13 August 2020
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Crankworx funding
Enquiry
Can you please confirm the total amount of money the council has invested in Crankworx to date?
Response
Total Council investment to date has been $842,152
That is made up of RLC: $525,000
Working capital/underwrite (as explained by Thomas in today's meeting): $167,152
RED: $150,000
More info:
You can view today's presentation to Council's Strategy, Policy & Finance committee including report from SvG Limited's Director Sharon van Gulik - click here to watch
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: COVID-19
Enquiry
Could I please get a comment from Mayor Steve Chadwick about why it is so important for Rotorua people to stay vigilant and follow restriction rules at this time?
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
We all have a role to play in getting through as quickly as possible and with the least impact possible. It's important we take the lead, be responsible, and take the precautions being advised.
This is an anxious time and an evolving situation but we were told to expect more community transmission, and while we certainly hoped it wouldn't happen, we know how to deal with this - we've done it before.
This latest development reinforces the need for us all to remain vigilant. This is about community resilience - we need to work together, activate our networks and look after each other.
Be aware, follow the guidelines to keep yourself and others safe, stay calm - and be kind.
And if you're unwell and have COVID-like symptoms, check in with your GP or the national healthline for advice and guidance.
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Media: Radio NZ and Newshub (TV3)
Topic: Rotorua connection to Auckland COVID-19 cluster
Enquiry
Reporters requested interviews with the mayor re community reaction/response to current situation and Rotorua link.
Response
The Mayor made the following key points:
-We've been here before and we all need to play our part in getting through this as quickly as possible and with the least impact possible
-We were told to expect more community cases but it is still disappointing and unsettling and causing anxiety for some people
-A blow to our businesses at a time we are trying to reignite our local economy and having had a pretty good run since lockdown
-Everyone needs to heed the advice of the experts - contact GP or healthline if unwell and think you have symptoms; stay calm; practice social distancing; be kind and help one another
-Re should Rotorua be moved to alert level 3: that's a decision for those leading the response. We will be guided by them
-Testing stations have been very busy - second site set up at Stadium opened today
-Businesses visited by the Auckland family members are being guided by health authorities and ensuring they take the right action
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Council's current civil defence role re COVID-19
Enquiry
I was hoping to get some questions in regard to the Civil Defence response to the city's movement to Level 2:
- - Have you met to discuss level 2, what's been put in place?
- - Has there been any preparation for level 3 and 4 ?
- - What will this look like and how will this be rolled out?
- - Are there any checkpoints planned? where and when would this be put in place?
- -What has iwi involvement been with any of this planning?
Response
The reporter was advised over the phone that Council currently has no civil defence role related to the COVID-19 response. It was explained that civil defence has not been asked to lead any aspect of the current response. The Ministry of Health is the lead agency. Our civil defence team continues to monitor the situation and will mobilise if required. A civil defence response would be activated from a national level.