Martin Croft
This week's Newsmaker is Martin Croft, who as Rotorua District Council's Events Manager has played a key role in organising the Rotorua Bike Festival. This week Mr Croft also became a New Zealand citizen.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I have been married for over 20 years and have a 13 year old daughter. We moved to Rotorua in May 2003 from Birmingham in the UK. I enjoy doing most sports but my current favourite is golf. I play at Arikikapakapa and have a handicap of 12.
Tell us a bit about your role as Events Manager for the Rotorua District Council.
I am responsible for delivering on goals and objectives as set in the Rotorua Events Strategy, which means working closely with all organisers of events that happen in the city.
Our role is to support them in whatever way required to make sure they are a success for all involved.
I am part of the Events & Venues team who also have responsibility for some of the major venues in the city including the International Stadium and Energy Events Centre. The major goals of the event strategy are to create economic impact, showcase Rotorua and to engage with the community.
What is the best part about your job?
Working with so many talented and passionate people. I love being involved in making events happen, especially when they are unique or different to what has been done before.
Tell us a bit about the role you've played in organising the Bike Festival?
The idea of having an annual bike festival in Rotorua has been around for a while, my role was to help make it happen. What the festival looks like now is as a result of the cycling community coming together to celebrate what we have in the city.
The council and the Rotorua Trust have provided financial support, the rest is down to the organisers. I'd like to thank the cycling community for how they have engaged with the Bike Festival. So many people have given their time and energy in creating what we have seen this week, all credit should go to them.
Are you much of a cyclist yourself?
I don't get out as often as I would like, mostly because of being so busy at work but I have spells when I do, especially when I have entered an event and need to train for it.
What's been the highlight of the Bike Festival for you so far?
There are so many, but hosting the Bike Speedway in front of the Museum would be one. It was a fun event in a fantastic location which allowed all ages and abilities to be involved.
I would also have to include surviving the Redwoods Coast for a second year on the back of Dave Donaldson's tandem.
Why do you think its important for Rotorua to host big events like the Bike Festival or Lakeside?
Rotorua relies on visitors coming to the city, having events that attract those visitors is extremely important, especially at times when we would otherwise be quiet.
I also believe they tell a story about who we are which is why the Bike Festival is such a great event for Rotorua. What I like most about events is how the bring people together.
With so much of the world communicating online now, I believe events are going to be even more important in the future.
Tell us three things about yourself most people wouldn't know?
I support Aston Villa football club in the Premier League, I played rugby from the age of 6 and I enjoy cooking, especially with a glass of wine.