With a circulation of almost half the district, the paper has made its mark on the Rotorua community. It has provided coverage of major events and milestones, the passing of dignities like Sir Howard Morrison, former Mayor John Keaney and historian Don Stafford.
Traumatic events like those that surrounded the deaths of young Nia Glassie and school teacher Hawea Vercoe. There have been many good stories about our successes for all to celebrate.
My favourite Daily Post byline is 'We live here because we love it', as true today as when it was first printed many years ago.
Some might not warm to the new format or time straight away. Change is not alway easy, it creates uncertainty. It is, however, almost always necessary. Every day in New Zealand, things change. New businesses start just as old ones close. Jobs are created at the same moment that somewhere a job is lost. This all happens as the world grows and evolves. People who once repaired typewriters now train to fix computers.
Whilst Rotorua newspapers are printed elsewhere, the paper they're printed on is made just down the road. We recently learnt that one of these mills has shut a paper machine with a resulting loss of local jobs. At the same time, the company concerned is investing millions into new and innovative technologies and will explore the production of biofuels at the same site in Kawerau.
Last year, we read about the probable closure of QE Hospital with up to 30 jobs to have gone just before Christmas. QE was built to help US Servicemen recover from the war and, just as they adapted when these servicemen stopped coming, QE has again had to change to remain relevant. Today we read they have done so to preserve their world-class service and reputation.
History is littered with those who have not moved with the times.
To Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Norske Skog in Kawerau and the managers of the Rotorua Daily Post, we recognise the difficult decisions you have made.
These choices are about the future. These changes are about retaining jobs in our local economy and these developments mean these companies will be here for many years to come.
To Editor Kim Gillespie and his team of hard working professionals, I wish the very best. Every newspaper is important to Rotorua and I know you will work hard to do what's best for our great city.
