10 July 2020
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Legal costs incurred for advice about predetermination and governance
Enquiry
*NOTE: This enquiry follows yesterday's enquiry related to the same matter
I think it would be good if you are able to calculate the cost of that approx 20 hours staff time - even if just an estimate rather than an exact figure.
I realise the 20 hours is an approximation itself so if its just a range, that could work too.
Response
The following information was provided:
Re approx. cost of approx. 20 hours staff time relating to predetermination advice: $1520
As I mentioned on the phone, both these figures are estimates only.
The estimated cost figure provided is calculated as per the guidelines RLC uses to calculate staff costs relating to provision of information under LGOIMA (which is as per Ministry of Justice charging guidelines and is $38 per half hour or part thereof).
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Mystery smell
Enquiry
We have heard reports of a foul smell on Brooklyn, Park and Edmunds Rd in Western Heights/Mangakakahi. One man has called saying it was particularly strong last few nights and his wife was physically sick from the smell.
Can I please get some information on this one? Are the council aware of what the smell is? and is anything being done?
Response
Response from Stavros Michael, Infrastructure Group Manager:
Council received several calls between 9pm and 11pm yesterday evening. Our on-call pollution control officer visited the area and did detect a smell but was unable to identify any likely cause or source. They didn't think it was typical sewerage smell.
The on-call officer and a contractor inspected sewer lines in the area for faults or overflows but none were found.
This morning our staff communicated with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, the agency responsible for environmental pollution issues, but at that time they had not received any calls about odours.
If the odour continues and anyone can pinpoint its cause or source location, we encourage them to contact either our office on 07 348 4199 or Bay of Plenty Regional Council on 0800 884 880.
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Media: Stuff
Topic: Appointment of Museum director
Enquiry
*NOTE: this enquiry follows on from a previous enquiry responded to on 6 July
Thanks for getting back to me with Stewart's comments. I'm dropping you a further line as I'd been in touch with Lizzie for comment too and she's asked that it go via council, so to that end emailing with some questions for Lizzie:
Firstly I wanted to ask how she became aware of the vacancy?
This appointment has come as something of a surprise - did Lizzie expect that reaction?
I'd also like to ask for some clarification around the role. In this director role will Lizzie lead the upcoming rebuild works, or is it more a focus on exhibitions, curating items in the collection, etc?
It strikes me that with the rebuild work coming up this is likely one of the most important times for the Rotorua Museum building - would Lizzie agree with that?
Response
The following was sent in response:
Lizzie wishes to settle in to her new role before taking interviews but you have some comments from her from the release announcing her appointment which also included comments from the relevant group manager, plus and you have additional comments provided by Stewart the other day.
This video posted on the museum Facebook page today covers off your questions seeking further insight into Lizzie's selection for the role and what she will be responsible for:
Video link provided is HERE
