"It would probably have to be driven by tourism but if there was the impetus in town to do it then it's something we'd probably get right behind."
According to Max Cryer's Godzone Dictionary, Rotovegas is "an amusing and affectionate nickname for Rotorua, combining its name with Las Vegas, as a none-too-subtle acknowledgement of the tourist and Maori entertainment industry that makes up a major part of the local economy".
And local councillor Karen Hunt is keen to hang on to the nickname.
"I think it's been something that the younger generation have adopted because to them it means somewhere to go and have fun."
She wished Ashburton good luck with its campaign, but said adopting the name could seem "manufactured".
"I think they're going to have to work pretty hard to claim that because it's not something you produce, it's something that's been bestowed on you.
"Quite frankly, they're in the South Island so they're no competition to us - they don't have the geysers, they don't have the mountain biking, they don't have the fabulous lakes and the highest tandem skydive in the world so I'll be interested to see what they promote as a reason to call themselves Ashvegas."
However Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters said he would be happy to pass the mantel to Ashburton because he doesn't like the way it links his town with gambling.
"I'll send it to them in the mail this week. I don't think it portrays us in the way I would like us to be portrayed."
