Good events and event management is an ineradicably important component in the economic impact for business in Rotorua.
Flow-through to spend, experience and return visitation are critical for success.
The planning that went into Raggamuffin last weekend was immense and the teams involved must be congratulated on what, from my perspective, was
another successful event for Rotorua.
In particular, the people movement - gold coin-in and free-out bus service - to and from the International Stadium seemed, to this Glenholme resident, to have been flawless, compared to past years.
It seemed there was little or no congestion.
The lessons we take from events like Raggamuffin, as a city anticipating an extended period of event management for the Rugby World Cup, will bode well for ensuring business benefits and residents glean maximum value for minimum disruption.
This will be key to a successful outcome for Rotorua.
The economic development unit developed a Wiggley Bus. Through advertising on the vehicle, we were able to fund a bus service that residents and visitors could hop-on and hop-off at points up and down Fenton St and in and around the central business district.
Our intention is to expand this Wiggley Bus service, and the value it brought by way of moving people into the city centre, in readiness for the Rugby World Cup.
It will offer one fare, run for 24 hours, and will cover a designated circuit down the accommodation strip, through the central business district and out to the major attractions down Fairy Springs Rd.
Many international cities offer this service, allowing visitors to get the lay of the land and its attractions.
It is envisaged there will be information and commentary along the way, pointing out and promoting key attractions in our city.
Look forward to seeing this develop in the next few months.
The recent media coverage focusing on improving our customer services, developing events locally and regionally that will add value to the experience of visitors and residents and ensuring business can connect with those attending the Rugby World Cup, is all part of the build-up to deliver a world-class event.
Such a "Team Bay of Plenty" approach includes representatives from businesses, public office, iwi and sporting organisations who are collectively dedicated to ensure the success of the event.
The regional group feeds into the national promotion and logistics of wider Rugby World Cup events - known as the REAL Showcase of New Zealand.
Once fully developed, this melting pot of events - which is still being added to - will deliver a world-class event and provide a legacy of learning, enabling New Zealand to step-up to the global event market.
I implore businesses to get involved, register at www.nz2011.govt.nz and ask what they do and how they can be involved.
Let's Go Rotorua!
- Grant Kilby is the general manager for Destination Rotorua Economic Development
