Editorial: Future looks bright for Rotorua

Katie Holland.

Despite the ominous chill in the air, there's an awful lot to be positive about in Rotorua at the moment.

Today, we report on the latest Real Estate Institute of New Zealand figures - showing yet another jump in the number of houses sold in Rotorua. In February 137 homes sold, up 25per cent from what was a very good January.

As well, Paymark figures show the Bay of Plenty was one of the big improvers in spending in 2015 compared to 2014, with anecdotal evidence suggesting Rotorua businesses are seeing at least their fair share of that spending.

Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh says Rotorua is "on fire" at the moment. I don't know about that, but it was certainly heating up over the weekend.

Over the last few days readers will have seen extensive coverage of the spectacle that was Crankworx Rotorua. What a huge event for the city.

Temporarily incapacitated and unable to experience most of it in person (bar the slopestyle - you couldn't have kept me away!) I was forced to watch much of the action on TV this year, complete with infectiously excitable American commentators waxing lyrical about the Kee-wees, the woods and Rotorua.

Putting aside what the mountain bikers were doing - how amazing did Rotorua look in the coverage?

There was constant footage taken from the top of Mt Ngongotaha showing bright blue skies, a stunning lake and a huge, happy, colourful crowd out enjoying the action.

Remember, this footage was and will continue to be viewed by millions of people all over the world on television, online and in magazines and newspapers. You can bet many will, as a direct result, be looking up flights to Rotorua, New Zealand.

Interestingly a local real estate agent has even pointed to events like Crankworx as helping push up demand for properties. It's events like this that make you proud to be a Rotoruian ... or should that be a Rotovegan? Either way, well done to all involved, you did your city proud.