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SPRING EDITION 2015 | 1
LIVE, LEARN & WORK IN ROTORUA
RotoruaNZ.com
New Zealand's coolest hot spot
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LIFE AWAY FROM THE BIG CITY
Spring 2015
p 10
OTONGA PRIMARY SCHOOL
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SETTLE IN SPRINGFIELD
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Kia Ora& welcome to Rotorua, NZ’s coolest hot spot
Welcome to this Spring Edition of the Famously Rotorua Visitor and Lifestyle Magazine.
Rotorua is situated in the Bay of Plenty, appropriately named for its abundance in natural resources. With glistening lakes, spectacular forests and amazing geothermal wonders, Rotorua is the perfect home for nature lovers. Residents also benefit from world class outdoor activities like boating, swimming, mountain biking, trail running and fishing – you should see some of our huge trout!
Smack bang in the middle of the North Island, Rotorua also benefits from its proximity to the best this country has to offer. You can hop in a car and be sitting on the sand within an hour at one of New Zealand’s favourite surf beaches, Mt Maunganui. If you’re more of a snow bunny, you can also reach Mt Ruapehu’s ski fields in two hours.
Own a home or had the foresight to invest in one of the countries booming property markets? Well there’s never been a better time to sell up and move somewhere your dollar will go a lot further. House prices in Rotorua are around a third of their Auckland counterparts, so if you’ve got the equity you can probably buy that house with the view and then live the good life with all that’s left over.
We love it here and think you will too. Rotorua, New Zealand’s coolest hot spot.
Message from the Mayor
Settling in Springfield
A New Life away from the Big City
Rotorua’s Acommodation Sector
Employee Profile – Edward Judd
Otonga Primary School
Rotorua Directory
Live, Learn & Work
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RotoruaNZ.com
This publication is produced by Destination Rotorua and ninetyblack.
Mark Smith
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To find out more about living, working, playing and investing in Rotorua visit RotoruaNZ.com
HOTTIP
It’s home to a real mix of our population – everything from families with young children to retirees. And somewhere within that population is a multi-millionaire, winner of a $24.3m lottery prize drawn earlier this year, so perhaps that makes it a lucky suburb.
Rotorua is being heralded as a great place in which to invest right now and there’s plenty happening here to indicate that the future is looking positive.
The district’s council and the community are forging partnerships as part of a collaborative journey towards a shared vision and goals, there are developments happening throughout the city, business confidence is up and tourism is on a roll.
Grab the bikes and come and check it out for yourself, and when you come to decide where in our beautiful district you want to live, Springfield could be an attractive option.
A few things I like about Springfield:
• It’s the best possible location for cyclists with gorgeous, quiet country roads and the national cycleway just around the corner, and our wonderful, world famous forest mountain biking trails just down the road at Waipa.
• The scenic Utuhina Stream winds its way through parts of Springfield with some lovely stream-side walking tracks giving easy access to trout fishing. According to the local kids, it’s also great for a cooling dip during summer.
• If you’re catching a sports match or big event at Rotorua’s International Stadium you can leave the car at home and walk.
• There’s a golf course right in the middle of the suburb and another just down the road.
• Nearby Memorial Park, down the hill from Tihi-o-Tonga is a lovely place for a stroll, picnic or family barbecue.
We locals know Rotorua is already a great place to be. It’s only going to get better.
Hon Steve ChadwickROTORUA MAYOR
Springfield is one of those suburbs that’s close to everything – the central city, good schools, a supermarket, sports facilities, parks and golf courses.
Message from the MayorSettling in SpringfieldLocated only a few minutes from the city centre, Springfield provides a tranquil and peaceful setting to settle down or raise a family. Filled with spacious, beautiful family homes, the central location of this suburb means that everything is on your doorstep.
If you lead an active lifestyle, the neighbouring Whakarewarewa Forest provides you with the best mountain biking trails south of the equator. Not only that, but the mix of towering redwoods and native foliage makes this the perfect place to go for a run, a stroll with the dog or a picnic with the family.
If golfing is your passion, or something that you’ve always wanted to take up, the Springfield Golf Club really is the “Club of Champions”. Why not become a member of the golf club where golfing sensation Danny Lee developed his game? It’s a beautiful course that you’ll love regardless of how long you’ve been hitting the links.
Springfield is also next to Te Puia – a geothermal utopia, the Waiariki Institute of Technology – one of the largest tertiary institutes outside the main university centres and Rotorua International Stadium - which hosts ITM Cup games, National 7’s, Super Rugby and will become the fortress for the Maori All Blacks against the British and Irish Lions in 2017.
