"Previously, council has accessed information from various sources.
"We're creating a single resource and want to add information from the community to help us fill any gaps so we end up with a comprehensive picture.
"We want to know about trends they see, statistics and data they have or have collected that we don't already have, what they're projecting for their sector and what aspirations they may have for future developments or growth," he said.
Community meetings will be held to explain SmartFutures and what input is needed.
SmartFutures would feed into all of council's future planning, including work programmes, annual, long-term and district plans and councillor-led portfolio strategies and projects aligned with Rotorua's short- and long-term goals and vision.
"SmartFutures will also feed into the plans of adjoining districts and contribute to supporting integrated planning across the regions," Mr Gaston said.
Council and the wider community will be able to use SmartFutures as well, to help make informed decisions to meet local needs and aspirations, Mr Gaston said.
Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick said SmartFutures would be a critical tool for council.
"Major decisions will flow from this.
"What this council and community is looking to do is to set Rotorua up for a strong, positive future and we need really good information on which to base decisions to help us achieve that.
"The information we already have, plus other information that comes from the community will combine into one version of the truth, as we know it at this time, to help us make good decisions and ultimately, make Rotorua a better place to live, work and invest," the mayor said.
What is SmartFutures?
A single source of information that will:
¦ Capture economic, social, cultural, environment trends, issues and gaps
¦ Enable coherent and co-ordinated decision-making
¦ Support integrated planning
¦ Provide a robust evidence base to help shape the future
Why do we need SmartFutures?
To help us prioritise
To identify challenges we need to overcome
To ensure decisions and strategies are based on accurate information
So we can share ideas, as a community, and co-ordinate our actionsWhat do we know so far?
Information so far covers:
¦ Population, age and ethnicity
¦ Household statistics
¦ Employment
¦ Economic situation
¦ Sector information
Consultation
Rotorua District Council will hold a series of hui at marae around the district and with iwi entities, along with local and central government agencies in the next two months to seek input into SmartFutures. Wider public consultation will follow with dates and details still to be finalised.
How can you help?
¦ Share information and data to help fill gaps
¦ Share trends and projections for your group, sector, organisation or agency
¦ Share future aspirations for your group, sector, organisation or agency
¦ Share planned future developments
¦ Share challenges your group, sector, organisation or agency faces
