16 February 2021
Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Move to COVID-19 Alert Level 2
Enquiry
I was hoping I might be able to speak with the Mayor or some other Councillor about this query possibly, otherwise, a written response is fine too.
I'm writing an article about the response to Covid-19/level 2 and was hoping to get a sense about how people are coping. It comes off the back Lakes District Health Board confirmed a total of 194 tests were completed - 126 in Rotorua and 68 in Taupō - yesterday.
The questions I'd ask are as follow:
How is the community holding up?
How is the business community?
Is there a sense of "we've been here before, so we'll be alright"?
What are some things people can do to ensure everything goes as well as possible?
And what should people do if they are feeling ill, follow the guidelines and call Healthline I assume?
Response
The reporter was re-sent the response (see below) that was provided to their colleague yesterday but was not used (they were not aware of this):
From Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick:
"We've been here before and I'm confident everyone will mobilise again to play their part and do the right thing to minimise the impact.
There is always some unease when alert levels go up but our community has responded well in the past and there is no need for panic.
We now live with the knowledge that there could be an escalation of alert levels at any time so should be ready at all times for that to happen.
I would encourage people to connect with their whanau, neighbourhood and other support networks, activate those if required, and to check on and look out for our most vulnerable.
As always, we must be guided by the advice of our health experts and information from official sources (ie covid19.govt.nz and Healthline).
It's important we use the tracer app (with Bluetooth on) and keep track of where we go, practice good hygiene and social distancing, stay home if unwell and call Healthline for advice if needed. People who were at the locations of interest at the stated times should stay home and call Healthline to arrange a test."
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Council's resource consent application to the Environment Court for the wastewater treatment plant upgrade and treated wastewater discharge
Enquiry
I've been away so this story [re Costs relating to resource consent applications for wastewater treatment plant upgrade and treated wastewater discharge] has not been published, but we plan on publishing today, now that I'm back.
Please let me know . . . if the council wishes to change/amend its response in any way.
Response
The reporter was informed there was no change to information and comment previously provided.
*See previous enquiry and responses HERE
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Weather
Enquiry
Just checking in to see whether council has had to deal with any weather related issues overnight or this morning? E.g. flooding or trees down.
Response
The reporter was advised that one tree came down on Hamurana Road last night. This was cleared by contractors who returned to the site in the morning to do more tidying up with a digger.