19 March 2020

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: COVID-19 cases

Enquiry

I'm emailing in regard to the confirmed case of Covid-19 in Rotorua and seeking comment on the below questions:

* How is this going to be tackled now it's confirmed to be in Rotorua?

* What does this confirmed case mean for our city/health system here in Rotorua?

* What do you propose be done?

* What would be your message to the people of Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty at this time?

*What does this mean for Rotorua?

Response

Your first three questions should be directed to the Ministry of Health which is the lead agency dealing with this.

From Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick:

A case here was highly probable and we wish the patient well. The Ministry of Health will ensure that all the right things are done.

It's important to remember we still do not have community transmission - all cases to date are related to travel. We need to maintain calm and common sense and take practical precautions, as advised by the Ministry of Health.

As an organisation Council is taking steps to reduce the risk to staff and the community and continues to follow the advice of the Ministry of Health and the direction of Government. Procedures and practices are being put in place where needed.

The Mayor noted that Selwyn Primary School, (which is awaiting results for Covid-19, would also be guided by the ministry)

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Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: COVID-19 and rates

Enquiry

I am writing an article regarding rates flexibility in response to Coronavirus.

One councillor, Reynold Macpherson, has said (full text below) the council needs to abandon vanity, legacy and payback projects, hold or reduce rates and cut spending and borrowing in order to lessen the impact of coronavirus (not the health impacts as such, but the economic ones).

I would like to know:

• Do you agree? Why / why not?
• With an all-but-certain recession looming, is ratepayers' ability to pay afford rates something that concerns you? Why / why not?
• Is there room for flexibility with rates? What is your view of this? Should rates be held or reduced?
• Do you think projects such as "mass entertainment and subsidies, Council inefficiencies, public art, Lakefront Redevelopment, Forest Hub 2, Cycleways, Skateboard park and Bilingual Signage, and delay sewage reticulation schemes" should be cut in order to afford rates reductions? Why / why not?
• Anything else you would like to respond to from the full text?

Response

From Mayor Steve Chadwick:

The right time and place to discuss how Council can support the local economy through this period of uncertainty will be at next week's Full Council meeting - that's the appropriate forum, rather than having a debate in the media. ________________________________________________________________________________________

Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)

Topic: COVID-19 and events

Enquiry

I am writing an article on the effects the latest coronavirus cancellations have had on the events and entertainment industry. I would like to request comment from the Rotorua Convention Bureau regarding how the pandemic has effected conventions planned around the city? How many cancellations, if any, there has been due to coronavirus?

Response

From Operations Group Manager Jocelyn Mikaere:

We are currently implementing the Government's directive to cancel large events with more than 500 people. We would like acknowledge that it's a very stressful time for event organisers and conference hosts and we really feel for them. The great thing is that they are being really understanding and respectful and they see the need for these measures to be in place to protect our communities.

Our team has been working hard to accommodate any postponed conferences that are booked in for this financial year by moving them to a new date. Generally we have found people are all still keen to host their events in Rotorua. We have not had any cancellations at this time.

We appreciate that this is an evolving situation so we will continue to work with the events community and support them wherever we can.

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Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: COVID-19 and public toilet facilities

Enquiry

Another LDR [Local Democracy Reporter], in Gisborne, has posted this brief (not yet published anywhere but the LDR portal)

Bring your own soap is the message from Gisborne District Council as concerns are raised over a lack of handwashing facilities in public toilets amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As panic spreads over the risk of an outbreak of Covid-19 in New Zealand, social media users have been decrying the lack of handwashing facilities in Gisborne public toilets.

The district council says most of its public toilets don't have soap or hand drying facilities, which are not a requirement but considered best practice.

However, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the council is getting quotes for the installation and maintenance of soap dispensers and hand dryers in its public conveniences, liveable communities director Andrew White says.

In the interim and because theft and vandalism are major problems in our public toilets, we encourage users to carry their own disinfectant handwash with them in the event that they use facilities without soap, Mr White says.

ENDS

Can you please tell me: if all Rotorua Lakes Council-owned/managed public toilets have soap, hot water and adequate hand-drying facilities?

If not, is there a plan to make sure there is?

Might the council adopt a similar approach to Gisborne District Council and suggest people bring their own soap (and towels for drying hands)?

Response

From Operations Group Manager Jocelyn Mikaere:

We understand that this is a stressful time for our community and we want to assure everyone that Council, as an organisation, is committed to doing what it can to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The level of facilities in public toilets matches the level of use. This means places like the CBD and inner city reserves all have sinks, soap dispensers and hand dryers whereas some smaller suburban reserves or rural public toilets may have only one or two of those things.

We encourage the community to continue to follow the advice from the Ministry of Health and take any precautions they feel necessary to protect their personal health.