Skaters' push for Rotorua rink gathers momentum

A Rotorua group which wants an indoor skating rink in the city is gathering signatures for a petition it plans to present to the district council.

On the back of the popularity of roller derby, the group wants a purpose-built skating rink which it says could be the New Zealand centre for the sport.

Rotorua's Layla Robinson said she was hoping for more than 1000 petition signatures and Facebook "likes" before she took the proposal to the Rotorua District Council. "We will make this happen. We will do so much fundraising and get sponsors, whatever it takes. This isn't just a dream."

She said an indoor skating rink could be used for roller derby events and general public use.

The bid for a rink was being driven by Rotorua's roller derby team, the Sulphur City Steam Rollers, but there was also huge support from the general public, Ms Robinson said.

A Facebook page called "Petition for covered Skate Rink in Rotorua" had so far attracted more than 160 "likes" and comments from people backing the bid. So far about 100 people had signed the petition, Ms Robinson said.

"We are hoping that we would be able to host both national and international tournaments. We could make Rotorua New Zealand's roller derby centre."

Rotorua District Council parks and recreation manager Garry Page said he was not aware of the desire for an indoor skate rink in the city. If people wanted a new facility they needed to make submissions to the council's annual plan or 10-year plan, he said. Submissions would be called for in March next year.

For more information about the petition or the Sulphur City Steam Rollers email Ms Robinson on sc.steamrollers@ gmail.com