Welcome to the autumn edition of the Rotorua convention and incentive newsletter.
Ruth McIntyre is still on maternity leave and will be returning to the office just prior to TRENZ on May 12, 2008. Earlier this month Ruth married her partner Shane at a ceremony here in Rotorua.
So what has been happening in Rotorua?
High demand increases need for staff – Kawarau Jet
After another steady season Kjet has increased its staff, taking on another jet boat driver - experienced mechanic Eric Adams. Eric is a local boy who has always had a passion for the water and speed. Eric has also just begun his training with well-respected local elder and trustee of Mokoia Island Mita Mohi for guiding on the island.
New boat Kjet 4 has given K Jet the carrying capacity of 50 pax at once, therefore the need for five drivers. The new carrying capacity enables Kjet to deal with larger groups with ease. Kjet offers a great range of products to suit all conference and incentive requirements and is looking forward to developing this market further.
For further information contact Sam Armstrong, Kawarau Jet Rotorua Ltd
Phone +64 7 343 7600
Email: kjetrotorua@xtra.co.nz
www.nzjetboat.co.nz
New team lines up at Millennium Hotel
The conference department at Millennium Hotel Rotorua welcomes two new faces. Joining conference manager Kimberley Tuapawa, Chelsie Spain returns to the hotel industry in the conference co-ordinator’s role after a spell in the restaurant and café trade. Kelsi Harker, recently relocated from Queenstown, with a sound knowledge of accommodation and food and beverage, will assist in the department, both administratively and operationally.
“The Conference Girls” have the office humming and are excited about being involved in this dynamic market segment, as Rotorua increases its exposure with the Energy Events Centre and Rotorua Airport’s trans-Tasman capability, set to be ready April 2009.
Contact: Kimberley Tuapawa, Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Phone +647 349 9619
Email: Kimberley.Tuapawa@millenniumhotels.co.nz.
Next chapter for the Native Bush Camp at Off Road NZ
.jpg) Holding a dinner or corporate function at Off Road NZ’s Native Bush Camp has just become a whole lot easier. A new wooden floor has been laid in the banquet area and has received fabulous feedback. Since being upgraded, the area’s functionality has been greatly improved and the space can now be utilised to its best potential by event organisers and caterers. Special care was taken to maintain the aesthetic qualities that have made the venue so popular.
Up to 100 pax can now easily be seated under the permanent shelter at the camp. Larger groups can be accommodated by hiring marquees, additional seating and tables.
Have you tried the new twilight activities available at Off Road NZ? Imagine, somewhere in the darkness, the sound of a cranking motor turning into the throaty rumble of a V8 motor. A bright red jet boat screams from behind an island as a matching pair of Monster 4x4s crawl down a nearby track towards you and your stunned group. The evening has begun….
After taking part in adrenalin-pumping fun, some groups like to party on into the night with drinks, food and entertainment. Or simply kick back with Mother Nature and soak up the tranquility with good food, good wine and good company.
For more information about how Off Road NZ can accommodate your group and offer an event you will never forget, please contact the reservations team, phone +64 7 3325 748 or email play@offroadnz.com
Nothing but Positive changes!
Easter saw the change over form The Catering Company as Caterer to now having a full catering team employed by Lakeland Queen (2006) Ltd.
Denise Siviter – General Manager says this is a positive move for the company as we move into our second year in business.
Leading up to Easter a transition took place as the newly appointed team including chefs and waitering staff took to their roles like ducks to water. The positive and dedicated team have excelled in their positions and the feedback has been phenomenal. Our team is headed by Lynda Stewart as Food and Beverage Manager – former owner of well know Sirocco’s Cafe and Restaurant, Rangi Rakuraku head chef, David Mita – part time chef, both Chefs have over 30 years experience between them. We also have a number of wonderful waitering staff. The team have created a wonderful welcoming and professional atmosphere on the boat.
We also welcomed Mary Eriksen who is well known in the Conference and Incentive scene as Sales and Marketing co ordinator.
Mary will be responsible for the local market and has some exciting options to present to the market over the next couple of months.
Mokoia Island is now on our must do list
The Lakeland Queen has signed a co-operation agreement with Waiora Spa and Mokoia Island. We look forward to working with the team from Mokoia Island and see this as a positive move for all concerned.
This gives the Lakeland Queen access to Mokoia Island and as the largest vessel on Lake Rotorua this is a must do for the Conference and Incentive clients looking for that ultimate experience. There are a number of packages available including the hire of the Island and Lakeland Queen exclusively.
How about a spot of shopping……
.jpg) All C and I clientele at The New Zealand Caterpillar Experience are now offered a 10 per cent discount on a range of items stocked in the attraction’s retail shop. The CAT brand is iconic and renowned for excellent quality and durability. Several of the new Winter 2008 men's range of jackets are exclusive to their shop and very stylish in design, smart-casual through to operator-type styles. The convenience of after-hours shopping for that special gift to take home or the opportunity to purchase a personal treat that will last for years. The CAT 'shopping cart' is an exciting new edition to their new re-modelled web-site which currently under construction.
