Rotorua Christmas Day Community Lunch: Doors open to hundreds

Rotorua's Christmas Day Community Lunch is a long-standing tradition. Photo / Ben Fraser

While Rotorua may slow down for some on Christmas Day, one place is certain to be busy.

Around 500 people are expected to spend time at the Energy Events Centre, sharing a “great meal”, conversation and company at the annual Christmas Day Community Lunch.

Rotorua Association of Christian Ministers chairman David Moore said the event brought together people from all over the community, including families, those on their own and people who found Christmas a “tough” time of year.

The lunch was designed to be welcoming, with hosts greeting guests as they arrive and helping seat people at tables.

Moore said Christmas could be a difficult time for people experiencing loss, financial pressure or personal challenges.

The lunch offered a chance to step outside that experience.

It gave people something else to focus on, Moore said, as just being around others, sharing a meal and a conversation, can change how the day feels.

Behind the scenes, the event relied on a large team of volunteers who help bring the lunch together.

At least 100 people were expected to assist throughout the day, from preparing food and setting up the venue to serving meals and packing up afterwards.

Moore said many volunteers returned each year, not out of obligation, but because they preferred to “give rather than to get”.

Local churches contributed funding, labour and organisation, while the Rotorua Trust provided financial support and Rotorua Lakes Council made the Energy Events Centre available for the event.

Families were well catered for during the celebration, with a dedicated children’s area set up inside the venue.

After eating, children could take part in activities and play on a bouncy castle.

Kahira Olley (right) helps serve a hot meal at the Rotorua Combined Church Christmas Lunch in 2020. Photo / Ben Fraser

Gifts were also to be handed out to children attending, thanks to donations from The Warehouse.

“We are really blessed this year,” Moore said.

There was entertainment alongside the meal, with live music and “a few Christmas carols” adding to the festive atmosphere and encouraging people to linger rather than rush away once they had eaten.

Those wishing to attend or volunteer can register through the Rotorua Christmas Day Community Lunch Facebook page or in person at the Rotorua Citizens Advice Bureau.

Doors open at 11.30am, with lunch served from midday. The event typically wraps up early afternoon, allowing people to head home having shared part of the day with others.

Moore said people would not be turned away because of a lack of space.

“We’ll make room.”

Annabel Reid is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post, based in Rotorua. Originally from Hawke’s Bay, she has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canterbury.