Polynesian Spa marks 40th birthday

There will be a party atmosphere at the Polynesian Spa this weekend as the iconic Rotorua attraction marks its 40th anniversary under the ownership of the Lobb family.

Neville Lobb opened the pools on Good Friday 1972. Forty years later, the business is now run by his son Martin Lobb, who described the anniversary as "quite a milestone".

"I see it as an opportunity to let people from our domestic market know we are still here. The timing fits our domestic tourism nicely, with Easter and the school holidays."

Lobb said the attraction had great local support and it was a place Rotorua people could visit repeatedly, so there was a strong focus on keeping things affordable for that regular market and on giving back to the local community.

He has been managing director for nearly 26 years - coming back from overseas to take on the family business.

"It wasn't something we had ever discussed. We hadn't planned for me to take over, but I'm happy I did."

 

His father was 52 when he bought the Ward Baths and began developing the site.

"He put vast amounts of energy into it and, by the time he got to 66, he was ready to put his feet up at the beach."

But the site has continued to develop and this is what keeps Lobb enthused about the business.

 

He admits it is a necessity, as the geothermal conditions are tough on materials. but it is also what keeps things fresh.

"This is what fires me up - seeing the business grow. And, as we have developed all these things, the visitor mix has changed from just being a sleepy little domestic attraction to an attraction with considerable overseas appeal and recognition.

"It's the type of product that fits into so many different people's itineraries."

Long-serving staff, board members from spa business partner Rangatira and "Rotorua business friends" celebrated the 40th anniversary with a dinner last week. Customers will be reaping the benefits this weekend with special promotions and competitions and suppliers will also be treated to special gifts in the coming weeks.