19 November 2020
Media: Newshub Radio
Topic: Death at Sulphur Point
Enquiry
Reporter contacted RLC following statement regarding a death at Sulphur Point and sought comment, including confirmation of incident and "anything subsequent".
Reporter also called Energy Events Centre seeking comment from staff there and was referred to Council communications team.
Response
The reporter was informed that as this is a police matter she should contact the police for any information or comment. ________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Feeding homeless
Enquiry
There are some strong concerns in the Rotorua community about the amount of help being offered to the homeless, especially in terms of feeding them. The criticism is that while these organisations mean well, their actions are enabling their behaviour and not encouraging them to gets jobs and stand on their own two feed.
I've also spoken to Peter Falkner from the Central Mall who has told me about their concerns relating to the meals being distributed to the homeless each night from the outskirts of the mall. They are saying workers are feeling unsafe and it's contributing to unsavoury elements gathering at the mall, leaving behind rubbish etc and as a result they have noticed an increase in disorder and damage.
Inspector Phil Taikato has told me there's a call for the agencies to work together so they can work out who is feeding who, as there have been some concerns some are taking advantage of the services and are double dipping.
Can the council please the answer the following:
- What is the council's involvement in terms of these food services? (I understand the council provides the plastic containers?)
- Does the council have any concerns with the way it is being done at the moment? What are those concerns?
- Will the council be involved in facilitating any changes?
- Has the council done anything specifically relating to Percy Poharama's service near the Central Mall?
Response
The following information and comment was provided:
Council isn't involved in providing these services.
The following can be attributed to a Council spokesperson:
We are aware of concerns. We have met with the trust that supports Percy and we are currently looking for potential alternative locations.