Person of the Month: Tony Bradley

For some time, Tony Bradley had a vision of creating a new development to bring new business to the city - and he's weeks away from seeing that vision completed.

Mr Bradley is today named The Daily Post Person of the Month for November for trying to help develop and bring in new business to Rotorua.

He is the developer of the upmarket complex at the intersection of Te Ngae and Tarawera Rds, the new Redwood Centre shopping complex, which will see most of its stores open their doors early next year.

A 24-hour gym, Anytime Fitness, Couplands Bakery, Best Sushi, Burger Fuel, Tarawera Superette, Kiwibikes, Te Ngae Medical Centre, Te Ngae Physio and Pilates and Te Ngae Pharmacy and specialised takeaways Te Arawa Fisheries will be leasing sites at the complex.

Mr Bradley said a national franchise liquor store and a pizza restaurant, both of which he was unable to name at this stage, were expected to move into the complex.

It was expected to be completed by the middle of this month, but Mr Bradley said the bulk of the businesses would open their doors on February 1.

He was happy to receive the recognition of being named Person of the Month.

"It is nice to be recognised for trying to bring new business into Rotorua and also for trying to develop Rotorua.

"I have had such a really good response with this out here. With developing you are always going to upset a couple of people but 95 per cent of the people like what we have done and you're never going to please everyone," Mr Bradley said.

He said he was looking forward to the end result of the development. "I like coming up with an idea and seeing it through and I have had a vision for this development for a long time.

"This job hasn't been easy, there's been a few hiccups along the way but it's nice to get it done and see it come to an end."

Who should be the The Daily Post Person of the Year for 2012?

That's the question as we head towards the end of the year, and The Daily Post would like your help to choose someone.

Do you know someone who has given a lot to Rotorua, has gone out of their way to help people or has done something outstanding this year which deserves recognition?

Each month this year we have chosen someone we believe deserved recognition. The Daily Post Person of the Month for December is yet to be announced. To nominate one of these people or someone else you think should be Person of the Year email abbey.hartevelt@dailypost.co.nz or call reporter Abigail Hartevelt, phone (021) 319 250.

Nominations can also be sent to 2012 Rotorua Person of the Year, The Daily Post, PO Box 1442, Rotorua.

Please include details of why the person deserves the title, as well as your contact details.

Nominations close at 5pm on Thursday, December 20.