Heather and Stuart Morrison talk with Rotorua district councillor Karen Hunt about the future of the city at the council's new Ideas Shop. Photo / Stephen Parker
Heather and Stuart Morrison talk with Rotorua district councillor Karen Hunt about the future of the city at the council's new Ideas Shop. Photo / Stephen Parker
If early indications are anything to go by, Rotorua people have plenty of good ideas about the future of the city - and they're more than happy to share them.
From better event signage to bus stops outside rest homes and how to rejuvenate Rotorua's central city, the ideas wereflowing as people visited The Ideas Shop, a Rotorua District Council initiative aimed at giving residents a chance to share their ideas.
Councillor and Inner City Revitalisation portfolio leader Karen Hunt said more than 40 people turned up at the Tutanekai St shop on its first day on Saturday. "What was significant is that they spent quite a bit of time there. They were really interested in talking about what was going on."
Ms Hunt said people were happy to talk about what areas they thought were good and what areas needed improvement - everything from better community noticeboards in Mamaku to more bus stops outside rest homes. She said there was a feeling that the council had done something in the past 12 months in terms of the central city, and more importantly, that the council was willing to listen to the public's ideas.
The pop-up shop opposite Whitcoulls will remain open until January 10 and gives locals a chance to find out about the work being done towards achieving Rotorua's short and long-term goals.
The positive atmosphere at The Ideas Shop was echoed with the second Scrub Rotorua Day, also held on Saturday.
Inner City Focus Group spokesman and city retailer Mike Steiner said the day went well with plenty of businesses getting out early to spruce up their shops - some taking advantage of downtime earlier in the week to get the job done.
"I think everyone made a bit of an effort. I wouldn't say it was as successful as last year but I think they are keeping things in much better order."
Mr Steiner said there was a good feeling in the city with planter boxes being planted, co-ordinating painting of a Tag Free Wall and an all-day concert.
Cleaning and uniform company Alsco Rotorua provided cleaning products at no charge.
