Council extends reach in CBD with block leaders

Now managing director Grant Kilby is one of the block champions. Photo / Stephen Parker

Residential streets have Neighbourhood Support groups; now the CBD streets have block champions.

The Inner City Focus Group initiative means businesses on each block have a central point of contact for anything concerning the Rotorua Lakes Council.

Councillor Karen Hunt, who leads the council's inner-city revitalisation portfolio, said there had been a great response so far with 16 block champions throwing their names into the ring.

"We're looking for their ideas and energy," she said.

"It will provide them with an opportunity for each of them to make sure they feel fully informed of what's happening in their city."

There was a meeting for prospective block champions three weeks ago.

One of the block champions is Grant Kilby, managing director of Now on Haupapa St.

"I put my hand up before the meeting," he said.

"The voice of the city needs to be heard from the perspective of the business owners.

"It's a good sounding board as well. We're here as block champions to levy support where required for projects. For other projects it might just be testing the water for what the feeling is of the business community."

He said among the issues business owners had opinions about were the parking meters.

"And the Green Corridor will come past my front door. That was a ballsy move.

"This is also a chance to get to know your neighbours. It's camaraderie, getting businesses talking to each other. If you don't know who you're talking to you don't know who can help you with your business. It's like a business network but on a much smaller scale."

Mrs Hunt said the council had to keep finding new ways to talk with people and listen to their ideas.