15 July 2020

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: 'Jonesie' awards

Enquiry

I am working a story today about the Jonesie Awards that are taking place in Wellington today.

It is run by the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union at Parliament and is said to honour "the civil servants, government agencies and politicians who signify government waste, over-spending, excessive regulation, lack of accountability, or any combination of the four. A Jonesie may be awarded on the basis of past accomplishments or on a promised initiative."

The awards are traditionally done as a bit of a take-the-mickey.

Can I please get a response from Mayor Steve Chadwick on this one?

Reporter also asked for any update on the project if there was one since they last reported on it, last month.

Response

Reporter was informed there was no response from the mayor.

Reporter was also informed there was no further update at this stage.

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Media: Mairanga Media (for Maori media/TV)

Topic: Proposed wastewater discharge option

Enquiry

We are interviewing Ngāti Pikiao elders about their stance on the proposed discharge of treated waste into Lake Rotorua.

Can we please get someone from Te Tatau o Te Arawa or the Lakes Trust to give us an update on where things are at with this?

Response

Reporter was informed the matter is currently still with the Environment Court and was referred to Te Tatau o Te Arawa and Rotorua Lakes Trust to request interviews with their representatives.