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Graeme Murray
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A New Life away from the Big City
After a lot of discussion, the parents decided on nearby Otonga School for their eldest daughter and couldn’t be happier with the decision. Described as a school with good morals and great teachers, their daughter loves this new environment, having made friends quickly and easily.
Over the past year the family have embraced Rotorua and all that it has to offer. Edward has even taken up mountain biking after learning that Rotorua’s trails are rated as the best in the southern hemisphere.
“I started mountain biking last summer, quickly realising just what an asset the Whakarewarewa Forest is for the region,” he says. “It is great that I can get out on the bike, ride some of the best trails on the planet and be back home spending time with the family within two hours.”
As the General Manager of three properties for AccorHotels in Auckland, Edward ranks the family’s decision to move from the big city to Rotorua as one of the best they have ever made.
“What people don’t realise is that you don’t lose a lifestyle moving here from Auckland, in fact you actually gain one,” says Ed. “Living in Rotorua I get to spend so much more time with my family. We loved our time in Auckland, but we definitely don’t miss that cost of living or the 40 minute commute.”
Working for a supportive company like AccorHotels, the move south was stress free. They were initially accommodated by one of the properties that Edward now manages, the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, before finding an amazing family home in the peaceful suburb of Springfield. With a strong family vibe, Edward refers to his new street as ‘old school’. “It’s the type of place where everybody knows each other, with the community even coming together for street parties.” Their two young daughters were quick to settle into a slower pace of life, loving that their new yard backs onto a working farm where sheep graze in the paddocks.
More than anything, the Judd family appreciates the amount of time that they have earned through the decision to move to Rotorua. With less than a 10 minute commute and the city providing everything that they need, they have embraced a life out of the big city. Looking back, it’s hard for them to imagine living anywhere else.
Natascha
Edward and Maree Judd met a decade ago, working together on the opening of the iconic Hilton Hotel on Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. Since then they have lived in a number of big cities in Australia and New Zealand – and when they announced to friends and family that they were moving to Rotorua, a lot of people asked them why.
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Rotorua’s Accommodation Sector
As a heartland of New Zealand Tourism, Rotorua’s booming commercial accommodation gets 2 million visitor nights per year - and this figure is on the climb. It’s no wonder that more and more people are transitioning into exciting roles in hospitality.
With a range of different accommodations in Rotorua - from luxury lodges to funky hostels and everything in between - this sector is a huge employer for the region. It also has the flow on effect of providing employment opportunities for supporting service providers in the region. With an increasing demand for new accommodation while renovations and maintenance
Out of high school Edward studied hospitality at Polytech in Wellington, before starting his career as a waiter at The Plaza International in Wellington. With an eagerness to see the world, he took on different roles in Australia and the U.K before moving home to New Zealand. He has since climbed the ladder on the back of a strong work ethic and positive can-do attitude, with experience opening iconic hotels in Auckland and Wellington and managing a number of independent and affiliated properties across the country.
New Zealand’s tourism sector is on track to become the country’s largest export earner, with summer expected to be our biggest ever for international visitors.
for existing premises is a constant, Rotorua’s tradies are well positioned. The local economy also benefits by supplying a huge quantity of food and consumables, design work and everything else that you can imagine to the accommodation providers.
Whether you are looking to own and operate a boutique bed and breakfast, work your way up the ladder in one of the great chain hotels or operate a business supporting the sector, there is an exciting opportunity awaiting you in Rotorua.
What do you enjoy most about your role as a hotel GM here in Rotorua?One thing I love about my current position is that the properties I manage, the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside and Ibis, represent something really special to the community. The Novotel in particular is an iconic building with a great, affordable restaurant and one of the best bars in town. We are working hard to promote ourselves to the local community to try and erase the stigma that hotels are an expensive place to eat and drink. This just isn’t the case anymore.
What are you busy working on at the moment?Our owners are really proactive with improving our properties and what they have to offer. We have just upgraded our gym and pool area here at the Novotel and we are working to improve our conferencing facilities in innovative ways.
Would you recommend that people consider the hospitality sector for employment?If you like to work with people and you have a positive attitude then I would definitely recommend working in hospitality. It offers a career path where, if you’re willing to work hard and are good at interacting and communicating with people, you can be really successful. Regardless of your background or where you’ve come from, in hospitality you can get the skills and training required to build a great career.
Employee Profile – Edward Judd
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Otonga Primary School
Unlike many primary schools, Otonga also provides students with the opportunity to learn Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture from years 3 to 6.
With many economists predicting that New Zealand’s future lies with China, the opportunity for children to learn
With a focus on developing confident, self-dedicated learners, Otonga Primary School provides a nurturing environment that ensures their pupils are well grounded on a path to make a positive contribution to a multi-cultural society. Located at the southern end of Rotorua City, Otonga School is set in beautiful park-like grounds. Boasting well-established trees and gardens, it has the added bonus of being adjacent to Jackson Park.
the language and customs of an imminent super power truly sets Otonga Primary School apart.
