Rotorua's Mitre 10 Mega set to open

Rotorua's new Mitre 10 Mega is the last of four new mega stores built around the country this year.

The doors of the Rotorua store open will open at 7am on Friday with 70 local staff.

Mitre 10 New Zealand chief executive John Hartmann said home improvement was a big part of New Zealand culture.

"We're kiwis, so DIY is in our DNA and we're not afraid to get stuck in with a job,'' he said.

"The completion of the fourth Mitre 10 Mega store to open in 2012 has also brought up to 200 new jobs to locations in Whangarei, Rotorua, Manukau and Christchurch. The focus on the expansion and construction of large format Mitre 10 Mega stores has been driven by customer demand and the popularity of the format.''

He said the mix of trade and retail facilities and their focus on improved products and ranges was bringing customers to the store.

"Rotorua has trusted Mitre 10 to supply the region with everything required to complete home DIY projects for

many years and in response to Rotorua's growing demand for DIY, we're opening the Rotorua Mega store,'' he said.

"The store will offer huge product variety at the prices New Zealanders have come to expect from Mitre 10.''

Mitre 10 Mega Rotorua features an undercover drive-thru for trade customers sourcing their timber and building

materials, a large garden centre, children's play area, café and extensive paint department.

Mitre 10 Mega Rotorua general manager Jim McCall said the store had included all the elements needed for DIY home improvement projects.

"We have a massive, extended seasonal outdoor furniture area, as well as an extended range of tools and display kitchens,'' he said.

"Mitre 10 Mega store number 34 has been a long time coming but we are going to make a big impression in Rotorua.''

Mr McCall said staff were looking forward to the opening, and helping Rotorua locals with any upcoming projects they had.

A Maori blessing will take place at the store on Thursday morning.

Public celebrations will continue throughout the weekend with the Mitre 10 Mega man in store on Saturday and

Sunday mornings performing truck pulls, strong arm and brick squeeze events at various times during the day.

Face painting, bouncy castles and sausage sizzles are also part of the weekend of entertainment and in store bargains. A grand prize of $5000 of products will be up for grabs and anyone spending over $25 goes into a draw to win 1000 Fly Buys points.