\u201cIt\u2019s a substantial number, and it is very diverse with people from Russia, Ukraine and Bengal, a few from Africa, but large numbers from India, China and Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we just provide this enveloping support structure for them.\u201d <\/p>\n
Rotorua Multicultural Council president Dr Margriet Theron. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Andrette Brand immigrated to Rotorua from South Africa in 2023, and said the move had \u201chonestly been a blessing\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cRotorua caught our hearts from the first time we arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brand said she wanted a safe place where she could \u201cstart fresh\u201d and give her family a better life.<\/p>\n
\u201cRotorua gave us that feeling straight away. The people are very friendly, and we feel welcome everywhere we go. It is peaceful, and everything is close.\u201d <\/p>\n
She said, however, it had not been easy settling in, and the first challenge was the cost of living. <\/p>\n
\u201cRent, food and daily basics are more expensive than we thought. We had to learn how to budget and plan better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brand said even with the challenges, she was grateful because her family felt safe and was building a new future. <\/p>\n
Andrette Brand (from left), Angelique Brand and Dewaal Brand moved to Rotorua from South Africa in June 2023. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cCompared to where we have lived before, life here feels calmer and steadier, and we are proud to call Rotorua our home now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tatiana Troshina, originally from Russia, has lived in Rotorua <\/a>for two years with her husband and three children. <\/p>\n She said Rotorua was a \u201crelatively small\u201d city, which made it comfortable for family life.<\/p>\n \u201cIt feels easier to build connections here compared to large cities, and the overall pace of life is more relaxed, welcoming, and family-friendly.\u201d<\/p>\n Troshina said public transport was a challenge for those without a car.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be helpful to have a circular bus route, similar to the Hamilton Orbiter, so it\u2019s easier to travel between different areas without changing buses.\u201d<\/p>\n She said Rotorua had a good foundation, but continued investment would be important as the population grows. <\/p>\n \u201cOngoing development of public transport and care for the city centre would help maintain Rotorua\u2019s beauty and liveability.\u201d<\/p>\n Jean-Paul Gaston, Rotorua Lakes Council group manager of destination development, said Rotorua was in a \u201cgood position\u201d to respond to what the community needed as it grew. <\/p>\n \u201cSuccess for us is achieving our council\u2019s vision of a better Rotorua for all.\u201d<\/p>\n Tatiana Troshina has lived in Rotorua for two years with her husband and three children. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n