20 March 2020
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Farmer's Market cancellation due to COVID-19
Enquiry
Initial enquiry
I understand some of the farmers' market stall holders are dissatisfied that the council has decided to close the market.
They say it goes against the trend of all other official farmers' markets in New Zealand that are members of FMNZ, the council "hasn't really explained its position" and as an outdoor gathering it isn't against the rules. They say markets with healthy food are "exactly what we need at present".
Can you please provide for me:
An explanation of why the council has decided to close the farmers' market, given it's an outdoor event - what was the process behind the decision and who made it? What recommendations was it based on?
How much does it cost the council to host the market each week?
Why is Rotorua different than other cities/towns which have decided to keep their farmers' markets open?
Did the council discuss the decision with stall holders?
How many stall holders are affected?
Has the council heard from stall holders about the decision? What did they say?
Is it possible the council will reconsider this position?
And the council's response to any other points the farmers have made, above?
Follow up enquiry
I understand the farmers' market is now going indoors on Hinemoa St so I have some additional questions.
What is the reasoning behind being inside rather than outside given the Ministry of Health advice is there is less risk of transmission in outdoor spaces than indoor?
I understand the indoor market would be about 5 - 6 stalls. If that's correct, is that fewer stalls than the market usually has for produce stalls?
How will the council enforce social distancing in that indoor space? How big is the space and how many people will be allowed in at once?
Further follow-up request
Statements from a previous stallholder
Some late comments have just come in which I hope the council will be able to wrap into its response too:
This is due to the development of the market being moved inside.
The council is being too conservative
I don't understand why they'd choose to move it indoors and not have it outdoors with fewer stalls
I think they're just trying to cut costs for themselves
I don't think they're bending over backwards to help local businesses
It's easy for them to close the market, it's not easy for the stall holders ... or the customers
I hope they will review their decision
Response
From Operations Group Manager Jocelyn Mikaere:
An explanation of why the council has decided to close the farmers' market, given it's an outdoor event - what was the process behind the decision and who made it?
Council is following Ministry of Health guidelines for holding gatherings and public events. Staff that work with the stallholders are considering all recommendations from the Ministry and how they apply to Council events. Council is continuing to discuss how it can support stallholders who are affected by the cancellations and limited market.
What recommendations was it based on?
The amount of people - the market is usually likely to have more than 500 people in attendance throughout its operation on a Sunday. It would have been difficult to monitor numbers at the Market's normal location (Te Manawa) which has multiple access points. There is also the inability to trace anyone should there be an instance of someone with COVID-19 attending the market.
How much does it cost the council to host the market each week?
Estimate of weekly costs for Farmers Market is: $1750 (including RLC staff, VR Security, Rain Day Store, entertainment and rubbish collection). Average weekly income (excl GST) - $500, so net weekly cost $1,250.
Why is Rotorua different than other cities/towns which have decided to keep their farmers' markets open?
You would need to ask other farmers market operators about their decisions.
Did the council discuss the decision with stall holders?
Once the decision was made, Council staff made contact with stallholders and alternative options for sale were discussed. Most of the stallholders, while disappointed, understood and supported the decision to cancel.
How many stall holders are affected?
There is an average of 10 - 12 stallholders on a normal Sunday at this time of the year. The trial will give 5 - 6 vendors that grow fresh produce an opportunity to continue their sales. Other stallholders sell gifts or non-perishable items, which are available via their own social media or websites. Others are based out of the district and will look to continue sales there.
Has the council heard from stall holders about the decision? What did they say? Is it possible the council will reconsider this position?
See above
And the council's response to any other points the farmers have made, above?
See above
What is the reasoning behind being inside rather than outside given the Ministry of Health advice is there is less risk of transmission in outdoor spaces than indoor?
Having it inside allows Council to manage the amount of people entering the store and provides staff the opportunity to reiterate Ministry of Health information and also ask any health and safety questions necessary.
I understand the indoor market would be about 5 - 6 stalls. If that's correct, is that fewer stalls than the market usually has for produce stalls?
Answered above
How will the council enforce social distancing in that indoor space? How big is the space and how many people will be allowed in at once?
There will be a limit of 10 people in the store at any time (this includes the stallholders). Stallholders will be using gloves and disinfectant and hand sanitiser will be available.
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Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Tourists needing places to stay to isolate
Enquiry
Working on a story today about a backpackers hostel who is constantly having to turn away tourists who are needing self-isolation. This is due to the fact that she has a communal space and it does not align with the Ministry of Health guidelines.
She is turning them away, and she says that since they can't find private houses to stay in they are ending up "on the street".
She is questioning why the Council cannot sort out somewhere people can self-isolate.
- What is council's advice for those in the hospitality industry and having to turn away guests?
- Why are council not facilitating the needs of tourist stuck here with nowhere to go?
- What is council's message to those tourists stuck on the street due to not finding appropriate accommodation to self-isolate?
- What would the process be for council to facilitate a base for tourists to self-isolate?
Reporter later clarified:
Apologies should have clarified this is a regional story and that person had made contact with Tauranga City.
I have since spoken to a backpackers here who shares the same concern that many people are left out on the street with nowhere to go but has not been in contact with council or the Ministry of Health.
My original source was told by TCC it was a ministry issue and then the ministry told her it was a local government issue.
Just to let you know, I have also gone to the Ministry for comment on this too
Response
From Michelle Templer, CE Rotorua Economic Development:
This is a fast-changing situation so every region in New Zealand is seeking guidance on how we can meet visitors' needs for self-isolation. We are in contact with MBIE and the Ministry of Health to help progress a national response so that we can implement that locally.
Currently our i-SITEs are the best source of local information so we recommend any Rotorua visitors who need to self-isolate should ring the Rotorua i-SITE on 07 348 5179 . The team can then direct them to appropriate accommodation.