As part of the national ‘Enviroschools’ program, children are also taught the importance of environmental issues and such things as recycling and the value of the natural world that surrounds them. Students also participate in “green teams”, set up to champion special environmental projects.
Otonga Primary School values performing arts as a critical part of a child’s education. With a performing arts centre built adjacent to their hall, it is the perfect space for instruction and practice of the arts. With programs for a range of musical instruments, singing, dance, drama and kapa haka, kids with artistic tendencies will thrive in the setting that Otonga Primary School provides.
With the highest focus on learning excellence, young minds are nurtured throughout their junior, middle and senior primary years, clustered together to provide a stimulating class environment. Out of class extension and enrichment opportunities are also provided through specialist modules to ensure that children leave Otonga Primary perfectly positioned to face the next stage of their lives.
Mark Smith
It’s a big decision choosing where to live, work, play and invest as so many factors and levels of importance come into play.
Years gone by, people chose the suburb they lived in to be close to their place of work which was often a very long term commitment. Nowadays people are more mobile. Public & personal transport is more numerous & facilities such as shopping centres are more dispersed. Working styles too have changed immensely with the internet & job types allowing people to work remotely. It is also not uncommon for people to commute long distances.
We all have to make important & potentially life-changing decisions like buying a house, taking certain jobs or careers even re-inventing ourselves. Young people sometimes ask me to help find them certain jobs but I turn the question around and ask ‘how do you like to work best?’ That invokes a much wider range of possibilities & job potential. When one steps back & asks where is it that you want to live, that adds another vital dimension.
In the same way as the question above you might ask yourself “How is it that I really like to live, work & play & potentially invest in a house, maybe a business & maybe even raise a family?” Do you like big cities, traffic, shops, restaurants, & expensive house prices? Do you like smaller cities, easy commutes, minimal traffic, open spaces and outdoor options? Do you prefer isolated and/or rural environments?
You might question whether you are working in the right job/business, also
ask yourself if you are living in the place that is best for you. Let me help you by describing what living in Rotorua is like.
Location-wise I can fly anywhere in the world from here. I can be in Auckland in 2.5 hours, at the beach in 45 min, in Tauranga, Whakatane or Taupo in under an hour. I can get from home to work in 7 minutes & be riding in the redwoods park. Parking my car is cheap. There are good restaurants. I can have my boat on the lake or be entertaining guests up at the skyline restaurant in 15 min.
The people are friendly. The weather is pretty mild & we just don’t get the extremes of wind, rain, snow or hail.
Housing-wise in Rotorua, there are a lot of opportunities for people to enter the market as first home buyers, for investors or for people wanting to retire.
Rotorua is a perfect location for people in the IT, science & research sector as you get the best of all worlds. We have a diverse economy driven by tourism, forestry, wood processing, logistics, agribusiness and education.
So why don’t you ask yourself that important question about location. Then come to Rotorua & check out what we already know.
1061 Haupapa St, Rotorua(07) 351 [email protected]
GROW ROTORUA
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Looking to Buy in Rotorua?
Residential Commercial Lifestyle Rural
Tim O’Sullivan0274 974 986
Anita Martelli AREINZ027 552 6482
[email protected] Amtos Realty Services Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)
Covering all of your Real Estate needs. Tell us what you want.If we don’t have it we will find it!
Call Tim & Anita today, and you too could be living the dream in
our beautiful Rotorua.
Rotorua Holiday Rentals2LAKES
H O L I D AY R E N TA L S
If you are looking for a fantastic holiday retreat for your family or work location for yourself, speak to 2 Lakes Holiday Rentals. Discover the pristine beauty of New Zealand’s Lake Rotorua region! You will be presentedwith fully self contained luxurious holiday homes nestled in one of the most picturesque areas in the
“Come and relax at one of our fantastic holiday homes in the
Rotorua Lakes Region”www.2lakes.co.nz
07 362 80562Lakes Holiday Rentals is operated by experienced real estate broker Norman Donald MREINZ. Norman is passionate about the region in which he lives and works.
Norman Donald 0274 950 189Licensee Salesperson with Ray White Rotorua
The Rotorua Chamber of Commerce is tasked with the responsibility of promoting and supporting local businesses. We are also actively look to attract business to Rotoura.
As a life style choice Rotorua is second to none. There are 18 lakes within the Rotorua district and some absolutely fantastic mountain bike trails …..
If adventure is your passion then Rotorua is definitely the place to be. A tourism gem, Rotorua is currently well ahead of national averages for tourist numbers and is a must see destination for both international and national travellers.
