16 November 2020
Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Rotorua Museum COVID-19 collection
Enquiry
I'm working on a story around how the response has been to the museum's appeal for items that represent our year of Covid-19.
I have a few comments from the museum team but was wondering if I could grab a few comments from the mayor too to add in to the story:
- Why is it important to have records, objects etc from a time like this?
- How well do you think Rotorua handled the Covid-19 situation as a community throughout 2020?
- What are you looking forward to/hoping for 2021 considering the year we've had?
- Is there anything you would like to add?
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
Re why is it important to have records, objects etc from a time like this?
It's important to capture it as a moment in history that has impacted us all - locally, nationally and worldwide.
Re how well do you think Rotorua handled the Covid-19 situation as a community throughout 2020?
It has been very humbling to hear about the all-of-community response that occurred. From Council and Government agencies, to the Te Arawa hub and other community support networks, we all joined to make a difference.
There are still stories emerging and I am incredibly proud of our community. I think we are more connected as a result.
It's important we don't lose the lessons learned. We now have, for instance, an extensive network of databases that were collated to reach those in need or those who were isolated, and I think that will help us become an even stronger and more resilient community. And the Covid Card trial in Ngongotaha is a classic example of the strength of co-design when you want to achieve something and need to activate with a degree of urgency.
Re what are you looking forward to/hoping for 2021 considering the year we've had?
In 2021 I'd like to see us extend the community resilience and connectedness we've seen this year, get progress on more housing, and build on the all-of-government collaboration we need alongside us to deal with local issues.