airport will commence from 12 December 2009. The service will launch a new era of opportunity for business and investment in the city and offers major opportunities to form ties with Australian businesses and to bring in investors attracted by Rotorua’s lifestyle. The new service will reinforce the strong position of Rotorua as a central hub for the Central North Island – a gateway for tourism, conferences and recreation as well as regional business with international capability. Web links: www.rdc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/CouncilDocuments/Reports/~/media/RDC/Files/CouncilDocuments/ Reports/TransTasmanDemandandEconomicImpact.ashx www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10589276
3.3
Rotorua Hospital Redevelopment
A total of $89.5 million was committed by the previous government to the Lakes Health Services Improvement Project. This major project ensures that the District Health Board will be able to provide modern health services for its community for the next 15 to 20 years with the majority of new facilities being used from 2011. An upgraded Rotorua Hospital will include a new outpatients clinic, expanded cardiac care and intensive care units, and an acute medical ward with room for further expansion. The existing Clinical Services Building will undergo a major refit involving a major expansion to the emergency department, surgical ward, and operating theatre department including an additional theatre and day stay unit. The elderly assessment and rehabilitation ward will also be refurbished.
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
The new facilities will mean a greater number of day surgery procedures will be possible in the future, with patients able to get the surgery they need sooner. The DHB predicts it could perform up to an additional 1,025 day procedures each year. The building will also bring together the emergency department and diagnostic services, so patients don't have far to go if they need x-rays or lab tests. Web links: http://www.lakesdhb.govt.nz/Article.aspx?Id=2842 http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/rotorua+hospital+upgrade+gets+government+nod
3.4
District Marketing
The introduction of trans-Tasman direct scheduled air services creates a range of new opportunities for marketing Rotorua. A marketing brand and campaign is being developed for the wider Bay of Plenty/Central North Island region, spearheaded by Rotorua Regional Airport Limited (RRAL). Once the regional tourism brand and marketing initiative is completed, a collective of RTOs (regional tourism organisations) will work collaboratively on its implementation and performance. Marketing campaigns will be funded in part by RDC’s Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing activity, and in part by other regional tourism organisations throughout the wider Bay of Plenty as well as a contribution by Air New Zealand. Web link: www.rdc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/CouncilDocuments/AnnTYPs/TYP0919.aspx
3.5
The Great New Zealand Touring Route (GNZTR)
The Great NZ Touring Route (GNZTR) is based around the great touring routes of the Pacific Coast Highway, the Thermal Explorer Highway and the Volcanic Loop. The regional tourism organisations of Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Waitomo District, Rotorua, Taupo, Ruapehu and Hawke's Bay collaborate their sales and marketing activities under this brand. A key focus of GNZTR is to strengthen its marketing efforts in Australia, not only with its travel trade partners but also to consumers. Web link: www.gnztr.com
3.6
National Cycleway Project
The Government has set aside $50 million for the development of the New Zealand Cycleway. The idea for the project came from February 2009’s Jobs Summit and was originally intended as a cycleway spanning the length of the country. The Government has since said it would instead be made up of a series of ''Great Rides'' similar to the Otago Rail Trail, with a long-term aim of creating a network throughout the country. The overall vision for the New Zealand Cycleway is to generate lasting economic, social and environmental benefits for our communities by a network of great rides through some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. The initial routes were chosen after the Tourism Ministry asked local councils to work together in clusters alongside key agencies such as DOC and New Zealand Transport Agency. The Government had tagged $9 million from the $50m New Zealand Cycleway Fund to get some of the projects going in 2009.
