Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers

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Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers

RDRR FB has 3.6K followers. No subs. Donations welcome to ANZ 06 0413 0524259 00. At the AGM on 19 November it had 651 members and associates.

The Rotorua Ratepayers & Residents Inc (RDRR) was launched on 25th September 2015, replacing it’s predecessor, the Rotorua Pro-Democracy Society, with a wider mandate. The RDRR offered a new council team at the 8 Oct 2016 elections to restore democracy, the rule of law, financial responsibility and policy making power to elected representatives. It endorsed a mayoral candidate, Dr Reynold Macphers

on, and six Councillor candidates for the local authority elections starting 8 October 2016. The six were Peter Bentley, Julie Calnan, John Dyer, Raj Kumar, Rosemary MacKenzie and John Visser. Peter Bentley and Raj Kumar were elected, and all others endorsed came within 1000 votes of being elected. All but one of the Mayor's power bloc suffered 22-30% swings against them, with over 42,000 votes switching to the RDRR candidates. The Mayor came within 7% of losing the mayoralty. In January 2017, RDRR members decided to maintain their campaign through to the 2019 elections. In 2019 Cr Raj Kumar jumped from 7th to 2nd place on the 10 seat Council, Cr Peter Bentley's vote held steady, and Cr Reynold Macpherson came in 8th. Other first-time RDRR candidates polled extremely well. Lachlan McKenzie won 12th, Conan 16th and Linda 21st. Reynold increased his mayoral votes by 452 while an ex-RDRR vote splitter lost 639 votes. The next electoral opportunity for RDRR will come with local body elections in October 2022. You are warmly invited to assist in this ongoing campaign.

31/10/2025

MAORI WOMAN’S HISTORIC ELECTION SYMBOLISES COMPETENT AND INTERCULTURAL LEADERSHIP

Matemoana McDonald made history as the first Māori woman to chair the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Elected unopposed, she received unanimous support from her fellow councillors, symbolising broad confidence in her leadership. In her inaugural remarks, McDonald acknowledged the challenges ahead and emphasised collaboration between the regional and district councils to help all Bay of Plenty communities flourish. She highlighted the importance of relationships, quoting her kuia: “it’s not just about relationships, it’s all about relationships.”

Other councillors expressed similar commitments to partnership and environmental stewardship. Tauranga’s Glenn Dougal was appointed deputy chair, while Eastern Bay councillor Malcolm Campbell pledged support for new members and recognised the growing number of women in leadership roles. Kōhi Māori councillor Mawera Karetai, inaugurated remotely, reaffirmed her duty to protect both people and the natural environment, supported by a haka performed by her son and friends in her honour.

McDonald’s appointment represents a milestone in New Zealand’s evolving civic culture. Her leadership symbolises competence anchored in cultural humility and inclusiveness, affirming that interculturalism strengthens governance. By uniting technical skill with Māori values of relational leadership, McDonald embodies a model of democratic service that honours heritage while advancing collective wellbeing.

What do you think?

Reynold Macpherson
RDRR Chairman

Matemoana McDonald made history as the first woman to chair Toi Moana.

31/10/2025

ROTORUA PASIFIKA FESTIVAL 2025: CELEBRATING CULTURE, CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY WELLBEING

Rotorua’s Pasifika Festival 2025 will fill the Village Green with colour, rhythm and flavour this Saturday, celebrating the region’s rich Pacific heritage through music, food, and community connection. This year’s theme, “navigating wellbeing through culture and connection,” highlights how cultural identity and shared experience strengthen community wellbeing.

The programme features performances from local schools, community groups, the Saintz Performing Arts Pasifika Secondary Schools Choir, and a grand finale by the Signature Choir. Alongside the stage, festival-goers can enjoy kai and artisan stalls, a children’s zone with a bouncy castle, and the Ola Fou Health and Wellbeing Hub offering support and information.

Festival director and Rotorua Pacific Islands Development Charitable Trust chief executive Jacqueline Pointon said the event’s purpose is to reconnect people with the languages, traditions, and values that keep communities strong. She described the festival as a joyful reminder that when cultures are celebrated, collective wellbeing flourishes.

