The Otorohanga District Development Board
PO Box 152
Otorohanga 3940
Phone/Fax: 07 873 6132

A council-funded Economic Development Agency that:

• Promotes and supports activities or services that will stimulate the economy of the Otorohanga District
• Markets the Otorohanga District as a great place in which to live, invest, do business or visit as a tourist
• Operates the Otorohanga i-SITE and Kawhia Information Centre
• Helps facilitate projects for the benefit of the District.

We can help you with:

• Business establishment and advice
• Finding investment opportunities
• District information
• Tourism promotion
• A subsidy to advertise your new business in the Otorohanga District.
  > Click here to download an application form

Board members are local business people actively promoting the Otorohanga District as a wonderful lifestyle choice.

A significant Board project has been the establishment of the Trade Training Centre. The Trade Training Centre has achieved New Zealand-wide recognition in improving youth achievement and employment in the community.

The Board has:

• Assisted with the funding and set up of the Trade Training Centre
• Hired an Apprentice Coordinator to help apprentices achieve at higher levels and find employment
• Purchased and holds in trust all tools and equipment used by Wintec, the principal trainer
• Commissioned a report for the further development of Apprentice Support with Ministry of Social Development assistance.

These people have chosen to live in the Otorohanga District -
read their stories...

"Otorohanga is a fantastic place to live, work, raise a family and retire to. Everything is so handy – mountains, lakes, beaches, cities, airports, trains; whatever interests you - it’s available within a very short distance from here.

I’ve found it’s the people who make the difference – Otorohanga people are warm, they’re friendly and genuinely interested in you.

It’s a very active place, there are all kinds of sports happening most days and it’s attractive and vibrant. The shops and cafes are amazing and people go out of their way to make you welcome.

I love it here and am very proud to call Otorohanga my home!”

Dale Williams
Mayor, Otorohanga District

"Lesleigh and I spent an afternoon here in Otorohanga soon after I had been appointed as the new principal of the town’s College. We walked the streets that day, chatted with people and drank coffee at a local shop.

We noted the laughter, the friendliness and the wonderful blend of heartland Aotearoa New Zealand walking by. After coffee, we were called by the two magnificent carved pou pou which stand tall and proud outside the library and read some of the history of this place. We noted the flowers hanging in baskets on both sides of the road from one end of the street to the other, the “Kiwiana” hanging from the street light posts and the clean green image this place has. Later that day, we drove round the town.

The large number of sporting and community facilities which dot this town became evident. Our first impressions were that it was an awesome community and town and so, within a few days we had made the decision to shift here to live. We have now been here a few months and are in no doubt that coming to live in Otorohanga with its friendly, caring and inclusive people was the best decision we could have made.

We love it here."

Timoti Harris
Principal
Otorohanga College

"My husband Sean and I had been looking for a number of years for a small community in need of our services, that we would be happy to call our own. After searching high and low a friend suggested we investigate Otorohanga.

We were so excited to discover that Otorohanga was a fabulous little community, with a big heart, full of character and characters. The people were really friendly and everyone commented on how happy they were.

We found Otorohanga had everything we needed - great eateries, a local pub, an excellent club, cute little boutiques and good quality amenities. Otorohanga also has an outstanding community, with heaps of space and a sense of peace and security you don’t get in the big city and handy to some outrageous local tourist attractions. Forty minutes drive from the major City of Hamilton, Otorohanga is central to just about everywhere.

We were sold! We have been here for 3 years. Sean set up his own business, ‘Sean the Barber’, and I run a successful practice as a massage therapist. We have never looked back. Otorohanga is a town on the move and we are excited to be a part of it. We highly recommend this town as a fantastic opportunity.

Hope to see you here!"

Sean & Nicola Lewis

"I recently returned to Otorohanga after 43 years. Born and educated here, I always had a feeling that this was my home, but I certainly had mixed feelings about returning.

Well, Otorohanga has certainly exceeded my expectations. The first (and most important) asset is that it supports the people who live here.

Otorohanga has a Community Board and Council prepared to step out and promote opportunities for growth and harmony.

Promoting full employment has been a major venture. Projects such as the Kiwi House, the Ed Hillary Walkway Kiwiana promotions and the great potential for tourism are a major plus for the district in future.

Otorohanga is in a very central locality – not far from major regions like Taupo, Rotorua and new Plymouth - a great place to bring up a family in a community of friendly people.

The shopping and servicing industries of Otorohanga are of high quality and every effort is made to fulfil the community’s requirements. New subdivisions have been opened up – a real boost to the future growth of this remarkable district.

And yes, I am glad I made the decision to return “home” to be part of this community."

Ian Reed

"Our move to New Zealand was driven by a desire for a better lifestyle.

When we were looking at where in NZ we might like to live, there were a few important challenges that needed to be addressed by our eventual new home town. These encompassed several aspects of life including work, play, cost and location.

We wanted to live, work and play in a rural community, preferably a laid-back but thriving small town, but mostly a place that was typically Kiwi. No point in moving 12,000 miles to congregate with other ex-pats?!

Encouraged by the possibility of employment opportunities, we found Otorohanga an extremely friendly small town, with a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere. Everyone was very outgoing and it made us feel like we had been enveloped by an honest community, a place where we felt very comfortable and wanted to be part of.

Location was important to us - proximity to an International Airport as well as a good road / rail link to the rest of the country. In addition, Otorohanga has the added advantage of being a short drive to the 4th largest town in New Zealand (Hamilton).

Since moving to Otorohanga, our initial impression has been enhanced - it is apparent that many people are proud of the town and strive to uphold its character. A town, whose Mayor lives and socializes within it, will always maintain a strong sense of community spirit.

We thoroughly recommend Otorohanga as a place to set down roots, but keep it quiet, as we don't want the whole world to move here!"

(Duncan & Amanda Roobottom)

Board Members:

	Carolyn Christian (Transport company director) (Chairperson) Phone: 07 873 7937
	Andrew Giltrap (Businessman) (Deputy Chair) Phone: 07 873 4004
	Deborah Pilkington (District councillor, farmer) Phone: 07 871 0654
	Bob Strawbridge (Chartered Accountant) Phone: 07 873 7049
	Bev Moloney (Real estate agent, trust account operator) Phone: 07 873 7165
	Liz Cowan (Chairperson Otorohanga Community Board, tourism operator) Phone: 07 873 0849
	Anne Laws (Chairperson Otorohanga Business Association, Investment advisor) Phone: 07 873 7508
	Shane Carr (Investment advisor) Phone: 07 873 7508

To contact the Otorohanga District Development Board click here
OR
Phone/Fax: 07 873 6132 (All your details are kept strictly private)

The Otorohanga District Council
17 Maniapoto Street, PO Box 11, Otorohanga 3900
Phone: 08 873 8199 or Toll Free 0800 738 199

A proactive, progressive, well-managed rural council committed to the highest level of service for residents, ratepayers and visitors.

Business hours: Monday–Friday; 8am–5pm

The Otorohanga District Council operates three separate financial divisions. There are also two Community Boards representing the Otorohanga and Kawhia/Aotea communities.

For comprehensive information about the Otorohanga District Council and its services visit www.otodc.govt.nz

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