Rotorua's looks win award

Rotorua has been voted New Zealand's most beautiful city.

Rotorua District Council's Keep Rotorua Beautiful co-ordinator Christine Findon accepted Rotorua's national Beautiful City award on September 26 at the annual Keep New Zealand Beautiful conference in Rotorua.

It is the fifth time in 10 years that Rotorua has won the award for a city with a population greater than 20,000. An official trophy presentation is scheduled for later in the year.

Mayor Kevin Winters says winning the award five times in the past decade proves what locals already knew - that Rotorua has a stunningly beautiful environment.

"Four previous wins was already an outstanding achievement, but taking out the award a record fifth time is incredible news for the city. I'm rapt that the beauty of our environment and the hard work of so many people has been recognised in this way."

Mayor Winters says being able to boast that we're officially the most beautiful city in the country is especially opportune with direct trans-Tasman flights into Rotorua beginning in December.

"I take my hat off to Christine Findon and our local Keep Rotorua Beautiful Committee who work tremendously hard to keep our city spruced up and looking fresh."

Christine Findon attributed Rotorua's success to many community volunteers and the hard-working team at Rotorua District Council that gets behind keeping the city beautiful.

"All the people who helped with litter pick ups, others who helped out with graffiti eradication, and numerous groups from school children through to retirees through to service groups share this award with us. Well done Rotorua."