Darrin Walsh: Let's build a bridge to our future

Darrin Walsh

Tuesday's vote on the Te Arawa partnership proposal saw an 8-5 majority in favour of the proposal. This should now draw the curtain on the debate and begin normal transmission once again for Rotorua. But will it?

Whatever your view on the proposal, the very public debate that followed it was an unwanted distraction to business in Rotorua. At a time when business confidence is on the increase and our local economy is starting to chug in the right direction, while still in need of investment, the debate was like hanging a huge "closed for business" sign at our front door.

Accusations of racism, apartheid and heaven forbid Hitler's Nazi crusade are not good advertisements to investing in or doing business here in Rotorua. It is also a very big turn off for the huge number of multi-cultural tourists who visit here every day.

I have been very vocal on this aspect throughout the entire process as there are a number of organisations, the Rotorua Lakes Council included, who have done some fantastic work in attracting businesses to come and invest here in Rotorua.

Over recent months I have had a number of conversations with businesses outside of our city who have asked at some point of the conversation "what is going on in Rotorua"?

Now is the time to obviously reflect on what has happened, to look at the divide that has appeared across our community and, to coin a phrase, "build a bridge".

We need to move on and build on what we have, not drag the whole issue through the courts and create an even bigger mess.

We now need to look to the future. A recent Government growth forum announced our growth potential lies in geothermal, tourism, connection with Queenstown and engaging with Maori. The Te Arawa partnership is the first step in engaging with Maori and I am sure their input and investment in the other key areas will be very welcome.

Now is the time to put all soap boxes aside (mine included) and focus on rebuilding relationships with a view to getting Rotorua's economy to continue its road to recovery.

We now need to work together and develop the potential that surrounds us. Kia Kaha Rotorua.

- Darrin Walsh is chief executive of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce.