Have your say on what's planned for Rotorua

This is the last week for Rotorua people to have their say on the 10-year action plan for our district.

Hundreds of people have already taken the opportunity to provide feedback on Rotorua Lakes Council's 2018-28 Long-term Plan (LTP) with more than 1000 attending meetings, forums and workshops and visiting pop-up information stalls to find out about what's planned and provide input.

The LTP will establish the work to be undertaken by Council across the next 10 years and how that will be funded. People have until 13 April to provide feedback.

The proposed LTP includes a major focus on improving existing facilities such as the Aquatic Centre, Rotorua Museum and Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre and infrastructure projects such as wastewater schemes and stormwater and water supply network improvements.

Proposals also include three key "big moves", projects to improve Rotorua's lakefront, Kuirau Park and forest access and facilities, and a variety of community and neighbourhood enhancement projects throughout the district.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick says the level of engagement and feedback so far has been great but elected members are keen to hear from more people across the district.

"Everybody – young and old – has a stake in Rotorua's future and in what is proposed to continue our district's progress across the next decade and meet the needs and expectations of our community.

"We're having some good conversations, including with youth, and there has been good interest at community meetings. We hope others will also take the opportunity to tell us what they think. It doesn't need to take long – there are some quick options like the online survey and freepost form and there are opportunities for face-to-face engagement."

The Mayor says elected members have carefully considered what is needed to bring about further change and progress for the benefit of the Rotorua district and its residents.

"It's really important we hear what our community thinks to guide us in our final decision-making so I encourage anyone who hasn't yet looked at what's proposed or considered having their say to do so."

Mayor Chadwick says the proposed LTP continues the direction set through the district's 2030 Vision and last year's refresh of the vision, The Rotorua Way, which established the next "chapter" in the district's progress, focussed on building on the district's key strengths.

Public consultation and engagement on the LTP opened 5 March and closes 13 April with the LTP to be adopted by Council in June. The new financial year, 2018/19, will be year one of the LTP.

Want to know more?

Visit Council's online consultation hub on Let's Talk/Kōrero Mai (rotorualakescouncil.nz/letstalk or rotorualakescouncil.nz/koreromai) for:
•Information about what's proposed
•Information about ways to have your say
•Information about upcoming feedback and engagement opportunities