11 August 2020
Media: Radio NZ
Topic: Rotorua economy
Enquiry
Reporter sought interview with Mayor Steve Chadwick re how Rotorua's economy is faring, particularly tourism. Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson and Rotorua Economic Development Acting CE Andrew Wilson were also interviewed.
Response
Key points made by Mayor Chadwick included:
-Rotorua taking a Build Back Better approach to economic recovery
-Council working in partnership with sector groups to implement initiatives and projects to support that approach
-There is cautious optimism re local economy
-Forestry activity has resumed - log demand steady and prices stable, log orders strong
-Dairy sector finishing seasons on a high with good prices
-Real estate activity increasing (low interest rates, people returning to NZ and people looking for bargains)
-Still a lot of unknowns and we'll need to remain adaptable and flexible so we can address new challenges - and also opportunities - as they emerge
-Weekends busy for tourism operators, retail, hospitality with domestic visitors + good support from locals
-As at end June we had about 4000 getting job seeker support (work ready so not people on health and disability) in Rotorua (includes those who have jobs but get top-ups + COVID19 income relief payment recipients)
-June figure was up 1029 getting job seeker (work ready) support in February
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Media: Radio NZ
Topic: Emergency housing
Enquiry
Reporter asked to interview Mayor Chadwick re comments from emergency housing provider Tiny Deane relating to infrastructure. He said he had investors keen to support his emergency/social housing plans but they had noted a lack of council infrastructure to support that.
Response
Key points made by Mayor Chadwick:
-She was unaware of Mr Deane's plans or the specifics to which his investors were referring.
-Council works alongside developers.
-This includes working through infrastructure requirements or challenges.
-Council is working alongside iwi, Central Govt and other partners on housing solutions, as set out in Rotorua's housing strategy which seeks to provide housing across the spectrum.
