Rotorua wins NZ's Best City title for record sixth time

For the sixth time in 11 years Rotorua is officially once again the country’s ‘Best City’ having taken top honours in the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards this week.

Rotorua District Council’s Keep Rotorua Beautiful coordinator Christine Findon and Rotorua district councillor Karen Hunt were at Parliament House in Wellington on Thursday night to collect the Best City award during the 2010 Best Cities and Towns Awards official function.

Rotorua has now won the Best City title six times in the past 11 years. This year for the first time voting was determined by online public voting with Rotorua up against the other grand finalist Christchurch in the final vote.

Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters says he is rapt that Rotorua has once again come out on top as the accolade will be a fantastic marketing tool for the city.

“Our success in these awards year after year is a sign of a great community - one that cares about its city, its environment and how it all looks.

“It also reinforces our residents’ support for the effort we as a council put into keeping our city looking clean, vibrant and inviting. We know that all the hard work isn’t lost on our tourists who are invariably highly impressed by what a neat and attractive city environment we offer. Well done Rotorua.”

Keep Rotorua Beautiful co-ordinator Christine Findon acknowledged Rotorua residents for getting behind the city effort.

“All the wonderful volunteers who help with litter pick-ups, others who help out with graffiti eradication, and numerous groups from school children to retirees through to service groups, all share this award with us. It’s a genuine community effort that we can all be proud of."