The alcohol-free event encourages families to bring picnic rugs, refillable water bottles and sunscreen, while rideshare and carpool options make access easy and sustainable.

The Rotorua Pasifika Festival deserves the community’s full support as one of the city’s most uplifting and unifying annual events. It showcases Pacific pride, creativity and resilience while promoting health, family and connection—values that strengthen the whole district.

Everyone is warmly encouraged to attend, enjoy the vibrant performances, taste authentic Pasifika flavours, and celebrate the cultural diversity that makes Rotorua such a welcoming and dynamic place to live.

Reynold Macpherson
RDRR Chairman

Visitors can enjoy food, artisan stalls and the Ola Fou wellbeing hub.

30/10/2025

TE PUIA’S TRIUMPH: CULTURAL LEADERSHIP AND COURAGE REDEFINE NEW ZEALAND TOURISM

Rotorua’s Te Puia – New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute has been named the Supreme Winner of the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards, securing the nation’s highest tourism honour. Judges praised the iwi-led attraction as “truly iconic”, recognising its cultural depth, geothermal setting, and bold transformation following the pandemic.

Te Puia also won the NZME Visitor Experience Award and the Sudima Hotels Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business) and was a finalist in the Māori Tourism Award. Chief executive Tim Cossar credited his board and team for their resilience, noting that rebuilding after Covid-19 required difficult decisions, patience, and the courage to reimagine the business.

Te Puia’s success reflects a remarkable recovery story. Having lost its international market during the pandemic, the organisation pivoted to engage domestic visitors, strengthened ties with the Rotorua community, and rebuilt its workforce to nearly 200 staff. Judges highlighted its focus on sustainability, high-quality visitor experiences, and its integration of cultural authenticity with innovation.

Tim Cossar described the recognition as a moment of reflection and pride, emphasising that Te Puia’s renewal has positioned Rotorua once again as a leading tourism destination and cultural showcase.

Warm congratulations are due to Tim, his board, and the Te Puia whānau for this outstanding achievement. Their success stems from clear moral and strategic leadership, a commitment to cultural authenticity, courageous long-term investment, and a spirit of collective resilience.

By rebuilding in partnership with the community and demonstrating that manaakitanga and sustainability can drive world-class tourism, Te Puia has become both a national exemplar and a beacon for Rotorua’s renaissance.

What do you think?

Reynold Macpherson
RDRR Chairman

Judges said Te Puia created an experience that will 'stand the test of time'.

30/10/2025

KMART ROTORUA’S 50C TROLLEY BOND A FAIR AND PRACTICAL WIN FOR RATEPAYERS

Kmart Rotorua has introduced a 50-cent refundable bond to use shopping trolleys. The aim is to reduce trolley theft and dumping. A sign says the 50c is returned when shoppers leave the store. Staff say Rotorua is among the first to try this system. They reported trolley shortages and high costs last Christmas Eve. Smaller wheeled baskets remain free to use.

Most shoppers interviewed were relaxed about the change. Many said they had seen this system overseas. Some worry about always having a coin. Local social media feedback was mixed but leaned positive. People noted trolleys are often dumped around the city. The council now collects abandoned trolleys and can charge storage and return fees.

This innovation deserves strong support. It shifts the cost of lost and abandoned trolleys away from ratepayers and onto retailers and users. It encourages responsibility, tidier streets, and fairer cost recovery.

After years of RDRR calling for such measures, this is a practical step that backs the new bylaw and protects household budgets.

What do you think?

Reynold Macpherson
RDRR Chairman

Rotorua's Kmart is among the first in the country to have trolley deposits.

29/10/2025

ELECT TRUSTEES OF INTEGRITY, EXPERIENCE AND FINANCIAL COMPETENCE – NOT POLITICAL AMBITION

Voting has opened to elect six trustees to the Rotorua Trust, which manages about $170 million in community funds for the benefit of local residents. The trust, established in 1994 from the sale of Rotorua Electricity Ltd, invests its capital to support local projects in arts, culture, sport, education, environment, health, and community development. In the past year it distributed $4.53 million in 245 grants and achieved a 5.4 percent return on investments. Long-time chair Stewart Edward is stepping down after three terms, ensuring a new leader will be chosen once the election concludes on 26 November.

