20 April 2020
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Letter of complaint 'seeking reinstatement of local democracy'
Enquiry
This is for a story I am filing today regarding the complaint [see below] regarding the delegation of power to the chief executive.
Can I please have the council's response to the complaint?
How will the complaint be processed? What are the next steps?
Can I please also have the mayor's response to this complaint? Do you agree with the claims made in it? Why / why not?
What is your current position on the continued delegation of responsibilities to the chief executive?
Can I please also have an explanation of the council's informal meetings during the alert level 4? What are their purpose and why are they informal rather than formal meetings?
Were meetings like those held before alert level 4?
Were any decisions made at those informal meetings (since the beginning of alert level 4)?
If so, what was decided?
What has been discussed at those meetings (if not decisions)?
Who was a part of those meetings and how many meetings have taken place?
See Open letter of complaint to Mayor seeking reinstatement of local democracy' HERE
Response
The reporter was provided with a copy of a letter sent by Mayor Chadwick to Cr Macpherson in response to his complaint.
See Mayor's response to letter of complaint HERE
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Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Preparing for Alert Level 3
Enquiry
Reporter sought comment from the Mayor regarding today's announcement relating to when NZ will move to Alert Level 3.
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick says today's announcement provides certainty for some sectors that will be able to operate again but reinforces the need to continue to live cautiously and mindfully so we don't lose the gains that have been made.
The caution of holding at Alert Level 4 until the 28th is understandable and I like the get ready' approach akin to a recovery room.
While our local economy has been devastated and we need businesses to be able to operate again as soon as possible, saving the economy needs to be balanced with saving lives.
While Alert Level 3 won't change much for many people, it is good news for businesses able to get back to work like construction, forestry, manufacturing and contactless retail.
Some businesses have been busy gearing up to operate differently so they can align with level 3 requirements and operate again sooner rather than later and that's great to see. We are also hearing about innovative adaption in the likes of the forestry sector, working together to make best use of available log supply.
For others who can't get back to business under Level 3 there is a longer wait and it will be tough. I encourage anyone who hasn't done so yet to connect with Rotorua Economic Development (RED) for advice and support to access assistance that is available.
Council, in collaboration with RED, is working with key stakeholders, including business sectors, to progress our Build Back Better strategy, aligned to the Government's approach to fight the virus, cushion the impact and position for effective recovery.
As hard as this is for us all, the Government's ongoing careful approach is the right one so we don't lose the huge gains made and risk having to return to lockdown, which would cause even greater long-term damage.
I would like to send out a big thanks to all our health workers who have been so professional during this period of time and ask our residents to continue to live cautiously and mindfully so we don't undo the amazing efforts you have all contributed to.
