13 September 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Hemo sculpture
Inquiry
[The inquiry referred to a brief in the Operations report, Operations & Monitoring Committee agenda for 7 September 2017 - p43: Hemo Gorge sculpture: The construction of the sculpture is proving to be quite complex and challenging and alternative construction methods are being explored.]
1. In what way is the construction proving complex and challenging and what alternative methods are being explored?
2. Originally the sculpture was intended to be completed by July. How much of the work has been completed?
3. What is the new expected completion date?
4. The latest total cost we reported was $500,000. Is this still the case?
5. The latest we reported costs were distributed as follows: New Zealand Transport Agency ($200,000), the council ($150,000) and Te Puia $50,000, leaving another $100,000 to be sought from various community and arts trusts, or private individuals who would like to contribute. How much of that $100,000 been found? If there is a shortfall, who is covering it?
Response
Construction of Rotorua's Hemo intersection sculpture delayed
13 September, 2017
Construction of an iconic sculpture for Rotorua's Hemo intersection has been delayed.
The delay is due to the complex construction required and other work commitments of the specialist company sub-contracted to bring the design to life.
The sculpture, which will become a feature of the new roundabout being constructed by the NZ Transport Agency at the city's southern gateway, was initially to be
completed by July this year but is now expected to be completed by June 2018.
Designed by the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia, the sculpture was inspired by the story of Te Arawa chief Ngātoroirangi.
We have a preferred contractor to construct the sculpture and they have sub-contracted a Canadian firm because specialist engineering and construction methods required aren't available in New Zealand, Rotorua Lakes Council's strategy group manager Jean-Paul Gaston says.
Construction planning has been delayed due to previous commitments of the overseas firm. We are disappointed by the delay but we've had to draw a line in the sand and look at what alternative options are available and we're working on that with Te Puia.
The estimated cost of the project is $570,000, with Rotorua Lakes Council, Te Puia and Transport Agency all contributing to the development of the piece.
The Transport Agency has committed $200,000 in funding for the sculpture. Council committed $150,000 from its percent for art budgets and agreed to provide a $120,000 underwrite, should one be needed. This would also come from the percent for art budget.
The remainder of the funding needed will be sought from external funders or sponsors, with the assistance of Rotorua's public arts trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Timeline
November 2015: Council calls for expressions of interest from artists
February 2016 - 13 expressions of interest are received
Late Feb 2016 - A shortlist of 5 is selected by an external Public Art Selection Panel and those artists are invited to develop their concepts for the sculpture
Mid-April 2016 - Te Puia selected for its concept
May 2016 - Engineers brought in to provide advice and plan for the fabrication of the 10m tall sculpture
Late 2016 - Tender process for a preferred contractor to construct the sculpture started
January 2017 - Tender process closed and contractor selected
Late August 2017 - Council considers new options to speed up construction of sculpture
Why do we need a sculpture at Hemo Road?
On specific NZ Transport Agency projects, art can be incorporated as part of the approach to Urban Design. The goal of the Hemo Road roundabout is to boost safety at a high-risk intersection, as well as provide cycle and pedestrian access at the southern Rotorua gateway. All aspects of safety were taken in to consideration when it was decided where the sculpture would be placed.
The Hemo Road roundabout project is being completed by the Transport Agency. The agency engaged with the Council on various aspects of the project, including artwork. Council has also made a financial commitment to the artwork because of its importance as a gateway to the city. The sculpture fits with Council's aim to revitalise the city's gateways
What does the sculpture represent?
The sculpture was inspired by the story of Te Arawa chief Ngātoroirangi, who was responsible for the safe passage of people to New Zealand.
Designed by the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (Te Puia), the sculpture illustrates the origins of geothermal. While exploring south of Rotorua Ngātoroirangi almost perished from the cold atop Tongariro and called for his sisters Kuiwai and Haungaroa to send heat and warmth to save him. They travelled beneath sea and land in the form of fire, creating a geothermal corridor and valleys such as Whakarewarewa as they travelled and surfaced at various locations in search of him.
What's happening with the construction of the sculpture?
Construction of the artwork has been delayed while a Canadian company sub-contracted by Council's preferred tenderer completed existing projects on its books. The international company, which specialises in stainless pipe rolling, asked for extensions to construct the sculpture. As a result of the delays Council is considering alternative options given there are limited companies in the world which can construct a 10m flame-like stainless piping piece.
