Rotorua local business Q&A: The Wall and Basement Cinema

On Hinemoa St there is a place where you can challenge yourself to climb a wall or relax and watch an indie movie. We talk to Simon Reilly, owner of The Wall and Basement Cinema.

In a nutshell, what does your business do?

The Basement Cinema is Rotorua's answer to alternative cinema. In the opinion of many "indie" movies are not given the respect they deserve with cinema-goers being over exposed to blockbusters by the Hollywood machine. The result is the Basement Cinema presents a more varied programme than most of the cinemas in the region.

The Wall caters for everyone, from the absolute beginner to the expert. We provide a great experience for schools, youth groups, birthday parties and corporate groups and are home to New Zealand's largest climbing club - the Rotorua Climbing Club.

What inspired you to set up your current business?

I was living in South Auckland at the time and wanted to move back to Rotorua for family and for the outdoor lifestyle. I bought the business from the previous owner four years ago as I felt it had great potential to two different types of customers - the mature cinema-goer to the active climber.

What was the best business decision you have made?

I am a staunch believer in buying an existing business in this economic climate. The benefits of having a track record far outweigh any positive factors associated with starting from scratch. It removes a large percentage of risk because someone else has done this. Buy a good business and make it great.

What was your worst business mistake (if any) and what did you learn from it?

Mistakes occur from time to time, but it is important to stop them happening again.

What do you see as the biggest opportunity for your business in the year ahead?

Growing the two aspects of the business locally. Climbing with schools and education groups. We also have the national indoor climbing champs here in October.

If you could do any other job for a day, what would that be?

PGA golf pro - my childhood dream.

How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?

I enjoy out the outdoors. I finished my first ironman a few years ago. Got back to playing golf last year.

What's the best thing about being in business in Rotorua?

Great loyal customers and friendly people. The stories they tell you.

If you were mayor of Rotorua for one day, what one change would you make?

Bring the centre of town alive. The high cost of parking has chased many residents out of the city centre. In our case if one attends a movie, parking is now up to 40 per cent of the outing cost.