Step into gear

Vine Eatery & Bar is the perfect place to relax this summer as you unwind, relax and indulge in our delicious New Zealand & Mediterranean influenced dishes in a classy but casual setting.

Feast alfresco in our wind-sheltered outdoor dining area, the ideal spot for your drinks and dinner in the sun. Or beat the heat with our refreshing summer wines and cocktails. Our full bar has an extensive range of whiskeys, craft beers or wines, along with tapas, shared plates or à-la-carte options.

Kia ora koutou, 2021 has certainly been another eventful year and with summer officially here it’s time to change gear and get out and enjoy everything that the beautiful Taupō district has to offer. There really is something here for everyone. From adventure tourism, shopping, wining and dining, to enjoying our wonderful freshwater lakes, our geothermal hot pools, river trails, golfing – and so much more. If you’ve never visited us before, now is the time to come and see what everyone is talking about. And, if you have enjoyed our district before, then come on back and see what’s new. Even if you think you know Taupō and its attractions well, there’s always something different to discover: whether it’s a bike trail you haven’t ridden, a walking track to one of Lake Taupō’s many bays, our wonderful new flagship playground on the Tongariro South Domain, or a café or attraction that’s sprung up since your last trip. One thing is certain, the same great Taupō district hospitality remains unchanged. Of course, I continue to encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated from COVID-19. We are one community, and we are all in this together. Not only do vaccinations help to protect our community, they help us to get back to normal and welcome visitors from all across Aotearoa New Zealand this summer.

We love sharing our piece of paradise with you all, and now is the perfect time to come and explore the heart of the North Island. Nga mihi,

David Trewavas

Kia ora koutou, He painga mō tea o katoa – for the betterment of all. That’s the destination vision Rotorua has as we look to a future where tourism will be different but remains a major part of who we are as a district. Despite the ongoing impact of COVID-19, there is optimism with significant growth in visitor numbers anticipated in the longer term.

Rotorua’s strong and compelling story has drawn visitors for more than 150 years, and we’re making sure our district remains a destination of choice. A community that offers great, authentic experiences through development of a Destination Management Plan to drive tourism into the future. The plan sets out actions to bring about transformational change, support investment in a positive future and strengthen our cultural foundations. Taking a holistic approach that focuses on visitor experience underpinned by social, environmental, cultural and economic values. Development of the plan was led by our destination and economic development CCO Rotorua Economic Development, with critical input from Te Arawa, council, central government, the tourism sector and wider community. We will all play a role in implementing the plan to achieve the desired outcomes for the benefit of all in our community. The world has changed around us and a different approach to tourism is needed. What we have now is a very clearly defined destination identity and a well formed plan to take us in a positive direction. Kia kaha,

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Kia ora koutou, At the risk of preaching to the converted, I’d like to use this column to strongly urge anyone who hasn’t yet been ‘jabbed’ to do so without delay. We’ve entered a new and more dangerous phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and the modellers tell us that by Christmastime, COVID is likely to be a factor in many parts of New Zealand. When 90% of our population is fully vaccinated – or

preferably even higher – the impact of COVID on our health system, lives and economy will have substantially reduced. At this point we could potentially reopen our borders to fully-vaccinated visitors from countries that aren’t deemed to be high-risk – provided they have also had a negative test before travelling. It would also mean that lockdown restrictions could be eased, with fullyvaccinated people able to resume something close to a normal life. That’s important for us as individuals, as whanau, as communities and as a country, because it would take the shackles off our economy without the risk of serious health consequences for the wider community. The vaccine is safe, free and easily available – and it’s in all of our interests to get our country as protected as possible. And a final word to those of us who are fully-vaccinated. If you know someone who isn’t, talk to them about your experience and the sort of summer you’re looking forward to. Without being judgmental, encourage them to think about the positives – all of us stand to benefit. Best wishes for the festive season. Anne Tolley

Kia ora koutou, Summer is upon us and there aren’t too many better places to relax and enjoy yourself than right here in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. If you’re a visitor planning to spend some time with us this summer – welcome! I’m sure you’ll encounter great local hospitality and take advantage of the many opportunities our sunny and beautiful part of Aotearoa has to offer. Most people are well aware that Whakatāne has one of

New Zealand’s best-loved beaches – Ōhope – but if you want to explore a little further, you will find any number of outstanding experiences close at hand. Our friendly

and knowledgeable i-SITE staff can help you with all the ‘what to do’ information you’ll need, plus bookings and recommendations on where to stay, eat and shop. Inland, you’ll discover wonderful Te Urewera and the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park – two sublime tracts of untouched native forest which offer wonderful walking, mountain biking and fishing opportunities. Please help us take care for our land, sea and nature – tread lightly and ‘leave no trace’. Our reliably high sunshine hours mean you will need to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly. Also, please ensure you drive responsibly on our roads and stay safe in and around our waterways, so you can experience many happy memories – and look forward to many more to come. Kia kaha,

Judy Turner

The Comm. is the home of craft beer and cider, Good George Brewing in Whakatane. Bringing great beer, cider, awesome food and great times to the Sunshine Capital of New Zealand. Covering all bases, whether it's a coffee and muffin to start the day, stopping by for a beer or a cider after your trip to the bay, a glass of wine with the ladies, or to fill your bellies with some delicious soul food. There's also live music every Friday and Saturday night. The Comm. is the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry!

OPENING HOURS Sunday to Thursday 7 am – 10 pm Friday and Saturday 7 am – Midnight BOOK NOW thecomm.co.nz/book 45 The Strand Whakatane 07 307 0449