10 February 2020
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Passing of Mala Grant
Enquiry
Reporter sought comment from Mayor Chadwick about the passing of Mala Grant whose funeral service was today
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
I've had a long and close association with Mala that goes back to when I was a midwife, then MP and more recently as Mayor when she was involved with the establishment of a meaningful partnership with Te Tatau o Te Arawa, helping to navigate us through that journey. I have always very much valued Mala's wise counsel - she gave calm, reflective views, always seeking practical ways of working together and always about the benefits for all. Mala also had a wicked giggle and a beautiful smile that helped in any negotiation.
More recently she shared her next vision with me when she started her Hospice care at home, talking about the value of wellness through her beloved pastime of waka ama and I hope that dream isn't lost.
Moe mai to a dear friend, leader, health entrepreneur and wahine toa.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Investor confidence in Rotorua
Enquiry
I am writing a story about investor confidence in Rotorua and hoping to get comment from Destination Rotorua.
The latest Colliers International survey puts Rotorua in the bottom three cities in the country for investor confidence in the commercial property market.
The survey suggests on 27 per cent of respondents are optimistic with 52 per cent neutral and 17 per cent pessimistic.
Could someone please answer the following -
1 - Do you think the survey figures give a fair representation of investor confidence in Rotorua?
2 - Why has investor confidence dropped (according to the survey)?
3 - Has Rotorua seen a decline in commercial property investment opportunities?
Response
The owing response was provided by Rotorua Economic Development:
1 - These results do not reflect our experience. We are currently talking to a number of interested investors across a range of industries including accommodation, film and media, spa & wellness and light industry.
2 - It is positive to see the percentage of people in Rotorua who are optimistic has increased between quarters 3 and 4. This is also reflected in the value of consents that are being issued in the Rotorua district. The total value of consents for the year to September 2019 was $74.4m, a rise of 65.3% compared to the previous year and a 8-year high for the district. The average increase in the value of consents across New Zealand for the year to September was 12.7%.
3 - Growth in the value of consents over the last year shows that investors are pursuing are a number of exciting opportunities in Rotorua. Examples of these include Rotoma No1's hotel investment, the second stage of the new three-story commercial building on Fenton St and the recent completion of the Pullman Hotel on Arawa St. It's also a positive sign to see construction underway on the Lakefront development, which will help encourage further investment into the area.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Graffiti removal
Enquiry
Could I please have a comment from the council on the amount of money spent on graffiti removal in the city:
How does the council justify spending an estimated $60,000 on removing graffiti in the last financial year?
What prevention measures are in place?
Response
NOTE: These questions relate to a media enquiry we responded to on 14 January.
The reporter was contacted by phone today to seek clarification about what was meant by how council justifies the estimated spend on graffiti removal. She explained she meant why is it important to remove graffiti.
The reporter was referred to the original response (see HERE) re both of today's questions (specifically where that response refers to working with local communities to create spaces for all to enjoy and murals as a way to deter/prevent graffiti.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: 8 Scott Ave stage show
Enquiry
I see the awesome 8 Scott Ave is back for a second season starting on Wednesday. I'm doing a preview story on the show and the app associated with it for tomorrow's paper.
I understand the council has come on board to support it financially, allowing a summer season to go ahead. Can you please answer the following for me before midday today?
Cheers
- How has the council become involved in supporting it?
- How much money has the council given?
- Why has the council decided to support it?
Response
From Performing Arts Director Cian Elyse White:
How has the council become involved in supporting it?
8 Scott Ave was developed during Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival as a part of Ngā Kākano -The New Works project last September. The event showcased snippets of homegrown original musicals and performing arts pieces in the hopes of testing the shows key themes, style and writing on an audience. Jack Grace's snippet of 8 Scott Ave lifted the roof and it was evident the show would be a crowd pleaser! Following an incredible development season at the Blue Baths in November 2019, Rotorua Lakes Council has stepped in to help achieve Jack's dream to grow this local show into a larger venue and allow more people to enjoy this hilarious take on life in Rotorua in the late 60s and early 70s.
How much money has the council given?
Rotorua Lakes Council is supporting this show by providing a range of infrastructure from venue, technical support and pre-production advice. Equipment from the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre is being used to replicate the theatre venue within the Energy Events Centre, Rotorua. Also marketing, communications and design support is being provided from the Rotorua Lakes Council Arts & Culture unit to promote the event.
Why has the council decided to support it?
With the appointment of Rotorua Lakes Council Performing Arts Director, Cian Elyse White, in 2018 there is now an ability to focus resource, time and funding to performing arts activations such as 8 Scott Ave. Rotorua Lakes Council continue to find ways to support and nurture local performing arts groups even though the Sir Howard remains closed. We look forward to continuing to support of our community talents once the theatre opens in April 2021.
