Latest News

Chamber Voice - December 2025

Reflecting on Nine Months of Momentum for Rotorua Business

As 2025 draws to a close, this is a chance to reflect on my first nine months in this busy but satisfying role. It has been a period defined by connection, progress, and meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities shaping our business community. Click here to read more

Chamber Voice - November 2025

A partnership - why Rotorua should support our local businesses

Business success drives better social outcomes and when local businesses do well, they create more opportunities for locals and they shape progress that will attract people not only to visit, but to choose Rotorua as somewhere they aspire to live. Click here to read more

Chamber Voice - October 2025

Employers brace as big employment law shifts hit New Zealand in 2025

New Zealand Employers face a raft of legal changes this year that demand attention. First, the Government's Employment Relations Amendment Bill will reshape many chronic employment leagl issues that both employers and courts have been grappling with. Click here to read more

Chamber Voice - September 2025

Connection at the World Chambers Congress in Melbourne

Last week, Rotorua Business Chamber president Paul Ingram and I attended the 14th World Chambers Congress in Melbourne. We were amongst 1000+ participants who represented over 100 countries at the congress — quite phenomenal numbers and an exciting place to be! Click here to read more

Chamber Voice - August 2025

Elections!  Elections!  Elections!

The Rotorua Business Chamber recently held our AGM at the Pullman Rotorua. It was a warm and friendly audience who enjoyed hearing from our Mayor Tania Tapsell as well as seeing the refreshed Vision for Rotorua. In a change from the previous format, RBC has gone digital with our Annual Report which can be found on our website for some insightful reading. Click here to read more

Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards Finalists Announced

The 2025 Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards, 59 finalists across 14 categories, have been announced today and are now through to the next stage of the judging process. Rotorua Business Chamber CEO, Melanie Short, is well versed with the Business Awards after undertaking the Convenor of Judges role from 2007-2011, as well as a judging period and as a past entrant. Click here to read more

Chamber Voice - July 2025

Economic Development with a Social Conscience: Rotorua’s Path Forward

The past week I have attended two very interesting meetings which gave me significant insight into the economic landscape – a seminarwith SimplicityNZ economist Shamubeel Eaqub hosted by Rotorua Trust and a presentation from Infometrics economist Brad Olsen hosted by RotoruaNZ. Whilst the vast array of information through these touchpoints can be overwhelming, when I place it against ourrefreshed Vision for Rotorua, I am more and more motivated by our Key Element - Economically Driven with a Social Conscious. Click here to read more

Chamber Voice - June 2025

Strong Business Voices Needed in Rotorua’s Local Elections

As Rotorua prepares for the upcoming local government elections, the business community has a critical role to play — both in the voting booth and, potentially, around the council table. With nominations opening soon, now is the time to encourage capable, business-minded leaders to step forward and put their names in the ring. Rotorua has its own uniqueness and complexities when doing business, and our local businesses need strong, informed advocacy within Council. Having councillors who understand these pressures — and who are committed to finding practical, balanced solutions — is essential. Click here to read more