19 July 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Plastic bag levy - Mayoral support
Inquiry
I am doing a story on the letter signed by New Zealand mayors calling for a levy on single use plastic bags and have some questions for Mayor Chadwick/Rotorua Lakes Council.
- Did Mayor Chadwick sign the letter address to the Associate Minister for Environment Scott Simpson, and when/why?
- Does she think locals and local retailers, supermarkets etc would support the levy? Why so?
- Why does Mrs Chadwick think the levy is a good idea for Rotorua and New Zealand?
Response
Sustainable Living portfolio lead Councillor Tania Tapsell spoke to the Rotorua Daily Post.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Polynesian Spa price increase
Inquiry
We are planning to run a story on the price increase and new resident's pass at the Polynesian Spa .
As council was involved in the process, wanted to give you the opportunity to comment.
Response
Council did not seek to comment but outlined council's involvement in the process as follows:
- The admission fee changes have been approved by Rotorua Lakes Council, as required under the council's Memorandum of Lease with Polynesian Spa Limited.
- Council has no role in setting the nature or direction of any proposed increases and cannot unreasonably reject a proposed fee change.
- Any proposed fee changes which need to be approved by Council are dealt with in confidential due to commercial sensitivity under Section 48 (1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests protected by Section 6 or 7 of the Act or Sections 6, 7 or 9 of the Official Information Act 1982 as the case may require.
