Roger Gordon: New era of unity under mayor

Mayor Steve Chadwick

On Tuesday, the Chamber hosted its last Business After Five. The next morning I received substantial feedback from members that this was the best event they have ever attended.

What made it so special? In the nine years I have been chief executive of the Chamber, it is the first occasion I have heard the business community cheer the mayor, some even to the point of thumping a clenched fist in the air.

Mayor Steve Chadwick made two important announcements on the evening. The first, the dropping of development contributions, was well reported on the front page of this paper yesterday. This now places Rotorua in the position of being the only local authority in New Zealand to become permanently development contribution free.

Of greater importance is the strong message it sends out from Rotorua that the city is serious about encouraging development of new and existing businesses.

Development contributions have long been considered a disincentive to growth. With the challenge of dealing with high earthquake risk buildings and the need for urban renewal this move will be a major step forward.

The other initiative was the strong signal that Rotorua District Council, in its procurement processes, will place an increased emphasis on supporting local businesses. For those purchases over which the council has control (not those such as government-controlled infrastructural projects which have a prescribed process), an economic impact factor will be introduced to the evaluation process.

This will result in greater weight being given to those tenders submitted by companies that can show considerable contribution to the local economy by such factors as increased employment. Where local capability for supply exists, the advertising will be only within the Rotorua region.

The council has also signalled that it will be looking to develop partnerships with local companies for the provision of some services. This is great news for local businesses.

Mayor Chadwick also outlined the position she and her team will be adopting on the future of local governance. This will be one of the key issues for the next year.

What impressed me above all was the distinct change in culture. A different relationship is apparent between the mayor, council and the community.

People are talking to each other, and more importantly are listening to each other. This gives me a sense of excitement that we are beginning a new journey for Rotorua.

Mayor Steve emphasised that it has been an all of team approach. Well done Team Chadwick.

- Roger Gordon is chief executive of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce. This column reflects his personal opinion and not necessarily that of the Chamber.