Rotorua Bucks National Trends With Growth Across Key Economic Indicators

Rotorua is standing out from the rest of the country, according to the latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor, with the district recording positive movement across several key areas, despite a challenging national economic environment.

The city has recorded a 1.4% increase in guest nights – a strong contrast to the national decline of 2.7%.

The housing market is the standout area, with residential consents in Rotorua surging by 40%, compared to a national decline of 3.3%. House values rose by 3.8% (against a national drop of 2.1%) and house sales jumped 15.7%, exceeding the national growth rate of 12.5%. These results point to growing confidence in the local property market.

Rotorua Lakes Council, GM destination development, Jean-Paul Gaston said, “Increases in the average residential rent in the district of 4.4% in the year to March 2025 (higher than the national increase of 2.7%) highlight sustained demand and the need to encourage further housing development.”

Further positives include a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 1.3%, ahead of the national decrease of 1.0%, and growth in new businesses, with business unit numbers lifting by 0.5%.

RotoruaNZ chief executive Andrew Wilson says the results signal a positive trajectory for the district.

“The numbers are a strong indication that Rotorua is heading in the right direction. Despite the national context, we’re seeing resilience and renewed energy in our tourism and housing sectors. The growth in guest nights and tourism spending speaks to Rotorua’s enduring appeal, and the uplift in residential development and house sales reflects real confidence in our future.

“We still have work to do, especially around employment, but the momentum is shifting, and these results highlight the strength of Rotorua as a great place to live, visit and invest in.”

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell said, “These positive results are massive news for Rotorua and shows how focused and committed we’ve been to ensure the best future possible for our community.

“We’ve not only turned Rotorua around but managed to rise above the bar and boost our local economy through smart investment to grow much needed housing, as well as achieving standout statistics in our visitor economy.”

The full Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor report for the March 2025 quarter can be found here at: https://qem.infometrics.co.nz/rotorua-district

About RotoruaNZ
RotoruaNZ is a values-led organisation committed to developing and promoting Rotorua as a destination of choice to work, study, visit, invest and live in. We connect people, land, capital and ideas.
Our work directly supports the development of the Rotorua economy, unlocking opportunities for commercial investment and providing employment, wealth and wellbeing for all our people. RotoruaNZ works in partnership with iwi, the private sector, community organisations, and local and central governments to support the growth aspirations of Rotorua and enhance the city’s identity and reputation.

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