Odour gets past locals' sniff test

By AINSLEY THOMSON

There is little concern that concerns about the long-term health effects of Rotorua's geothermal gases will harm the city's tourist appeal, say city officials.

A study has found hospital admissions for asthma and other breathing diseases in six Rotorua districts between 1991 and 2001 were five to 10 times the national average.

Rotorua Mayor Grahame Hall said the concerns were not a "big issue".

"It has to be kept in proportion. People have lived here for over 600 years."

Another study found hospital admission rates between 1993 and 1996 were between 1.5 and 2.7 times the national average for a range of breathing and nerve-related illnesses in the parts of Rotorua most exposed to geothermal gases.

Scientists now want further research into any chronic health effects from hydrogen sulphide exposure.

Mr Hall said the area needed further research, particularly as it concerned health.

But he said he did not think it would have any effect on tourist numbers.

"We live in a volatile area and that's the beauty of our city and the attraction of our city."

Tourism Rotorua's acting general manager, Mike Gibbons, said the current publicity had not generated queries from tourists visiting the city.