We’ve had a few days to reflect on the ataahua (beautiful) evening at the Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards and it’s brought a few things up for us that we’d like to share.
Firstly, we don’t do this all on our own, and we would like to acknowledge our iwi owners, local businesses, and suppliers that we collaborate with regularly – the Supreme Award reflects your mahi (work) as well. Ngā mihi (thank you) to our iwi owners - Wāhiao Tūhourangi o Whakarewarewa, the Pukeroa Ōruawhata Trust, and Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Taeotū, and Ngāti Te Kahu o Ngāti Whakaue. A special shout out to our suppliers and partners who make what we do possible. To name but a few who have steadfastly stood beside us as we made our way through and out of the pandemic - Kotihi Reo Consultants, RotoruaNZ, The Shine Collective, Rotorua Lakes Council, Multi Day Adventures, Bidfood New Zealand, Huntley and Co, Dawson Insurance Brokers, Advanced Information Technologies, Gilmours Wholesale Food & Beverage, Electrical Solutionz BOP Ltd, Clean Bosss, Mortimer Print and Design. Thanks also to the Government for supporting the NZ Māori Arts and Crafts Institute training programmes through the pandemic – this support enabled this important part of what we do to be protected.
Secondly, it’s been a rollercoaster here… Covid-19’s impacts meant we reduced from 240 staff to 30 staff – we fought to keep the business operating and took a new look at our business model and target markets for the future. Now in 2024 we’ve been able to see the impact of modifying our offering to facilitate more meaningful manuhiri (visitor) interactions with guided only experiences and engaging directly with the domestic market as well as international. We have built back to 190 staff, and we look forward to the summer season ahead. Thank you also to all the locals - your support has played a big part in getting us through.
Winning the Tourism and Supreme Award is truly humbling and confirmation that through resilience we have come out stronger than ever. A big thank you to our staff who aim for excellence. Our ‘why’ is Toitū te ahurea Māori – Leaders in uplifting Māori culture, which also connects back to our 98-year legacy and the functions in our Act of Parliament. This award in turn uplifts our people in their day-to-day mahi.
The wairua in the room during the awards was inspirational. We are grateful to be working among such a passionate community and look forward to the prosperous future our city holds.
Last but not least, a special shout out to the Rotorua Business Chamber the judges and everyone involved in making the awards happen, as well as the other entrants and finalists who are doing incredible visionary things in our community.
Tā mātou mihi ki a koutou katoa.