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
Projects for development in the first round of funding are the Waikato River Trail; Central North Island Rail Trail; Mount Ruapehu to Wanganui; St James Trail in North Canterbury; Hokianga to Opua-Russell in the Far North; Hauraki Plains Trail and Southland Around the Mountain Rail Trail. Web links: www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/2676759/Seven-cycleway-routes-set-for-summer www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/local/news/our-view-scaleback-punctures-promisedcycleway/3901345/
3.7
Rotorua in Gear Project
Rotorua in Gear is an exciting new collaborative project that aims to get more people cycling more often in Rotorua by creating a ‘social norm’ around cycling. The coordinated programme will promote many biking opportunities and a pathway of development. It involves local and national organisations including BikeNZ, Sport Bay of Plenty, Rotorua District Council, Health Rotorua PHO, Lakes DHB, Rotorua Police and SPARC. Sport and Recreation New Zealand (Sparc) has committed $504,000 over three years through its Active Communities fund. The project team is seeking an exceptional Regional Development Manager to lead the Rotorua in Gear project. The position will be based in Rotorua and working across the Rotorua District, will report to Bike NZ and be responsible for the delivery of the project outcomes. Web link: http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/local/news/rotorua-to-be-cycle-city-of-nz/3900850/
3.8
Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority Grant – Waiariki Gasification Plant
Waiariki’s Forestry School has announced that the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has granted it $200,000 towards the purchase and installation of a gasification plant. The plant will be supplied by Windsor Engineering and located at Waiariki’s Waipa Campus. It will enable the Forestry School to restart its drying kilns that are currently dormant. This project will enable the Forestry School to provide quality teaching and research opportunities around sustainable and renewable energy sources for the forestry industry in New Zealand. Web link: www.ectoolset.com/func/Newsdetails.asp?sid=605&id=9557
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
4.0 PUBLIC/PRIVATE INVESTMENT 4.1
Rotorua Lakefront Redevelopment
Plans have been unveiled for a major redevelopment of the Rotorua Lakefront that could include a 200m long pier on Lake Rotorua, a civic square and increased commercial activity. The total cost of the plan, if completed in its entirety, could be up to $28.6 million. Rotorua District Council has been working with Wellington-based landscape architects Wraight and Associates since 2006 to come up with the concept plan. Council parks and recreation manager Garry Page said he was excited the lakefront area could look a lot different in a few years when the first stage of a 50-year vision to upgrade the area is implemented. "We've engaged with a lot of interested parties already to reach this stage and the overwhelming feeling is that the lakefront area looks tired and dated. They tell us it fails to live up to its true potential as a world-class visitor attraction and facility for community recreation and entertainment. But now we can start doing something to change that," Mr Page said. He said the project would complement other work already under way to revitalise the city's central business district. The lakefront concept included five stages which could be implemented over the duration of the 50-year vision, as funding sources become available. "To date the council has only included around $8 million in its draft ten-year plan to get the $12.3 million stage one underway in about four years' time," Mr Page said. "This means raising a further $4 million through public/private partnerships so we can redevelop the current jetty into a substantial pier and promenade to become a major focal point of the whole lakefront redevelopment." He said the council was preparing a consultation programme and public documents showing the key points of the Lakefront redevelopment concept so the wider Rotorua community could have a say in what was proposed. The five-stage concept would begin with development of Hinemoa Pier which would stretch 200m out into Lake Rotorua. If approved, further stages would follow, stage two being the development of parks and playgrounds and a civic square, to be called Tutanekai Square, behind the pier. Stages three to five would complete connections between both ends of the Lakefront, a gateway into Ohinemutu and the construction of an events area in front of QE Health. Web link: www.rdc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/LatestNews/Fifty-year-vision-for-Rotorua-lakefrontgathers-momentum.aspx
4.2
Film Central
Film Central is a new established initiative to promote the local film industry. Replacing Film Volcanic, the Film Central Trust aims to support and develop local and international production films produced in the central North Island region. It is supported by Rotorua District Council as well as local filmmakers, producers, storytellers and actors. Members of the trust represent different areas of the film and media industry, and are passionate about promoting the region as a film production destination with diverse scenic and culturally rich backdrops. Web link: www.rdc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/LatestNews/Film-Central-to-boost-local-filming.aspx