Contact Jodi or Karen
Phone +64 7 347 3206
Email info@caterpillarexperience.co.nz
New options with Clearwater Charters
.jpg) Clearwater Cruises is progressing in expanding our operations thru the take over of the Landing Café Lake Tarawera. Over the next two months we will have a new website online www.thelandinglaketarawera.co.nz. We have developed new C&I products using the Landing as the gateway to breathtaking Lake Tarawera. Two of the new options include guided half day and full day walking options to the Tarawera Falls known by many as one of the best kept secrets of New Zealand. The other option is guided half day and full day kayaking tours following the same pathway across Lake Tarawera as those early European visitors to the Pink and White Terraces but deviating to Hot Water Beach for a thermal swim and picnic lunch. Half day options include boat transfers back to the Landing and full day options include full day paddle. These are just a small taste of the many expanding options that will be available on the new website.
Team Building
Over the past few months a new and exciting team building option has been developed for Agrodome. The ‘Young Farmers Amazing Race’ tests not only your physical but also your mental strengths. It is all about having fun and working as a team. The team building option was launched softly into the market but has taken off with some great feedback from those who have already participated. The forward bookings are coming in, both in the Conference market and corporate companies looking for team building.
The Young Farmers Amazing Race allows the company to choose from several options and to be able to include some extreme activities. There is something for every age group and ability to participate.
Following on from an afternoon team building why not stay on and enjoy one of the many catering venues available. Catering venues from 10pax – 450pax.
.jpg) Event Impressions owns “Kath and Kym”
Event Impressions are delighted to welcome Kym Wongsang. Kym joins Kathy Platt in the day-to-day management of inquiries and quotes for events of all types but will be specialising in small corporate, Redwood and wedding inquiries. Kym brings over five years of event design and theme experience to Event Impressions, and with her living/working knowledge of Rotorua and venues has stepped easily into a busy role. Kym completes a formidable full-time team at Event Impressions – “Kath(y) and Kym” of course, Hammond, Kylie, Bronwyn, Jeff and Jacqui.
New sales and marketing manager for Events and Venues Rotorua
.jpg) Brett Jeffery has joined Events & Venues Rotorua as its new sales and marketing manager. He was formerly the conference and incentive sales manager for Millennium Hotels and Resorts in Rotorua.
Events and Venues general manager Peter McLeod said Brett brings a very good mix of tourism and hospitality industry experience to the role and specialist knowledge of the conference and incentives (C and I) sector.
“We’re very pleased to have him on board. He will play an important role in helping us to continue to build on the strong platform of conference, exhibitions and events bookings we’ve attracted to date, with particular focus on generating business for our new Energy Events Centre and the more established Rotorua Convention Centre and Civic Theatre.”
Brett commenced in his new role with Events and Venues Rotorua in April. He replaces former sales and marketing manager Diana Moore, who left at the end of February to join Thai company Lebua Hotels and Resorts.
Te Puia hosts opening ceremony of 28th Fips-Mouche World Fly Fishing Championships
.jpg) The Rotorua region recently hosted the 28th Fips-Mouche World Fly Fishing Championships and leading cultural attraction Te Puia hosted a multi-cultural extravaganza for the opening ceremony. Many of the 142 participants from 23 countries were visiting New Zealand for the first time. The insight into the Maori culture they experienced at Te Puia, especially the captivating story recounted by Te Puia chief executive Te Taru White about the giant Pounamu that graces the entrance, is something they will never forget.
Following a traditional Powhiri, guests – including local dignitaries and government representatives - were treated to a sumptuous banquet dinner, cultural performance and on-demand tours of the internationally acclaimed Whakarewarewa thermal reserve throughout the evening.
Guests were also invited to participate in the cultural performances during the evening and, with fly fishermen being renowned for their upper body strength and concentration, there was strong support to take part in the haka.
Congratulations to Te Puia, for once again hosting a fabulous welcome event to guests of our city. For more information about what Te Puia can offer your guests, visit www.tepuia.com or contact sales manager Andrew Dobson, on 027 333 1865 or andrew.dobson@tepuia.com.
Redwood forest sails at Skyline Skyrides
.jpg) This fantastic venue situated on our scenic luge track has just had a major upgrade. The original marquee top has been replaced and clear plastic sides have been installed. The new marquee top now covers both the main seating area and buffet section, creating one amazing space and the new sides means that the whole venue is now completely enclosed.
In the Spring 2008 Skyline Skyrides will also be opening the new 2nd chairlift. This is again being constructed by Dopplemayr Lifts (NZ) Ltd and will be an exciting new addition to the facilities here at Skyline. Not only will this 2nd chair facilitate a quicker turn around of riders it will give 3 additional options to the luge tracks, as new entry points are also under construction.
.jpg) Along with the new chairlift extensions to the current terraced area of Terraces Cafe has begun. These extensions are necessary because of the popularity of the existing indoor/outdoor area and will again feature hand-laid volcanic stone from the BOP region and canopy sails designed to enhance the great views out across the lake and city.
Skyline Skyrides, also welcomes aboard our new Food & Beverage Manager Jemma Wild. Jemma comes to us from Skyline Queenstown and Leisure Lodge Dunedin and says she is looking forward to helping continue the excellent working and training environment already well established here at Skyline. | 