19 February 2019
Media: Daily Post
Topic: Waipa developments
Enquiry
I'm going to a sneak peek preview of the new BMX track at Waipa. I'm doing a story on it and as part of it I'd like to provide updates about what's going on out there in terms of developments.
I know they aren't all council developments and projects, like the spa/Secret Spot for example, but I figured the council would be across them all.
So I'm wondering if I can get a statement about the developments at Waipa and how they are tracking, how it's all coming together. How long until various stages are due to begin/be complete, their cost, and council comment on the facility as a whole. Let me know if I also need to chat with Red Stag about their commercial development or whether that will be encompassed.
I'm [also] looking for comment on what value and benefits have the works and developments at Waipa added to the city? Why is the development beneficial?
Response
The following information and comment from Mayor Chadwick were provided:
Other than a bit of landscaping in the carpark which will be done after summer, Council's parts of the current redevelopments (roading and carparking) has been completed (see December update here in case you missed it: https://www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/our-council/news/Pages/default.aspx?newsItem=8125) Council previously built the toilet/shower facility and the bridge access to the BMX area.
For your knowledge, the only area down there that is Council land is the BMX area. The rest is owned by Red Stag with Council leasing (from Red Stag) the carpark and toilet/shower part of the area.
Sorry but we can't speak on behalf of other organisations/businesses/individuals regarding their projects so you will need to go to Red Stag and the Secret Spot people to check on the progress and details of their projects at Waipa.
Comment From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
Council is supportive of any developments that add value for the Rotorua community and the local economy.
Rotorua has become a well-established, world-renowned mountainbiking destination over the years and a lot of that is the result of the ongoing hard work of some very dedicated people in the local mountainbiking community. Red Stag and businesses located in the forest, with support from Council, have been able to add to that to create a fantastic space that has continued to evolve and has become an outstanding recreational hub. It's a real asset to our community and to our visitor economy and we look forward to the completion of the BMX development and whatever further developments may come in future.
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Media: Daily Post
Topic: Museum funding
Enquiry
I'm flicking you an email because yesterday Tamati Coffey put [the following] on his Instagram story and I thought it would be a great story and good opportunity to do a follow up on the museum and how things are tracking there, and whether local and national govt officials are calling for match funding to restore the whare taonga. I'm assuming you were part of the meeting mentioned in Tamati's social media and wonder whether we might be able to discuss the above
Instagram story:"Hui with Rotorua's government and local govt movers and shakers talked about the need for our whare taonga which holds our treasures and our stories to be given funding to match the community contribution $25m ... "
Response
Comment from Mayor Steve Chadwick:
We've always said that we will seek a Central Government contribution towards the restoration and re-opening of our museum which has great significance, not just for Rotorua, but for New Zealand.
The museum project is an absolute priority for Council and we are extremely grateful for the Rotorua Trust's very generous commitment of $10 million which will provide momentum to help us attract Central Government funding.
The architects and engineers are working on finalising the design and planning so that we can start the construction phase in July this year. In the meantime, we will continue to pursue all potential funding avenues to help us complete the project and get our whare taonga re-opened.
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Media: Rotorua Weekender (Daily Post)
Topic: Music at the Band Rotunda
Enquiry
How has the Music at the Band Rotunda sessions gone so far this year?
How has the engagement been from the community?
Why do you think this event is a great one?
Why do you encourage people to come along and check it out?
Who is in the line-up for the rest of the events?
Response
From Cian Elyse White, Rotorua Lakes Council Performing Arts Director:
We have had a great turn out for the three February sessions with nearly 800 people attending so far. The weather has been fantastic and crowds are enjoying the beautiful setting and exceptional local music.
It brings the community together for a relaxing afternoon of music and companionship. There are people from all walks of life who attend, people chat to their neighbours and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
The community are loving the range of performances on offer this year. With two different acts each Sunday we are seeing double the talent from previous years and getting some up and coming performers to showcase their skills.
This Sunday is Art in the Park running from 10am - 3pm, but Music at the Band Rotunda is back the following Sunday (3 March) and we welcome Gabriel's Presence followed by local ukulele band The Thermaleles. Sunday 10 March sees experienced singer Evelyn Falconer perform and then the toe-tapping Rhinestone Mining Company. On Sunday 17 March enjoy the talents of Elisha Hulton & Turanga Merito followed by De Nova. De Nova brings a mixture of music and humour to the stage performing songs from the stage, playing tribute to jazz greats, and wrapping up with a medley of songs from the rat pack.