There are 22 candidates for the six trustee seats, including several current and former councillors, community leaders, principals, and professionals from across the region. Incumbents Mike Keefe, Catherine Cooney, Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, and Fisher Wang are seeking re-election, while other high-profile names such as Tamati Coffey, Raj Kumar, and Lani Kereopa are also contesting. The trustees will serve for three years, supported by a small management team, and will help guide investment strategy and funding priorities for Rotorua’s future.

When selecting candidates for a community charitable trust, voters should look for individuals with proven integrity, community service, and financial literacy. Ideal trustees demonstrate independence, sound judgment, and a clear understanding of governance rather than politics. They should have experience in philanthropy or community development, a commitment to transparency, and the capacity to evaluate funding proposals fairly and strategically to ensure long-term benefits for the Rotorua community.

What do yiu think?

Reynold Macpherson
RDRR Chairman

Voting open to elect six new Rotorua Trust trustees, as long-time chairman steps down.

29/10/2025

SURRY’S RESTRUCTURE SHOWS THE WAY: ROTORUA SHOULD SEEK REFORM, NOT RENEGE ON RATE PROMISES

The UK Labour Government has announced that Surrey will be divided into two new unitary authorities—East Surrey and West Surrey—replacing the current county, borough, and district councils. The restructure aims to tackle unsustainable local government debt and simplify governance by abolishing the two-tier system.

Local government minister Alison McGovern said the new councils would be “more financially sustainable,” noting that unprecedented levels of unsupported debt, especially Woking Borough’s £2 billion liability, had made radical change necessary. A £500 million bailout is planned for Woking ahead of the reforms, which the Government views as a milestone in its national council reorganisation programme.

While Surrey County Council’s leader, Tim Oliver, welcomed the decision as a positive step toward local empowerment and regional growth, others voiced concern about accountability and representation.

The County Councils Network supported adherence to population-based criteria to ensure stability, whereas the District Councils’ Network warned that larger “mega-councils” could alienate communities and reduce responsiveness to local needs. The debate reflects tensions between efficiency, democracy, and financial prudence in local governance reform.

Rotorua Lakes Council, its sister organisations, and the Ministry of Local Government in New Zealand could usefully study such restructuring models as a means of achieving financial sustainability.

Rather than reneging on the promise to peg rates rises to inflation, they might explore structural and cooperative innovations—such as regional service sharing, rationalised governance, or partial unitary models—that strengthen fiscal prudence, protect essential services, and deliver real value to ratepayers.

What do you think?

Reynold Macpherson
RDRR Chairman

The existing Surrey County Council and 11 borough and district councils will be dissolved and merged into the two large authorities.

29/10/2025

POWER AND PURPOSE: TAPSPELL’S SECOND TERM SETS THE STAGE FOR ROTORUA’S NEW LEADERSHIP BALANCE

Mayor Tania Tapsell began her second term in office with confidence and optimism, marking the occasion with a cheerful fist bump with chief executive Andrew Moraes at the swearing-in ceremony. The event celebrated democratic renewal, with councillors, families, staff, and community members gathering to witness the oath-taking and welcome new and returning representatives. Tapsell’s words reflected pride and humility, emphasising the privilege of public service and her intention to lead a high-performing, community-focused council.

She congratulated all councillors and community board members, acknowledging both experienced leaders and newcomers. Her gracious tribute to long-serving councillor Trevor Maxwell and warm praise for returning deputy mayor Sandra Kai Fong highlighted a tone of unity and continuity. The presence of re-elected and first-time members underscored the district’s blend of experience and renewal as the new council begins its work.

The mayor’s forthcoming announcement of committee structures, chairs, deputy chairs, and other appointments—positions entirely within her discretion—will reveal how power, influence, and salaries are to be distributed across the council. It will also signal how she intends to balance loyalty, expertise, and representation in shaping Rotorua’s political and administrative leadership for the next three years.

