Opinion: Time for a debrief after fantastic week in Rotorua

The Lions supporters had a great time in Rotorua. Photo/Stephen Parker

For any event to be successful, big or small, it needs planning and preparation.

Last week Rotorua was humming. Packed with activities for locals and visitors to the city. It was the culmination of a co-ordinated approach to Rotorua putting its best foot forward. But success just doesn't happen. Like all things in life it is the result of hard work. I remember a sports coach once saying that when we see a great sporting result we naturally think "what a great game". He always thought of the years of preparation and honing that went into producing the result on the day.

Events require the same focused planning but thankfully not over many years. And we are fortunate in the Rotorua district to have hundreds of people who volunteer so that events can be successful. They give their time to get the planned results. Without their help and support many significant events might not be possible or as successful as they have been in the past.

I watched the attempt for the Guinness Book of World Records' biggest haka last Saturday. I didn't only watch, I took part along with more than 7000 other people. The attempt couldn't have happened without the volunteers who were present that morning marshalling, counting and directing people on the Village Green. I now know when you attempt to break a Guinness record there are certain criteria and conditions that have to be met. And counting those taking part was only one of them. You couldn't fault the enthusiasm and haka skills, well you can't say they didn't try. We did it anyway and what a great turnout. Just awaiting the official confirmation now.

The Lions versus the Maori All Blacks game attracted thousands to the city. Everywhere you looked there were red jackets and scarves. The Lions supporters were here for a good time and everyone I spoke to said they were enjoying their stay in the city. I won't mention the game score other than to say there's no substitute for "preparation and honing".

I hope those who played a key role in promoting and co-ordinating the week long list of activities will shortly get together for a debrief. What worked well and where things could be improved. Often this exercise is not well handled. People get defensive and feel their efforts were not appreciated. That's not correct. In a debrief you have the opportunity to find out what you do really well. That in those areas you have things down pat. In other areas you will hear where improvements and changes will need to be made in the future.

It could be getting people out of the stadium after the game a lot quicker than on Saturday night. I don't think the problem was about emptying the stadium quickly but rather getting the traffic, including buses, back into town quicker. Over an hour is far too long. By that time restaurants were no longer serving meals. This caused a lot of grumbling. The crowds were hungry. I think hot dogs and sausage sizzle stands would have done a roaring trade set up on the Village Green. This is when the food stalls were required. And the Big Brekkie on the Village Green the next morning could have started at 10am as most people would have got off to a slow start on Sunday.

One business owner said there should have been portaloos set up at either end of Eat Streat, in Arawa St in particular. When people couldn't get into the bars and restaurants because of the crowds they went looking for a toilet and ended up peeing where they thought they couldn't be seen. They were seen and it wasn't a good look.

Extra rubbish bins in the Eat Streat surrounding area was another suggestion. I'm not sure how practicable these suggestions are but all feedback should be examined. Positive and negative.

A great team effort was made by so many including: retailers, the hospitality industry, accommodation sector, council, police and security staff, schools, individuals and members of the public. Rotorua citizens gave true expression to "manaakitanga" valuing and taking care of visitors. They turned it on and next time will do it even better.

Merepeka Raukawa-Tait is a Rotorua Lakes Council councillor, member of the Lakes District Health Board and chairs the North Island Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.