Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern popped into the Rotorua Daily Post to answer a few questions.
When you think 'Rotorua' what's the first thing that comes to mind?
I have really specific things. I think of supermarket shopping because when we used to live in Murupara once a week on a Saturday we would drive to Rotorua to go to the supermarket and it was always a highlight of my week. It was the big smoke for me.
What can locals expect from next week's Budget announcement?
We've talked a lot about the kinds of areas we'll be investing in; health, housing, education but all of that for us is about making it easier for people. If you have hospital needs they're met, if your child is going to school they have all of the resources they need, if in your area there are housing issues, we're addressing those too.
What do you think is the biggest challenge Rotorua faces right now?
Good local services. We have a big focus on regional development, decent job opportunities, particularly for young people. I grew up in a small town and often you talk about what you would do after [school] and often it was about whether or not there were jobs that would keep you where you grew up. Also making sure we've got good infrastructure in our regions. We feel like there's been a bit of a deficit there.
