Rotorua Business Chamber

09/09/2026

Three organisations, each making a lasting mark on Rotorua.

Congratulations to the finalists for the Outstanding Contribution to Rotorua Award:

🌿 Kōtihi Reo Consultants Ltd
🌿 Rotorua Sustainable Charter
🌿 Rotorua Trails Trust

From strengthening te reo Māori and advancing sustainability to helping shape Rotorua’s world-class trail network, these finalists demonstrate the difference that commitment, collaboration and a strong sense of purpose can make across our district.

Proudly sponsored by Rotorua Lakes Council, this award honours an organisation or individual with a proud history of making a positive contribution to Rotorua.

Be there as we recognise our finalists and reveal this year’s recipient at the 2026 Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards Gala.

📅 Saturday 31 October | Rotorua Energy Events Centre

Gather your team, invite your clients or join fellow supporters for Rotorua’s biggest night in business.

🎟️ https://www.rotoruachamber.co.nz/index.cfm?module=event&pagemode=indiv&page_id=6841938

09/09/2026

Missed our latest newsletter in your inbox? Catch up here for the latest Chamber news, views and opportunities -

Also this week (from another business awards sponsor!), I read about Toi Ohomai’s proposal to offer year 12 & 13 school leavers, from anywhere in the country, first year fees free. Firstly, I applaud the Institute for taking the initiative. This will have a positive outcome for the business commu...

07/09/2026

Congratulations to our Not for Profit & Social Enterprise Award finalists!

🌿 The Arts Village
🌿 Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao
🌿 Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust

It was a pleasure to visit each organisation and present their finalist certificates, recognising the valuable work they do within our community.

This category is proudly sponsored by Montana Food and Events and recognises regional not-for-profit organisations whose main purpose is to provide public good or social wellbeing benefits. It celebrates the services they deliver, the people who make their work possible and the positive difference they make for those they serve.

Come and celebrate these finalists at the 2026 Rotorua Business Awards Gala. Book tickets for yourself, bring your team or gather a table of 10 to support your favourite finalist!

🎟️ https://www.rotoruachamber.co.nz/index.cfm?module=event&pagemode=indiv&page_id=6841938

07/09/2026

A great start to the day at Capers Cafe + Store for our bimonthly Connection Breakfast!

These breakfasts are a great way to meet new people, make business connections and grow your network in a relaxed, fast-paced environment.

Thank you to all the businesses who joined us this morning, and to Capers for hosting us and keeping everyone fuelled with great coffee and a delicious breakfast.

☕ We have one more Connection Breakfast to come in 2026, happening this November. Keep an eye on our website for registrations opening soon!

04/09/2026

🏆 A proud moment for our Hospitality & Retail finalists as they receive their framed certificates!

• Atticus Finch Rotorua
• Koa Botanics
• On The Point - Lake Rotorua
• Seva Day Spa

Congratulations again to these finalists in the 2026 Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards.

This category is proudly sponsored by Ebbett Rotorua and showcases hospitality and retail businesses that achieve success through outstanding customer service and care. It recognises businesses that deliver quality, go the extra mile for their customers and remain committed to their staff and wider social responsibilities.

Join us for Rotorua’s biggest night in business! Whether you’re celebrating your team’s achievements, hosting clients or supporting this year’s finalists, the Awards Gala is an opportunity to come together and celebrate the success of Rotorua business.

Gather your team and book a table of 10, or secure individual tickets for a memorable night out.

📅 Saturday 31 October | Rotorua Energy Events Centre
🎟️ Book your table or individual tickets: https://www.rotoruachamber.co.nz/index.cfm?module=event&pagemode=indiv&page_id=6841938

02/09/2026

Spot any familiar faces? 📸

Our July BurgerFuel Fairy Springs Women in Business event features in Bay of Plenty Business News!

A lovely look back at a sold-out afternoon at The Regent of Rotorua, with Karen Vercoe and Jacky James sharing openly about resilience, friendship and balancing work and life.

Take a look through the photos captured by Michelle Cutelli Photography — and tag someone you recognise!

👉 View the feature and photos:

The Regent of Rotorua welcomed a full house for the latest BurgerFuel Fairy Springs Women in Business event, where Karen Vercoe and Jacky James delivered a candid discussion about resilience, friendship, and navigating the demands of work and life. Guests enjoyed exceptional hospitality while spendi...

02/09/2026

Kaingaroa Tipu hosted us in style at last night’s BA5+, with generous hospitality, exceptional catering and the opportunity to learn more about their contribution to our region.

Thank you to Colin Maunder for an insightful presentation showing just how far that contribution reaches - from supporting local businesses, community projects and students pursuing forestry careers, to helping care for the forest trails so many of us enjoy.

Their support for Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust is another part of that work. Thank you to Ineke Milner for sharing the Trust’s efforts to protect our native kārearea, and how the two organisations are working together to support these remarkable birds within the Kaingaroa Forest Estate.

Wingspan also brought along some generous spot prizes, much to the delight of our lucky winners!

Our thanks to Kaingaroa Tipu for hosting us so generously, and to both teams for sharing the work happening right on our doorstep.

If you haven’t visited Wingspan yet, you’re missing out! Head along soon to learn more about their amazing work and see their raptors in action firsthand.

31/08/2026

With the election fast approaching, the decisions made by our next Government will directly affect businesses across Rotorua.

This is an important opportunity to hear directly from Labour Party Leader Rt Hon Chris Hipkins about Labour’s priorities and understand what its policies could mean for your business and our local economy.

Following his address, Rotorua Business Chamber CEO Melanie Short will ask Chris questions about the opportunities and challenges facing local businesses, before the floor opens for audience questions.

There will also be time at the end of the event to meet and speak with Chris.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be informed, have your voice heard and engage directly with one of New Zealand’s key political leaders.

📅 Thursday 17 September
⏰ 12.00pm–1.00pm
📍 Pullman Rotorua
🎟 $20 members | $30 non-members
☕ Includes tea, coffee and a light refreshment

Secure your ticket today:

Join Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins to hear about Labour’s priorities and the policies that matter most to Rotorua’s business community...

28/08/2026

A few moments from our 2026 AGM at Pullman Rotorua last night 📸

It was a pleasure to bring our members together, welcome Mayor Tania Tapsell, celebrate the Chamber’s progress and recognise the people contributing to Rotorua’s business community.

A highlight was seeing Bruce Thomasen appointed as a Life Member, recognising his nine years of service on the Chamber Board. Congratulations, Bruce, on this thoroughly deserved honour!

We also congratulate Paul Ingram, Denise Emery, Alexandra Stuthridge and Brett Wilson, who were re-elected to the Board for another term.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to support the work of the Chamber.

27/08/2026

This week we wrapped up our latest four-part Leadership Development Series, facilitated by Annie Canning - Transforming Lives

Over four weeks, participants explored self-aware leadership, coaching for performance, effective delegation and handling courageous conversations.

Our Events & Marketing Manager, Aly, joined the series too and valued the practical tools, shared learning and opportunity to reflect on her own leadership.

Strong leadership is vital to building capable teams and successful businesses, and this series is an excellent opportunity to strengthen those skills.

If you’re interested in joining the next series, contact Malcolm, our Regional Growth Advisor, at [email protected].