A delegation of international diplomats has been in Rotorua for two days to find out what drives the city's economy.
The delegation of 16 included ambassadors and high commissioners to New Zealand from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, North and South America, Europe and the Pacific. They were in Rotorua
on Thursday and Friday.
The theme of the visit, organised by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was "Business aspirations for the future - the importance of the international marketplace for Rotorua and the surrounding region".
Following a traditional Maori welcome at Te Papaiouru Marae, Rotorua District Council managers presented an overview of the district and the council's role in the local economy and highlighted investment opportunities in the city.
The council's economic and regulatory services group manager, Mark Rawson, said the visiting diplomats were given the opportunity to experience indigenous tourism, learn about local innovation in forestry and wood processing and gain appreciation of iwi-based economic development.
