10 November 2020
Media: Maori Television
Topic: Bilingual road signage and related regulations
Enquiry
Reporter sought interviews with Mayor Chadwick and with Te Tatau o Te Arawa board member Rawiri Waru regarding topic of Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and bilingual signage which was raised during last week's Operations & Monitoring Committee meeting
The mayor was asked about NZTA claims that bilingual signs were too long and could cause accidents.
She was also asked if she thought the regulations were acceptable, especially for a community like Rotorua, which was built on Maori culture.
Response
Mayor Chadwick made the following key points:
Getting our Hemo entrance sign across the line with Waka Kotahi was a tough process - the regulations need to be changed to allow for standard bilingual signage and suitable translations
With new Ministers in place now seems a good time to renew efforts to get change
The lack of standard bilingual signs within the regulations is not acceptable
Background provided to reporter:
Discussion about NZTA's regulations re signage was prompted by a question about the process undertaken in 2018 to get a bilingual entranceway sign at Hemo
Current regulations do not allow for bilingual content on signs so this is dealt with as an exception and involved a lengthy process
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Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Get Outdoors Week
Enquiry
I'm getting in touch as I saw that Get Outdoors Week is coming up and I was wondering if it's possible to get a few comments from someone in the open spaces team to add to the information on the Bingo card?
- Why is it great/important to have Get Outdoors Week?
- Why is Rotorua such a great city for getting outdoors?
- Why is the Bingo card a great activity for families to make use of?
- Is there anything you would like to add?
Response
From Council's Sport, Recreation and Environment Manager, Rob Pitkethley:
Why is it great/important to have Get Outdoors Week?
Get Outdoors Week is the initiative of several of New Zealand's leading recreation, tourism and safety organisations. It is about encouraging all New Zealanders to safely and easily explore New Zealand's great outdoors. Rotorua Lakes Council thinks this is a great idea and is supporting this initiative by promoting many of the outdoor places and spaces we have to offer here in Rotorua.
Why is Rotorua such a great city for getting outdoors?
Just look outside! Rotorua has one of the best outdoor environments in New Zealand, from our lakes and streams, geothermal features to native bush, forests, gardens, parks and play spaces. There is an abundance of free, family-friendly and accessible places to explore.
Why is the Bingo card a great activity for families to make use of?
The bingo card provides some ideas for people who don't know where to start, but want to get out and explore. Those who don't need any encouragement can turn the card into a competition with whānau or friends and challenge them to do as many activities as they can.
Is there anything you would like to add?
For more information about what other cities are doing, people can head to the official Get Outdoors Week website (getoutdoorsweek.co.nz) There is also a chance to win prizes by sharing your adventures to #GOWeekNZ.