16 October 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Aquatic Centre management
Inquiry
Someone posted on the Rotorua Chat Line on Facebook yesterday about council outsourcing management of the public pools.
There was quite a lot of public comment.
Is this being looked at and, if yes, why?
Will it make a difference to admission costs?
[subsequent question following information from source asked if a report recommending external management of the Aquatic Centre was going to Council in November]
Response
From Operations Group General Manager (Acting) Henry Weston:
Rotorua Aquatic Centre is an important community facility and in recent years there have been many calls from the public for it to be improved and upgraded with new features and amenities. Council agrees it needs significant investment for its future development and this has been identified as part of the 2015-25 Long-term Plan.
Under the Local Government Act, Council must review the effectiveness of its services at least every six years and a review of the Aquatic Centre is underway, including a look at current management and alternative management options.
About half of New Zealand's public aquatic centres are managed by external providers, including pools in Auckland, Hamilton, Nelson, Palmerston North, Whangarei and Masterton. As part of our review process, it makes sense to explore what external providers could offer over and above what Council currently provides.
Options continue to be explored but no decisions have been made, nor is there any proposal to increase admission costs as a result of this process.
The review is still underway and the outcome of the review will determine whether or not a paper goes to elected members and when.
________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Te Manawa progress
Inquiry
I understand a part of Manawa was opened on Saturday? And a video posted telling drivers how to traverse?
When is Manawa expected to be open in its entirety and has council planned an official opening? If yes, can we please have details.
Response
From Infrastructure General Manager Stavros Michael:
Dry weather has meant the contractors have been able to speed ahead with work at Te Manawa. As the western portion of the paving is finished, the fences have been shifted back, allowing pedestrian access.
There are about five days of work left to be done.
Completion of the project is expected to be before the end of October and will be marked in some way but details are still being finalised.
[Videos being used to help educate public about how to use Te Manawa - which is designated a shared zone - are at the following link: http://bit.ly/2iduPE6 Scroll down a bit to see 3 videos which explain right of way rules for the zone]