Rotorua offers far more though. It is home to 6,800 business (as of 2013) spanning a vast range of industries. Tourism, dairy farming and forestry being the main industries in the region.
Rotorua is well known for it’s natural geothermal features from a tourism perspective but the potential it provides for its spa and wellness qualities are largely untapped. There is huge potential for growth in this industry.
Rotorua is centrally located in the North Island making it very easy to service business clients in Tauranga, Hamilton, Whakatane and Taupo all of whom are only an hour’s drive away.
The Rotorua Chamber of Commerce supports its business members by promoting Rotorua as a fantastic place to conduct business. The Chamber is the voice of its members and advocates on key issues.
The Chamber facilitates a number of events aimed at promoting local business and bringing businesses together through networking.
The Chamber also celebrates business excellence with its annual business awards. Local businesses get to celebrate their achievements on a local stage. Businesses also get the opportunity to take on board our judge’s feedback to improve the way they operate.
Whether motivated by business or pleasure Rotorua offers great lifestyle and business opportunities.
Why not contact the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce today and discover the opportunities that await you....
1081 Hinemoa Street Rotorua(07) 346 [email protected]
ROTORUA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS
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Rotorua District Library is a vibrant centre for learning and recreation in the heart of Rotorua city.
The library has a wide range of current, high quality print and digital resources on offer to members and visitors. It also has innovative programmes, historical research material, free internet computer access, wi-fi and a mobile library service.
The library prides itself on being a welcoming environment for all and being the heart of the Rotorua community.
Come and see what the library has to offer you and your whanau today.
1127 Haupapa Street, Rotorua(07) 348 [email protected] rotorualibrary.govt.nz
ROTORUA DISTRICT LIBRARY
VALUING ROTORUA’S LAKESIDE LIFESTYLEBuying your own slice of “Famously Rotorua”? Then call Adrienne Mikkelsen. She’s an expert at valuing all of the city’s residential, lifestyle and lakes properties, whether it be a purchase for permanent living or a holiday home.
Anyone buying into today’s increasingly vibrant Rotorua scene needs a local expert offering local advice. Adrienne should top that list. She’s Property InDepth’s Bay of Plenty manager and a fully registered property valuer. She isn’t a real estate agent. She doesn’t sell properties. Instead, she provides buyers and sellers independent property valuations on the full range of residential, investment, lifestyle and lake properties spread throughout Rotorua District, the Bay of Plenty and Taupo.
Many of Property InDepth’s happy clients comment on how “professional, obliging and good to deal with” Adrienne is and how she’s given them “first-class service”. That’s not surprising. She’s a real people-person and thoroughly enjoys helping anyone achieve their property goals.
Since she began her valuation career in Rotorua in 1997, Adrienne has had her finger on the pulse of Rotorua’s property scene. She joined Property InDepth in 2009 and is one of the many valuers it has working throughout New Zealand.
0800 463 378 or 021 [email protected]
OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR8.30AM TILL 9.30PM
PRESCRIPTIONS,
FIRST AIDAND ALL YOURMEDICAL NEEDS
ONE STOP SHOPYour after hours
1155 Tutanekai St · Rotorua · www.lakescarepharmacy.com · Ph 07 348 4385
ROTORUA MUDAND NZ MADESKINCAREPRODUCTS
on holiday... feeling unwell? injured yourself?
OPEN EVERY DAY – 8am to 10pmPh. (07) 348 10001165 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua
We are a walk-in clinic, no appointment necessary.
Lakes PrimeCare is here to help.
ROTORUA LAKES HIGH SCHOOL
Mauria te pono – Keep steadfastly to the truth
Rotorua Lakes High School is a co-educational school with a roll of 650 – 700 Year 9 to Year 13 students, situated on a picturesque site above the eastern shores of Lake Rotorua and only a short 10 minute drive from the city. We are caring and disciplined, offering high quality learning with a commitment to the individual needs of our students. Academic excellence is a major goal and our school has a reputation for achieving success with National Examinations.
EDUCATION
Rotorua Lakes High School provides excellent education to EVERY student. We offer students an education with an emphasis on identifying and catering for individual needs. Multi-level courses are available for senior school students, including Trades Academy. Junior students have a wide choice of option subjects.
SPORTS
We have a wide range of co-curricular activities catering for the cultural and sporting development of our students. These include approximately 36 sporting codes and cultural activities, which include Music, Drama, Debating and Public Speaking.
We would love to hear from you. Please contact our Principal, Bruce Walker.
Porikapa Road, RotoruaPO Box 7002, Te Ngae, Rotorua(07) 345 [email protected]
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0800 90 BLACK www.ninetyblack.com
