Editorial: Little city has a big heart

Photo / Thinkstock

Rotorua has its share of people who bring down our city, but time and time again I am impressed by the generosity of our locals, who more than make up for it.

An Australian family who lost their mother in a drowning accident at a Rotorua hotel recently have every right to feel sad about our city.

Mary Jordan was swimming in the Sudima Hotel pool with her 6-year-old daughter when she suffered a suspected seizure. The young girl did all she could, using a towel to try and keep her mother's head out of the water, before running to get help. Paramedics tried unsuccessfully to revive the 40-year-old.

The mother and daughter were holidaying in Rotorua with Mrs Jordan's husband and their son, who were away exploring a park at the time of the drowning.

What was meant to be a memorable family holiday quickly turned into a horrific nightmare for the Jordans.

While nothing will bring back Mrs Jordan, the Rotorua community can be proud of how it handled this dreadful situation.

Mrs Jordan's best friend, Anita Zunker, contacted the Rotorua Daily Post to let us know about the wonderful citizens we have here - and we are glad she did. She said Jackie from Victim Support and Sergeant Simon Betchetti from the Rotorua police went above and beyond for the family. Sudima Hotel provided extra accommodation, meals and vouchers for local attractions. Other tourist spots, including Rainbow Springs and Skyline Rotorua, also offered free trips as a distraction for the children.

While Rotorua will never be a happy place for the Jordans, at least this family will always remember they weren't just tourists - the city actually cares.