Rotorua to Share Manaakitanga With Christchurch Residents

ROTORUA 01.03.11: Rotorua District Council’s Tourism Rotorua i-SITE is working with local Rotary clubs to organise free accommodation and activities for Christchurch people who need to take a break from the aftermath of last week’s devastating earthquake.

Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing (DRTM) and Rotary previously worked together to offer similar packages for Cantabrians following last year’s earthquake in September.

DRTM general manager Don Gunn says the two organisations decided to repeat the initiative because there are so many people needing to get out of Christchurch for a bit of rest and relaxation away from the turmoil of the earthquake ravaged city.

“Tourism Rotorua i-SITE and Rotary Clubs of Rotorua are working together to provide coordination, accommodation needs and visitor activities for Christchurch residents to give them a reprieve from their current harrowing circumstances.

“A lot of our local accommodation providers have generously put their hands up to offer free accommodation, while attraction providers are also joining forces to offer a range of free activities. It’s times like this that that wonderful Rotorua spirit of cooperation comes to the fore.

“Having just returned from Christchurch to help my own family, I recognise how important it is for residents to get away from it all and take a much needed breather from the chaos and devastation they currently have to deal with.

“We want to roll out the red carpet and share Rotorua’s famous spirit of manaakitanga and hospitality with those who have lost so much, and who will undoubtedly continue to struggle in the weeks and months to come.”

ENDS

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