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
4.3
Opening of the National Centre of Excellence for Conservation and Environmental Sustainability- Waiariki
The Waiariki region has enormous potential in geothermal energy, water, agriculture and forestry, a rich cultural heritage and a strong tourism industry. Future wealth depends on sustainable use of this rich natural and man-made heritage. To work with iwi, other land owners, the World Heritage Park and SCION, Waiariki has launched the National Centre of Excellence for Conservation and Environmental Sustainability. The centre will provide applied qualifications, such as the new Diploma in Sustainable Energy. Web link: www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=118434596254
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
5.0 PRIVATE INVESTMENT 5.1
Central North Island (CNI) forests iwi collective deed of settlement
The “Treelords” Deal is by far the biggest Waitangi Treaty settlement with the Crown and involves 170,000 hectares of central North Island forest land valued at $220 million. The seven iwi signing the deed of settlement will also be entitled to a share of $230 million held in trust by the Crown Forestry Rental Trust. Māori foresters will also benefit from a yet-to-benegotiated emissions trading forestry scheme. Te Arawa iwi/hapu will receive about 16.19 per cent of the forest land and rental money; Ngāti Whakaue 3.74 per cent; Tuhoe 27.29 per cent; Tuwharetoa 26.88 per cent; Raukawa 14.74 per cent; Ngāti Manawa 6.23 per cent and Ngāti Whare 4.88 per cent. Web link: www.cniforest.co.nz/CNI.aspx
5.2
Ngāti Whakaue Master Plan for Rotorua East
Master Plan Summary The Ngāti Whakaue Plan Change has not been developed in isolation, it is part of a much wider strategic plan for the Ngāti Whakaue Tribal lands in Rotorua East. The project has been born out of Ngāti Whakaue’s concerns at the amount of nitrates and phosphates released into the streams and lakes from farming practices carried out on their land. As well as this, Ngāti Whakaue wants to achieve a “higher” use of their land and provide employment and housing for their people. The development has an economic focus, with the first stages to unlock potential to drive rest of project. Ngāti Whakaue (NW) has commissioned Beca to investigate alternative land uses on behalf of the land owners to minimise the impact on Lake Rotorua and to maximise the use of the land. The Master Plan has been developed to guide the protection, use, management and development of the Rotorua Eastern Blocks for the next 100 years. This will ensure that the potential of the site is realised for the existing and future land owners. The overall plan will provide for a mixture of quality housing, recreation, heritage reserves, commercial/business and walkway/cycleway links. Notified change to Rotorua District Plan – Wharenui Block This Private Plan Change application deals with the first stage of the Ngāti Whakaue Master Plan. The detail of the Master Plan is contained in a separate report. Whakaue Nominees Ltd has commissioned Beca Carter Hollings and Ferner (Beca) to investigate alternative land uses on behalf of the land owners to reduce the impact on Lake Rotorua and to increase the use of the land and then to prepare the Plan Change documentation. Resource consent applications for subdivision earthworks and stormwater management will follow, to enable integrated decision making through a joint hearing process. The first stage of development (the area subject to this Plan Change) is known as the Wharenui Road Area (WRA) which includes 125 ha or 7.7% of the Ngāti Whakaue Master Plan Area (1,500ha). The WRA is predominantly located on the western side of Wharenui Road, bounded by Porikapa and Morey Streets to the north; McKenzie Road, Hayward Rise, Basley Road , Devoy Drive and Stafford Rise to the west; and the extension of Link Road (paper road) to the south. The WRA also includes 34.4ha of land on the eastern side of Wharenui Road .
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
The WRA has for the past 48 years been used for pastoral farming, associated farming activities and a berry orchard. More recently, a 10ha truffle farm has been established and is planned to remain for at least ten years. Dairy farming has ceased within the WRA to reduce the downstream nutrient run off into Lake Rotorua. Under the Operative Rotorua District Plan, the WRA is currently zoned Rural A. The Rotorua Urban Fence bounds most of the property to the north and east (although the Basley Road subdivision is located on the outside of this boundary). There is an ‘Urban Catchment Protection Area’ and a ‘Special Provisions Area’ over part of the WRA. The WRA is surrounded by Residential B zoned land on the northern and western boundaries and Rural A on the eastern and southern boundaries. The primary reason for the Plan Change is Ngāti Whakaue wanting to provide further strategic development of their lands for the next 10-15 years. There is predicted demand and opportunity to provide for: • • • •
A range of residential lifestyle opportunities for families and the elderly. Good quality housing. Centrally located housing. Associated community, commercial and employment activities.
