The Rotorua electorate is known the world over for its deep and historic connection with Māori culture. The electorate reaches as far north as Te Puke and covers the area around the city of Rotorua, including neighbouring towns Ngongotaha and Reporoa.
The electorate's population has grown by only 6 per
cent in the past 14 years. With an average age of 37, over one-third of the population belongs to a Māori ethnic group, and it prides itself on its unique, multi-cultural heritage.
"Rotorua is passionate about the things that make it a special place," said Dave Donaldson, deputy mayor of Rotorua. "Its environment, its forests, lakes, geothermal spaces. So it's a sense of how important that environment is to Rotorua and its people, its economy."
While every city in New Zealand felt the impacts of Covid-19, Rotorua was one of the hardest hit. The city relies heavily on tourism and with international borders closed, visitor numbers dropped drastically.
