Rotorua's mayor is overjoyed the era of emergency housing motels is over - with no families left in them. 

At its peak, more than 240 households were living across 13 motels

Tania Tapsell says delivering affordable houses has made a huge difference. 

She says the city's recent tourism lift has also helped mend its reputation. 

"Between building the homes we actually needed, affordable ones, and boosting our economy, it's going to be great. Our tourism industry here is the heartbeat of Rotorua."

LISTEN ABOVE