Web link: www.rdc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/CouncilDocuments/DistrictPlan/NotifiedPlanChanges.aspx
5.3
Waipa Valley Business and Recreation Park – EROS Capital Ltd
EROS Capital's Waipa Valley Business and Recreation Park is a mixed-use tourism, commercial and industrial business park development, with three discrete development zones, located in the Waipa Valley on the outskirts of Rotorua City. These diverse zones make it easy for new businesses to enter the Waipa Valley business community. EROS works with clients, tailoring a site, amenities and often business premises to meet their specific needs. Zone One of the Waipa Business & Recreation Park, Trailblazers Resort and the New Zealand Mountain Biking Centre concept, is built around a public-private partnership, designed to create New Zealand's premier recreational and competitive mountain biking and multi sport facility, for use by locals, domestic and international visitors, athletes and event organisers. The Waipa Valley is home to the well-utilised southern entry point to the Whakarewarewa Forest and the world class mountain bike and recreational trails that are contained within it. EROS believes that this new mountain biking resort and events facility will play a significant role in growing New Zealand's and Rotorua's tourism market, together with the positioning of Rotorua as a world-class mountain biking destination. Web link: www.erosgroup.co.nz/portfolio/tourism.asp
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
5.4
Eastgate Business Park
Eastgate Business Park has set the benchmark for Rotorua’s commercial sector. Innovative and versatile, the multi-use business park continues to capture the attention of the local community with its up-market concept and design. On par with international standards, the 22.5 hectare business park comprises 22 individual sites in stage one of its development, and is conveniently situated on State Highway 30 opposite the Rotorua Airport, with the central business district only 12 minutes away. With sites ranging from 1800m2 to 5.3 hectares, the divergent needs of a broad business community are comprehensively catered for. Web link: http://www.rotorua-business.com/Investing/property.asp
5.5
Skyline Skyrides Redevelopment
Skyline Skyrides opened a second chairlift in 2009. The second chairlift doubles the capacity to get riders of the world famous luge back up to the top base to ride again. The increase is from 900 to 1,800 passengers per hour. The second chairlift opening completes a $20 million redevelopment of the Skyline property in Rotorua. Web links: www.skylineskyrides.co.nz www.skyline.co.nz/content/library/Skyline_Views_June_2009.pdf
5.6
Polynesian Spa Upgrade
Rotorua’s thermal bathing icon, Polynesian Spa, completed a $4 million redevelopment in December 2007. The development, comprising three new adult cascading pools, thirteen new private pools, new adult changing rooms, a new group tour entrance, a new car park and remodelled entrance foyer was officially opened by Minister of Tourism Damien O’Connor in February 2008. Weblink: www.polynesianspa.co.nz/polynesian_spa/updates_overview_idl=2_idt=1784_id=10712_.html
5.7
Redevelopment of former Post Office into Royal Court Apartments
Golden Mile (Rotorua) Trust is proposing to develop a 75 apartment complex located where the post office in the CBD currently resides. Apartments will have a floor space of 54 m2, cost between $192K and $300K and will have two bedrooms and one bathroom. Web links: www.royalcourt.co.nz/ www.ljhooker.co.nz/J5SGFV
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
5.8
Te Puia Redevelopment
In May 2007, Te Puia completed a $17.5 million self-funded redevelopment programme which provides visitors with an interactive tourism experience in Te Whare Tapere (house of multi disciplines). As well as new school facilities for both the Carving and Weaving schools, two new high-tech galleries have been established which showcase the mythical origins of the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley and provide a deeper learning experience into the area and its people, the Māori arts, crafts and way of life. This product is delivered through audio-visual and interactive touch screen technologies. A model village, new galleries, retail store and the establishment of a nature trail are also part of the redevelopment. Web link: http://www.tepuia.com
Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
6.0 SPORTS, ARTS AND TOURISM EVENTS Major events provide significant positive exposure for the District via media coverage and visitors’ word-of-mouth. They also provide an economic impact that provides a boost to the District’s economy.
