The Raggamuffin Festival is just one reason why Rotorua is the best place for events in the country.
The Raggamuffin Festival is just one reason why Rotorua is the best place for events in the country.
Congratulations, Rotorua, it turns out our city is the best place to hold an event.
Just in case you hadn't heard, our city's reputation for hosting world-class events was recognised yesterday on a global scale with the presentation of an International Festivals and Events Association World Festival and Event CityAward.
Rotorua was the only region in New Zealand to receive the award this year, designed to recognise cities around the world that have raised the bar in relation to hosting community and major events.
To be honest, we already knew that. When you look at some of the events we have held here, the world mountain-biking champs, world single-speed championships, Raggamuffin, Te Matatini kapa haka festival and of course the Rotorua Marathon just to name a few, I sort of wondered why this type of award hadn't come earlier.
Our city has it all, great people, fantastic facilities and of course location, these were some of the reasons why we picked up the award.
Just look at when we hosted this year's Te Matatini kapa haka festival. It was a truly spectacular event with the venue packed out for the four days. I wait to see how the city will go with the national sevens, which is set to kick off in the New Year.
I'm sure we can make that event a real festive occasion and keep it here for the foreseeable future.
