11 June 2020
Media: RotoruaNow
Topic: Lime Scooter trial in Rotorua
Enquiry
Am I able to get a copy of the formal proposal from Lime?
Where would the scooters be allowed to operate if allowed? (CBD only? Suburbs?)
Do you have any idea if and when the proposal will go to council for approval?
Response
Please attribute the following to Jocelyn Mikaere - Group Manager, Operations at Rotorua Lakes Council
- Am I able to get a copy of the formal proposal from Lime?You would need to request this from Lime.
- Where would the scooters be allowed to operate if allowed? (CBD only, Suburbs?)No final decision has been made at this stage.
- Do you have any idea if and when the proposal will go to council for approval?Elected members would not need to approve the trial itself, only any policy changes that may be required to enable Lime to operate in Rotorua city.Any proposed policy changes may require public consultation and a decision of Council (on the proposed policy changes, not the trial itself).Businesses don't require approval from elected members to operate but do need to comply with any relevant regulatory requirements, and they would work with council staff regarding any such requirements.
Lime approached Rotorua Lakes Council with a view to undertaking a trial in Rotorua and is continuing to work with Council staff in relation to this.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Tarawera Ultra event entries
Enquiry
I've received embargoed figures on 2021 Tarawera Ultramarathon entries so far, they sold 1076 on the first day, which is a record and I think shows people are keen to get out and enjoy what Rotorua has to offer.
- How important are local events like the Tarawera Ultramarathon for our local economy?
- This event draws thousands of competitors plus their support crews every year, what are the flow-on effects of this influx for Rotorua?
- What makes Rotorua a good location for such events?
- Do you expect domestic events such as the Tarawera Ultramarathon to be more popular with NZ's borders closed and more people looking for domestic tourism opportunities?
- Feel free to add any other thoughts you have on the event and the local economy.
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
Events are a very important part of Rotorua's destination offering and will contribute in a very real way to our district's recovery.
Rotorua hosts a number of iconic events that have, over the years, attracted many Kiwis as well as international participants. Our natural landscape and our strong Te Arawa culture and manaakitanga, plus our central location, accommodation options and all the other activities people can do while they're here, have played a key role in attracting both events and participants.
With our international borders closed for the time being, Kiwis will be looking to events within New Zealand so I expect already popular events will still attract good numbers.
We're very much looking forward to hosting events again and the calendar is starting to fill up with a range of events booked from September and into next year at our stadium and outdoor venues.