6.1
Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand (2007, 2008)
TRENZ (Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand) was held in Rotorua for the first time in May 2007. TRENZ 2008 took place in Rotorua in May 2008. In 2009, the event will be held in Auckland. TRENZ brings together approximately 350 New Zealand tourism businesses and a similar number of international buyers for four days of totally focused business-to-business activity. It is an important forum for the New Zealand industry to showcase new travel and tourism product, forge relationships with international buyers and write business for the seasons ahead. About 60 international and New Zealand media also attend the event. Web link: www.trenz.co.nz
6.2
UCI Trials World Cup – 2009
Rotorua had been selected as the host venue for the fifth and final round of the UCI Trials World Cup on 12 and 13 September 2009. Trials is one of the most exciting of all cycling disciplines, with riders navigating their way over spectacular obstacles with points deducted if they set a foot on the ground. It is the first time New Zealand has hosted this event which will be run by BikeNZ with strong support from the local organising committee spearheaded by Dave Donaldson, who was responsible for bringing the world mountain bike and trials world championships to Rotorua in 2006. Web links: www.rotoruanz.com/events/2009/sep/11/uci-trials-world-cup-2009 www.facebook.com/pages/UCI-TRIALS-WORLD-CUP-ROTORUA-2009/85880457849
6.3
Ragamuffin Music Festival
This annual event showcases the best home-grown and International reggae music, with a healthy dose of funk, dub, hip-hop and soul. It is held at Rotorua International Stadium. Around ten hours of music are provided. This is an innovative annual event is held at the start of February. Web link: www.ragamuffin.co.nz
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
6.4
Rugby League Test Match – 2009
Rotorua is to host the only rugby league test match being played in New Zealand this year. Local residents will get to see the reigning world champion Kiwis in action against Tonga at the Rotorua International Stadium on October 14. The test match has been sanctioned by the International Rugby League Federation, meaning both countries will be bringing their top line-up, including professional players from the NRL and Superleague championships. It will be the first league international match in Rotorua since Papua New Guinea took on the New Zealand team in 1996. The Kiwis will camp in Rotorua for the week leading up to the test match, and in preparation for their trip to Europe for a four-nation competition with Australia, Great Britain and France. Web link: www.rotoruanz.com/news/league-world-champs-to-play-in-rotorua
6.5
International Netball – 2009
The Silver Ferns will take on The World Invitation in the New World International Netball Series in Rotorua 26th August. The World Invitation, comprising of predominantly Jamaican, England and Australian players, will be an exciting collaboration of all the different talents each country brings to the game of Netball. The explosive elevation from the Jamaicans combined with Australian through-court speed and English gutsy determination will generate a challenge for the Silver Ferns who took out all their International Titles in 2008. Web link: http://www.rotoruanz.com/events/2009/aug/26/new-world-international-netball-seriesnew-zealand-vs-the-world-invitation
6.6
Jambalaya Festival New Zealand – 2010
The Festival of Rhythm, Dance and Carnival, to be held next in January 2010, has music and dance workshops, expo, parties and international performance in Cuban, Brazilian and Pacific styles. Web link: www.danz.org.nz/festivals.php
6.7
Rugby World Cup – 2011
Staging the Rugby World Cup could boost the New Zealand economy to the tune of $1.25 billion as well as laying the foundation for significant future tourism inflows, a report by Deloitte says. It says the world's third-largest sporting event has the potential to generate massive economic gains, while capital expenditure costs are among the lowest for an event of its magnitude. Deloitte's Sports Business Group estimated between 60,000 and 70,000 international visitors will flock to New Zealand for the seven-week event, compared to 65,000 who travelled down under in 2003 of whom 9% vowed to return. In addition to the economic benefits, the Rugby World Cup presents wider benefits, such as the boost to a host nation's profile as a tourist destination, says International Rugby Board chairman Bernard Lapasset. To put this in perspective, in 2007 the 48 games in France were beamed to more than four billion television viewers in 238 nations. "This presents an opportunity for the host nation to achieve significant `place marketing' effects delivering indirect tourism impacts in the longer term." Hosting of three pool matches is scheduled for Rotorua International Stadium. Web links: www.newzealandrugbyinfo.co.nz/rugbyworldcupvenues.php www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/2271271/World-Cup-a-1-25b-boo-s-t 16
Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
7.0 ENABLERS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: STRATEGIES AND PLANS 7.1
Rotorua Eastern Basin Structure Plan
The Structure Plan area extends from Puarenga Stream in the south, to Mourea in the north and is bound to the west by the lake and the rim of the Rotorua caldera to the east. Within this, the council identified five distinct areas: • • • • •
Area A: the rural and rural-residential land north and east of the airport; Area B covers the existing urban area south of the airport and extends along the north side of Tarawera Road; Area C is the rural area between Lynmore and Wharenui Road; Area D is the rural area located between Gee Road and the existing Eastgate Business Park; and Area E represents the rural area east of Te Ngae Road between Wharenui and Gee Roads.
Web link: http://fresh-ideas.co.nz/site/index.php
7.2
Rotorua Western Basin Structure Plan
The development of four potential scenarios and the preferred Structure Plan for the Western Basin of Lake Rotorua has been firmly based on review and analysis of the existing structure of the Western Basin. The results of community consultation have been woven through the development of a preferred structure plan. The consultation initially undertaken at the beginning of the project was used as a basis for the four potential scenarios. These were developed on the basis of distribution of future population, each with a similar population projection. The scenarios ranged from a compact distribution of population to dispersed distribution of the future population. The four scenarios were: 1. Status Quo. 2. Compact Model (with an option for accommodating additional population in Hamurana as well as Ngongotaha). 3. Mixed Model. 4. Dispersed Model. Web link: http://fresh-ideas.co.nz/site/index.php
7.3
Rotorua Retail Strategy
The strategy provides a framework for retailers, developers, and the community in Rotorua, as well as Tourism Rotorua’s retail marketing and tourism objectives. Web link: www.rotorua-business.com/publications.asp
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
7.4
Rotorua Central Business District Revitalisation Strategy
Rotorua’s vision for the CBD is to “To create a public space where residents and visitors can enjoy recreation, outdoor dining, retailing and entertainment activities within a safe and attractive environment“. The potential offer of Culture, Natural Environment and Geothermal resource, provides a great attraction to both National and International tourism. If correctly captured (as in Queenstown, Nelson, other examples), the economic benefit to Rotorua and its surrounding areas would be substantial. Web link: www.rotorua-business.com/publications.asp
7.5
Rotorua Events Strategy
Both nationally, and locally, the current scale, number and sophistication of festivals and events has evolved. In more recent times, festivals and events have been seen to be a key element in promoting the City and District as a great place to visit, live, and work. These events will also make a major contribution to the District’s growth strategy and add to the Destination brand. As a result, Rotorua District Council sees itself playing a major part in the events sector locally. Web link: www.rdc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/CouncilDocuments/Strategies.aspx
7.6
Rotorua Parks Asset Management Plan
Rotorua District Council is responsible for the provision and management of community recreation facilities. This is Rotorua District Council’s third generation Recreation and Community Facilities Asset Management Plan (AMP). It provides a long-term view of Asset Management (AM) requirements and specific work programmes for the next ten years. The initial plan is based on existing levels of service, current related information and Council staff knowledge. The AMP will be reviewed annually to incorporate changes that result from the AM improvement programme, improved decision making techniques, changes in asset information and knowledge of customer expectations. Web link: www.rdc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/CouncilDocuments/ManagementPlans/ParksAsset.aspx