What do you think?

Reynold Macpherson
RDRR Chairman

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell, councillors and community boards begin the new triennium.

28/10/2025

ICONIC LAKELAND QUEEN NEARS RELAUNCH WITH STRONG PUBLIC AND CULTURAL SUPPORT

The Lakeland Queen, Rotorua’s iconic paddle boat, is close to resuming operations after being idle since 2021. New owners Damon and Arna Hagaman have restored the vessel and are finalising two key approvals — a resource consent and a liquor licence — before reopening in November. While Te Arawa Lakes Trust confirmed no new jetty lease was needed, the couple must still gain Rotorua Lakes Council and Ngāti Whakaue approval to operate tours on Lake Rotorua.

The liquor licence hearing is set for November 3, with one public objection received. If approval is delayed, the Lakeland Queen will open for breakfast and lunch cruises without alcohol service, postponing dinner operations. The Hagamans have invested about $1.5 million restoring the boat and hiring a full team, including entertainment manager Howie Morrison jnr, and are ready to welcome guests once consent processes are complete.

The consenting process deserves full public support as it ensures cultural, environmental, and community safeguards are met before operations begin. Transparent licensing and iwi engagement protect Rotorua’s natural heritage and reinforce local confidence that commercial activities on Lake Rotorua proceed responsibly and in the public good.

What do you think?

Reynold Macpherson
RDRR Chairman

But the Lakeland Queen might have to resume cruising without a liquor licence.

28/10/2025

CREATIVE MOMENTUM: SPONSORED ART AWARDS REVIVE ROTORUA’S CULTURAL SPIRIT

The Rotorua Museum Art Awards are returning in 2026 after a seven-year break, giving Bay of Plenty artists a major opportunity to showcase their creativity despite the museum’s ongoing closure for strengthening and redevelopment. With a record $18,000 prize pool, including a $15,000 Supreme Award, the event demonstrates the community’s ongoing commitment to local arts.

Organised by the Rotorua Museum and Friends of Rotorua Museum, proceeds from art sales will support the museum’s exhibition development ahead of its reopening. The competition includes categories for youth, innovation, and a People’s Choice Award, ensuring recognition across a range of artistic talent and age groups.

Entries are open until January 12, with finalists to be exhibited at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre from February 5 to March 1. The event will culminate in a gala awards evening on February 4, celebrating creativity and community spirit. Free public access to both the main exhibition and the Salon des Refusés will encourage engagement, while art sales will provide direct support for the museum’s restoration and future programs.

This business model deserves strong support because it sustains the local arts ecosystem through exemplary sponsorships from Lockwood Buildings, Watts and Hughes, Coombes Johnston BMW, and Rotorua Trust. It combines cultural celebration with financial sustainability by turning community pride and corporate partnerships into tangible outcomes for Rotorua’s artistic future.

The model demonstrates how collaboration between public institutions, private sponsors, and creative individuals can keep cultural life thriving—even in times of constraint.

Congratulations to all involved.

Reynold Macpherson
RDRR Chairman

Sales from the awards exhibition will fund Rotorua Museum’s redevelopment project.

28/10/2025

FROM BRADFORD TO ROTORUA: FIRE SALES AND THE PERILS OF COUNCIL DEBT MISMANAGEMENT

Bradford, England, once a wealthy industrial hub, is now burdened with more than £700 million in debt and struggling to meet its financial obligations. To avoid insolvency, the council has begun selling a wide range of public assets—heritage buildings, leisure facilities, farmland, and even car parks—often at low or symbolic prices.

The so-called “Bradford Fire Sale” has raised about £22 million so far, but the proceeds remain far short of the £150 million target needed to stabilise the city’s finances. Many residents view these sales as a tragic dismantling of the city’s heritage, accusing the Labour-run council of years of mismanagement, vanity projects, and misplaced priorities.

Critics point to wasteful spending and soaring executive salaries, while others blame years of austerity and central-government funding cuts. Several community landmarks, including historic schools, parks, and theatres, have been sold or earmarked for disposal, leading to public anger and accusations that civic leaders are “selling the family silver.”

