Ice rink likely to return

The Harcourts Ice Rink has proved a winner in Rotorua, despite a number of complaints.

The rink, which has operated for a month at the Village Green, closed last night after about 13,000 people took part in the wintry activity.

Organisers have reported it to be a success in Rotorua, with great numbers and fewer injuries than last year.

However, among the injuries suffered was one lady who was taken to hospital after hitting her head on the ice.

"I heard an almighty crunch. A lady had slipped over and she was lying on the ground," by-stander Donnella Mattock said.

Mrs Mattock said some people outside the rink jumped on to the ice to assist her. "They lifted her up and we could see the blood on the back of her head and on the ice."

She said she was shocked there was no first aid staff helping the lady and little done about the blood on the ice, with people skating over it.

Ice World New Zealand event manager Robert Ahchee said they always had at least one first aid-trained staff member at the rink.

He said a staff member had tried to help during the incident, and had called the ambulance.

Mr Ahchee said they would "strongly consider" bringing the rink back next year.