7.7
Rotorua Geothermal Regional Plan
The purpose of this regional plan is to promote the integrated and sustainable management of the Rotorua geothermal resource with all other resources in the Rotorua environment. Sustainable management is defined in section 5 of the Resource Management Act 1991. Web link: www.envbop.govt.nz/Knowledge-Centre/Rotorua-Geothermal-Regional-Plan.aspx
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
7.8
Bay of Plenty Regional Land transport Plan
The Plan addresses the passenger transport needs of the Bay of Plenty Region, and sets out policies and proposals, which will address those needs. It covers land transport and harbour ferries only. Web links: www.envbop.govt.nz/Knowledge-Centre/Regional-Passenger-Transport--Plan.aspx www.rdc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/CouncilDocuments/Strategies.aspx
7.9
Bay of Plenty Economic Strategy
The strategy is based upon delivering a progressive Regional Economic Development Strategy that inspires new and existing initiatives, builds on collective regional strengths, and through partnership and collaboration preserves and enhances our natural and unique Bay of Plenty environment. Web link: www.envbop.govt.nz/Knowledge-Centre/Regional-Economic-Development-Strategy.aspx
7.10 Rotorua Lakes Strategy This document is Environment Bay of Plenty’s (EBoP) management strategy for the lakes of the Rotorua District. It is a strategy based on a vision for the future underlined by practical steps towards achieving that vision. The strategy builds on over 30 years of lake research, intensive public interest and the April 1998 publication entitled Towards a Te Arawa Lakes Management Strategy. Web link: www.envbop.govt.nz/Knowledge-Centre/Rotorua-Lakes-Strategy.aspx Lakes restoration programme (Government and EBoP funds) The Government will be contributing $72.1 million to restore the Rotorua Lakes. The money will be used over 10 years to improving the health of four key lakes. The lakes to benefit from the funding are Rotorua, Rotoiti, Rotoehu and Okareka. Classed as national treasures, the lakes are popular with Rotorua residents and visitors for swimming, boating and fishing. The total cost of the restoration programme is $144.2 million over the next decade. The Government will meet half of the costs with the remainder to be paid by Rotorua District Council and Environment Bay of Plenty. Web link: www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0803/S00427.htm Rotorua Lakes Recreation Strategy (EBoP) The Rotorua Lakes Recreation Strategy guides management actions to provide for this wide range of recreational opportunities, while allowing for differences in natural character, facilities and user expectations for different lakes. The lakes are categorised in four zones, based on their characteristics: The Landing (Rotorua Port Zone), Front Country Accessible, Back Country Accessible, and Remote. Each of these zones has a set of policies to guide lake management decisions. The Rotorua Lakes Recreation Strategy also identifies three specific management issues and seven management actions to address them. Web link: www.envbop.govt.nz/Knowledge-Centre/Rotorua-Lakes-Recreation-Strategy.aspx
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Stocktake of recent and planned investment and enabling opportunities and initiatives (Draft August 2009)
7.11 Rotorua Employment Skills Strategy This project involves the Rotorua Employment Skills survey (2008 and 2009) and attending the Opportunities New Zealand Expo in the United Kingdom inter alia. Destination Rotorua Economic Development Unit (DREDU) allows businesses to list their employment requirements on their web site. They also offer potential migrants the opportunity to list their credentials on their web site and this facility is available to the business community to access. DREDU annually attends the Opportunities New Zealand Expo in the United Kingdom which helps attract people with the right skills for the right jobs and also assists DREDU in keeping a database of job seekers current. Ongoing activity by the Development Unit involves the following: • • • •
An agreement with New Life New Zealand to assist in attracting new migrants to Rotorua. Maintaining a strong interest and support for the concept and implementation of Careers Month which took place in May of 2007 for the first time. Supporting other initiatives to attract migrants to Rotorua. Attending the Employment skills Expo in Auckland.
Web link: www.rotorua-business.com/publications.asp
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