A major new initiative aimed at kick-starting growth in Rotorua's economy will begin this week.
The Bright Economy project -- a joint effort between New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the Rotorua District Council and the local business community -- will begin on Thursday with an open day.
The project is described bythe council's economic development manager Mark Rawson as one of the most important that the council has embarked on for many years
The open day will be used to develop a Rotorua Economic Development Strategy. The draft strategy and implementation plan is due by the end of the month.
Mr Rawson said while Rotorua had kept up with national growth trends, it was falling behind neighbouring areas such as the Western Bay of Plenty which were making "outstanding" progress.
The open day is expected to attract widespread input from the community, seen as vital to the project's success.
Rotorua faced a number of issues including a demand for certain types of skilled workers and problems posed by seasonal sectors, such as forestry and tourism.
Mr Rawson said a planned strategic approach had more chance of success in areas such as attracting new investment.
"The project team will be working closely with a number of prominent local business people and business organisations to ensure the best advice and brightest ideas are incorporated into the project."
