"This is a good time for our district - things are happening here and that's attracting more people.
"Our population has been growing for a few years and indicators point to continued growth with Statistics New Zealand's estimated 7.2 per cent growth for Rotorua to 2023 moving us to medium growth status."
Mrs Chadwick said people were looking to the regions for affordable housing and a better lifestyle.
"We also have a healthy local economy which has performed above the national average since June 2016 and that helps encourage new investment and reinvestment, which in turn creates jobs and becomes a driver for population growth.
"Others are returning home to live or coming here for business or just for easier living."
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She said the population increase was good for the economy and for the "social fabric of our communities because it means more diversity, new skills and ideas and new innovation".
Mrs Chadwick acknowledged a growing population put pressure on roads and wastewater, public facilities and amenities, social services and housing "but these challenges are also opportunities and I think Rotorua is well-placed to deal with them".
"The council is working on a number of fronts to future-proof infrastructure - we're working closely with New Zealand Transport Agency on upgrading of key roading corridors, the upgrade of our wastewater treatment plant will have capacity for growth, the Housing Accord will help us to more quickly unlock land for residential development and our spatial plan will identify areas for future growth and direct future infrastructure."
Steve Lovegrove, Professionals McDowell Real Estate co-owner and principal, said migration from big cities was not as rampant as it was about 18 months ago, but "people are still making the lifestyle choice to move here".
"Two years ago, from a real estate point of view, making the move to Rotorua was easy, but from a job point of view, it wasn't as easy. Now I think there are more options on the employment front that are attracting people to the city.
"The rampant growth has settled down but I am hopeful these positive changes in the city will be an ongoing thing."
Mr Lovegrove said Rotorua was unique in that it "offers all the things a city should offer, without the congestion".
"Rotorua encapsulates that quintessential Kiwi lifestyle people are looking for. And as more people move here, the word gets out about what Rotorua has to offer.
"Four years ago Rotorua wasn't even a consideration for people looking to leave the big cities - now it is a real choice."
Rotorua Principals' Association president and Rotokawa School principal Briar Stewart said the growth was noticeable in the education sector, with some schools seeing a boost in roll numbers.
"We aren't seeing it so much at our school because we are semi-rural but some schools are definitely seeing their rolls lift.
"With the growth comes changes in the diversity of students which is great for our local children.
"While growth in our city is a good thing, Rotorua does need to seriously look at how it is accommodating this rise in population, including housing, roading and general infrastructure."
Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Allison Lawton said the business sector was positive about the population growing and the subsequent economic opportunities that came with that.
"The adage, success breeds success, is how I would characterise how our local economy has helped to grow our population. Because our local economy is growing, it breeds success, and people looking from the outside in want to share in the ongoing success."
Ms Lawton said Rotorua was attractive because it was seen as a great place to live, work and play.
"Overall, the quality of housing and infrastructure provides an Auckland offering at affordable prices and with the proximity to everything locally and nationally this means more time to enjoy the things life has to offer.
"With technology, working in our city still allows for national and global reach, which again allows more time to enjoy and create your own lifestyle."
Ms Lawton thought the growth would continue in coming years and was "cautiously optimistic the recent Regional Development Fund announced by Government will strengthen our growth".