14 January 2020

Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)

Topic: Graffiti

Enquiry

I am doing a story about graffiti and vandalism in the Bay and spoke to Graffiti Busters in Taurnaga who said a tagger 'PREY' had, alone, cost the Tauranga Council $40,000 last year. He said this time of the year was extremely busy given it being school holidays too.

• I was wondering how much money graffiti cost the council in 2019?
• How much money was put aside for it in 2019 and how much is being put aside for it in 2020?
• How does the council go about removing graffiti and/or preventing it?
• Are there particular taggers who are showing up consistently? What are the tags and how do you know it is the same people?
• Is there a time of the year which is busier in terms of graffiti showing up?
• What happens when someone is caught who has vandalised?
• Is this is a growing problem? How much has it worsened?

Response

From Sport, Recreation and Environment Manager Rob Pitkethley:

It's always disappointing when public buildings, playgrounds and other assets are vandalised. The Council works with the local communities to create open spaces and recreational areas that everyone can enjoy and graffiti and vandalism spoil this for both residents and visitors.

Where we are concerned about walls or fenced areas potentially being a target for graffiti we work closely with local groups to create murals which adds a local flavour and helps deter graffiti. Graffiti reported by the public to Council goes via our customer centre to our contractors at Infracore. Graffiti can also be picked up by the teams that maintain the parks and reserves. Graffiti is usually removed by cleaning or painting over within 24 hours of the report being received to discourage further vandalism. We often see an increase in graffiti during busy periods such as school holidays however, we are not aware of an increase in graffiti in general over the last few years.

In terms of the cost to the community, we are unable to provide a specific figure as it is incorporated into the parks asset cleaning which is looked after by one full time staff member, employed by Infracore.

However, we estimate that it would cost on average at least $60,000 per year.

Anytime we become aware of people vandalising public assets it is referred to the police to be dealt with as a criminal matter.

If anyone sees graffiti, you can report it to Council by calling 07 3484 199 or emailing info@rotorualc.nz with its location.

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Media: Rotorua Now (SunLive)

Topic: Electoral expense returns

Enquiry

From Rotorua Now (SunLive):

Several RLC councillor candidates appear to have missed the deadline of 55 days, from October 17 to December 11, 2019.

Whare (Bam) Preston does not appear to have filed at all - at least one cannot access behind his name on screen.

By my count, Raj Kumesh filed on Dec 13; Julie Kerry Dec 13; Lance Mutlow Dec 14; Conan O'Brien Dec 13; Hairia Rupapera, Dec 18.

Have the above candidates incurred penalties as a result of missing the deadline?

And did Whare Preston file a return?

If not what measures can be taken to elicit from Mr Preston his account?

Apart from Harina Rupapera, candidates named seem a day or two over the deadline if my sums are correct.

Overdue accounts of expenses can incur a substantial fine. Will the council be acting to issue penalties?

Response

The following information was provided:

Currently there are two declarations outstanding; Bam Whare and Rachel Clark.

Rotorua Lakes Council's Electoral Officer Warwick Lampp has been informed. Mr Lampp has contacted these candidates requesting that they complete and forward their electoral expenses returns.

Candidates can be fined for filing late (up to $1000). No fines have been imposed to date.

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Media: Rotorua-based local democracy reporter

Topic: Electoral expense returns

Enquiry

I was wondering if you could please update me as to which 2019 Rotorua Lakes candidates' electoral returns are still missing?

According to the council website, three still outstanding: Raj Kumar, Preston (Bam) Whare and Rachel Clark.

Can you please confirm (if you are able) that indeed those returns are yet to come in?

I have put this request to the Electoral Commission / returning officer too, and he has referred me back to Council.

Response

The following information was provided:

We can confirm that there are currently two declarations outstanding; Bam Whare & Rachel Clark.

Rotorua Lakes Council's Electoral Officer Warwick Lampp has been informed. Mr Lampp has contacted these candidates requesting that they complete and forward their electoral expenses returns.

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Media: Rotorua Weekender

Topic: Chinese New Year Festival

Enquiry

Reporter sought information and comment about the upcoming Rotorua Chinese New Year Festival celebrations at the city's Thursday night market and had the following questions:

- What will this year's Rotorua Chinese New Year Festival include?

- For those who don't know much about the Chinese New Year, what are some of the traditions/meanings behind it culturally?

- Why is it important/a great opportunity to hold this festival?

- Why do you encourage the local community to come along and check it out?

- Is there anything else you would like to add?

- Are there any previous photos we may be able to use?

Response

The following information and comment was provided:

Reporter was referred to the spokesman for the Rotorua Chinese Community Association regarding questions about the cultural traditions and meanings related to Chinese New Year and why it's important/a great opportunity to hold the festival.

From Rotorua Lakes Council Market Manager Brigitte Nelson:

We have a fantastic line up of events and entertainment to celebrate the Year of the Rat! Located in Te Manawa (corner of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai Streets)during the Night Market, there will be delicious Chinese food for sale, fantastic entertainment including dragon dancing as well as craft stalls and activities. You can hear your future for 2020 from a fortune cookie and learn how to make a perfect dumpling.

Rotorua is such a multi-cultural city and it is wonderful to learn more about the different cultures living here. It will be a fantastic evening alongside our Night Market.

We are bringing back the hugely popular Dumpling Eating Competition which people loved last year. Head to our Night Market Facebook page for more information.

(Pictures for use in the Weekender were provided)

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Media: Rotorua-based local democracy reporter

Topic: Appointment of councillor leads

Enquiry

I understand Raj Kumar was offered a councillor lead role - Sport and Recreation - but did not reply to the offer. I understand this offer was made at the same time as other councillor lead roles were offered.

• Can the Mayor please confirm or deny the above and, if confirmed,
• Why did the Mayor not point this out when asked about 'freezing out' RDRR/RRR members from councillor lead roles last week by the Daily Post?

I would like this as soon as possible please.

Response

From Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick:

All councillors were given the opportunity to discuss how their aspirations as elected members aligned with Rotorua's 2030 vision and the agreed direction of Council. My role is to build a positive team to help progress that vision and direction.