What alternative options are being considered?
Te Puia has been asked to take another look at the sculpture design and see if it can be redefined and potentially widening the pool of companies which can build it.
When is the sculpture expected to be built?
Council wants the sculpture to be constructed and installed by June next year.
How much is the sculpture expected to cost?
The estimated cost is approximately $570,000. The Transport Agency has committed $200,000 and Rotorua Lakes Council has committed $150,000 as well as committing to underwrite the project if needed. External funding and sponsorship will be sought.
How many tenders were received to construct the sculpture?
Three tenders were received. None were from Rotorua and a Hamilton-based engineering and fabrication company was selected for the work.
Who is the Hamilton-based company?
The contract is still being finalised so that information is currently commercially sensitive. The Hamilton firm needs to demonstrate its ability to deliver the project and has enlisted the services of a Canadian firm with machinery and skills in pipe rolling. These types of services are not available in New Zealand.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Dog exercise areas and information available
Inquiry
I'm writing a story to help clarify the dog control bylaw, mostly where people can and can't walk their dogs.
A woman contacted us who moved to Rotorua six months ago. She was walking her neighbour's dog near the govt gardens/golf course area recently, not knowing dogs aren't allowed there, and it killed a baby swan. She was fined $500 and feels terrible about it, and contacted us because she thought she can't be the only one who didn't know the restrictions and hoped it would help stop any more situations like this. She said she didn't see any obvious signs and thinks the restricted areas could be more clear, either at the site or an available map. She's a pensioner, and the fine was almost her entire week's allowance.
Elizabeth said she did have some sort of pamphlet with the restricted CBD streets marked, but said it wasn't clear many parks were out of the equation, but I'd imagine there are signs around.
- Can you provide a simple outline on where dogs can and can't be?
- Is there a pamphlet or map people can access with the appropriate areas marked out?
- It doesn't say in the annual report on dog control for 15/16 how many infringement notices were issued. Is that number available for that year and this year please?
- How well acquainted does the Dog Control Unit generally think people are aware with where people can and can't walk their dogs?
Response
Response from Neven Hill, Compliance Manager -
A key rule for people to be aware of when it comes to exercising their dogs is that they must be on a leash in public places, except where being off a leash is allowed. There are designated areas throughout the city where this is allowed.
Owning or minding a dog is a big responsibility and taking the time to know and understand the rules is part of that.
Dog control laws are in place to protect people and other animals so we take it seriously when they are breached although we prefer to educate rather than prosecute. Our Animal Control staff will normally approach a person and explain the rules rather than instantly issuing an infringement notice but it depends on the circumstances and the type of infringement.
In this particular case, because of the seriousness of the incident, the killing of a protected bird, an infringement was appropriate.
Information is available on Council's website, in hard copy form at Council's main office and a summary of dog owner responsibilities features on registration forms sent to dog owners each year. There is also signage at various locations.
Information:
View a copy of the Dog Exercise Area pamphlet HERE
View the Dog Exercise Area maps HERE
View the Dog Control Bylaw HERE
Infringement notice stats:
Please note that the bottom category includes infringements for being in a restricted place, not having dogs on a lead and other breaches of the local Bylaw.
01 July 2014 to 30 June 2015, 569 infringements issued
Wilful Obstruction of an Officer | 3 |
Unregistered dog | 258 |
Failure to implant a Microchip | 205 |
Failure to comply with Menacing/Dangerous Dog Classification | 13 |
Failure to control a dog | 37 |
Failure to keep dog confined | 21 |
Failure to comply with a Bylaw requirement | 32 |
01 July 2015 to 30 June 2016, 573 infringements issued
Wilful Obstruction of an Officer | 4 |
Unregistered dog | 266 |
Failure to implant a Microchip | 101 |
Failure to comply with Menacing/Dangerous Dog Classification | 30 |
Failure to control a dog | 25 |
Failure to keep dog confined | 27 |
Failure to comply with a Bylaw requirement | 120 |
01 July 2016 to 30 June 2017, 597 infringements issued
Wilful Obstruction of an Officer | 9 |
Unregistered dog | 274 |
Failure to implant a Microchip | 7 |
Failure to comply with Menacing/Dangerous Dog Classification | 109 |
Failure to control a dog | 28 |
Failure to keep dog confined | 31 |
Failure to comply with a Bylaw requirement | 139 |