We are so lucky to live in Rotorua. Here are my 50 reasons why I feel it's a great place to live.
1. We have hot water, even when the power is off
2. We have clean fresh water bubbling out of the ground
3. We don't have forest fires that destroy
homes
4. We haven't had a flood that destroys a community
5. We don't get snow three metres deep
6. We don't have a revolt and overthrow of our Government
7. We don't have any cyclones to speak of
8. It's some time since we had an eruption
9. Our toilets work when you flush
10. The rubbish man comes once a week
11. We have an international airport
12. We have a picture theatre
13. We have Thai restaurants
14. We have a bus service
15. We have fantastic schools
16. We have Croucher Beer
17. We have a quiet mayor
18. We have an RSA
19. We have Indian restaurants
20. We have four McDonald's
21. We have the redwood forest
22. We are the home of mountain biking
23. We are far enough away, yet close enough to Auckland
24. Our hospital is growing
25. We still have an A&P show
26. Our race course is not a carpark
27. The streat is not a street
28. The Shed is a pub
29. Fat Dog is a cafe
30. Trout is not Friday night's fish and chips
31. The shed is still a party place
32. The guitar is still our iTunes
33. Hunter's Corner is still in the bush
34. Traffic jams are still exciting
35. Our stadium is ready
36. Our sound shell is quiet
37. QE is still in hot water
38. Abracadabra is still magic
39. Our airport doesn't body scan
40. A parking fine is only $10
41. Joe's Diner is still open late
42. Pak n' Save has no pack
43. Our Warehouse is open late
44. Motel beds get cheaper ever year
45. We have three MPs
46. You can still drive to the dump on one tank
47. Countdown is not a bomb threat
48. The Daily Post is still daily
49. The people, the people, the people
50. And, best of all, culture is important.
I would love to see your list, in the light of what has happened in Christchurch I just feel extremely lucky to be living in Rotorua.
- Rod Meharry is a former member of the Government's Small Business Advisory Group and a previous small business owner now looking for a new challenge