Editorial: Hard work ahead for new board

There appears to be plenty of interest in being part of the Rotorua District Council's new Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) which will lead economic development in the city.

The CCO board will have an independent chairperson, six directors and will appoint its own chief executive and staff.

As we report today, nearly 30 applications for the seven board positions have been received, 18 of them from out of town, so it's hoped there will be a cross-section of people from whom to choose to form a board that is dynamic, visionary and will get things done.

As we have previously reported, the key focus of the CCO will be driving implementation of the Rotorua Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy, including promoting local economic development programmes and aligning with regional and national initiatives.

Mayor Kevin Winters says it's expected the CCO will become a key influencer of Rotorua's economic transformation and make a strong contribution to the district's vision: "Rotorua - Living the dream. World class in every way."

Over the next five years, key priorities will be about boosting Rotorua's reputation, lifting the district's economic performance and raising living and skills standards.

The CCO will be accountable to the council and business but operate at arm's length and presumably it will be given a name to reflect that. There is no doubt we need to do something to kickstart economic, employment and population growth in Rotorua and improve the lives of residents and the new organisation has the backing of local business people, iwi and other sectors.

Rotorua needs an injection of new ideas and enthusiasm at this level and getting the community on board will be part of the challenge. Any strategy or vision for growth needs the backing of residents to succeed and that means we'll need to see tangible results - the last thing we need is another talkfest.

The new board and their staff have a big job ahead of them.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

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