16 January 2018

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Spatial plan

Enquiry

Reporter interested in alternative, additional process trialled for submitters to spatial plan to enable them to be heard by elected members, a 'world cafe' style session held in November 2017.

- The plan closed for feedback/submissions on November 17, how many responses were received and in which format?

- On November 28 there was " less formal, groups 'world cafe' style" hearing, was this succesful?

- How many people attended those group hearings?

- Are they something the council will look to continue in the future?

- What were the benefits of a session like this?

- When can we expect to see the final spatial plan?

Response

Reporter was referred to elected members who attended the caf style session in November for comment/views about how it went and was provided with the following information:

About the spatial plan:

• Rotorua 2030 sets the future direction for the district and the spatial plan will guide how and where the district grows to deliver on the long-term vision.
• The spatial plan will provide the blueprint for how Rotorua will grow, develop and change over a time horizon of 30+ years, guiding where development should occur, what type of development and how much.
• It will also guide infrastructure and other future planning.
• The plan will be reviewed within five years to ensure it reflects ongoing change.

Consultation process:

• Spatial plan discussion document was released in April 2017 seeking input for the draft plan. 1500 individuals, groups and organisations (including iwi), agencies and schools got involved in pre-draft engagement and consultation. That feedback was incorporated in the draft plan.
• Submissions to the draft plan were received from 113 individuals, groups and organisations (including iwi) and agencies. Council also received submissions from school students.
• About 30 people attended the 'world caf' session in November. This was designed to encourage more people to have a say by providing an alternative, less formal way for submitters to be heard by elected members.
• A traditional, formal style of hearing was held in December when 25 submitters were heard.
• Elected members will deliberate on submissions received and provide direction on any changes they want. The draft plan will then be presented back to them for final approval.
• The final plan is expected to be adopted in June.
• Whether council uses this type of less formal style of hearing submissions in future will be for elected members to decide.