The council argues that asset disposals are essential to reduce borrowing costs and protect essential services from further cuts, though confidence in its leadership remains low. The situation underscores a broader national crisis, with local authorities across the UK facing rising costs, shrinking revenues, and growing debts.

Historically, the sale of public assets has been a standard tool for local governments seeking to retire debt and restore financial stability. When properly managed, such asset recycling can reduce interest costs, restore liquidity, and allow councils to refocus on core services.

However, Bradford’s experience highlights the dangers of relying too heavily on this method without addressing structural fiscal imbalances. Selling community assets may provide temporary relief, but without prudent budgeting and economic regeneration, it risks eroding public trust and undermining the very foundations of civic life.

Does this apply to Rotorua?

Reynold Macpherson
RDRR Chairman

A colossal £726m in debt, the very institutions that once held Bradford together are being valued, catalogued and auctioned off - with prices starting at £1.

27/10/2025

TAPSELL’S SECOND TERM: UNITY AND DEBT FOCUS—BUT NO RELIEF FOR RATEPAYERS FACING COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS

Mayor Tania Tapsell opened her second term promising unity, fiscal discipline, and progress on key projects like the Rotorua Museum restoration. She emphasised teamwork within the new council, tackling social issues linked to emergency housing although not a council responsibility, and safeguarding the city’s financial future as debt climbed to $447 million.

Tapsell reaffirmed her commitment to inclusivity and improved communication to combat misinformation while managing costs on capital works. However, will she be able to mitigate performative politics by power hungry and extremist colleages?

She described debt reduction as essential for future generations but offered no commitment to limit rate increases, a silence that will disappoint households already strained by rising living costs. Her focus on long-term strategy, however, signals continued investment in core infrastructure and cautious optimism about the museum reopening. Will she end discretionary spending preferred by entitled interest groups?

From the Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers (RDRR) perspective, the mayor’s emphasis on debt control, transparency, and sound asset management aligns broadly with RDRR’s principles. Yet, the absence of a clear pledge to peg rates rises to inflation—a core RDRR policy—will trouble ratepayers enduring a cost-of-living crisis and seeking firm fiscal restraint from their elected leaders.

What do you think?

Reynold Macpherson
RDRR Chairman

Tania Tapsell received a landslide margin of votes to be re-elected as Rotorua Mayor.

26/10/2025

CITY TAKES RDRR’S LEAD ON BLUE BATHS REVIVAL

Proposed changes to New Zealand’s earthquake-strengthening laws may make it possible to reopen Rotorua’s heritage Blue Baths. The Government has suggested replacing the current New Building Standard (NBS) system with a new risk-based approach that focuses on materials and proximity to public spaces.

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell said the reform could remove the Blue Baths from the earthquake-prone register and “open the doors” for its restoration. She noted that while the museum’s costly rebuild would not be affected, the Blue Baths could benefit from the simplified framework and reduced compliance costs once the legislation is finalised.

The Blue Baths, built in 1933 and closed since 2021 for seismic safety reasons, remain a cherished landmark. The council has prioritised the Rotorua Museum rebuild but is monitoring the reform closely. Officials said they will review their buildings once the new rules are confirmed and consider the Blue Baths’ future as part of the next long-term plan. Monthly inspections continue to ensure the structure’s safety and maintenance while awaiting clarity from the Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk.

RDRR warmly congratulates Mayor Tapsell and council officials for pursuing this constructive opportunity. It was RDRR that first proposed that legal reforms could make the Blue Baths’ restoration fiscally possible, reducing regulatory barriers and cost burdens. Their willingness to explore this pathway shows responsiveness to community advice and a shared commitment to restoring Rotorua’s historic treasures in a financially responsible way.

What do you think?

Reynold Macpherson
RDRR Chairman

The Spanish mission-style bathhouse has not been used since 2021.

Address

484 Pukehangi Road
Rotorua
3015

Telephone

07 346 8553

Website

http://www.rdrr.nz/

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