21 February 2020

Media: Rotorua Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Request to mark Mamaku sports field

Enquiry

I understand the Mamaku community (particularly Progress Mamaku) were after about $200 to paint some lines on the rugby field at Mamaku Domain but were turned down. It's ahead of a Family Day seniors rugby event, scheduled for March 7.

Can you please find out for me:

What happened in that case and if the funding for the paint was requestes, why the funding/painting was turned down?

Can you also please confirm for me:

How the community boards are 'funded' - ie I understand funding for capital projects is allocated in the annual plan based on their feedback, but there is no discretionary operational budget for those groups. Has this always been the case?

I'm asking this because assertions in this vein have been made so I would like to the give the council the opportunity to clarify.

Additional info supplied by reporter:

To update this request:

Have spoken to a person who says the cost of the markings for the field was $500 and that the council said it would have to be "out-sourced". The person says the council responded to the request saying "it was not worth their while". She also said "it would have been nice for them [the Rotorua Lakes Council] to come to the party" and the refusal was "disheartening".

She also said it costs to use the field (Mamaku Domain) - a $50 deposit and $35 for the day. Can you please confirm if this is correct and if so what the charge is for?

Response

From Rob Pitkethley - Sport, Recreation and Environment Manager:

"Rotorua Lakes Council has been working with the Mamaku community for the past 12 months on a number of community initiatives and upgrades. These have included event co-ordination support for the 125th Anniversary celebrations with Progress Mamaku funded by Council's Neighbourhood Matching Fund. In addition extra street plantings, mowing and cleaning at the domain took place ahead of the celebration in late October.

Council would love to be able to fund all community events but the organisation does not have the budget to accommodate all the requests we get from community groups across the district.

The request was made to Council prior to Christmas. At the time Council staff advised Progress Mamaku that the cost for contractors to paint lines on the domain for a rugby field would be $495.00 plus GST and that, for a one off game, Council could not commit to paying. The reason behind this decision is Council's need to prioritise a wide range of activity across the whole district within a limited budget.

Staff suggested that Progress Mamaku talk to the community at the one-off game on 7 March about the potential for ongoing trainings and matches. With the ongoing value that regular field use would bring to the community, Council would be more supportive in meeting the future field marking costs.

We understand, following their public meeting, that the Rural Community Board will be investigating other avenues to accommodate community requests where Council's budget for such requests has been exhausted."

Information:

Standard reserve hireage fees

• $50 deposit for key collection. Money refunded upon return of reserve key.
• $35 + GST - used for event administration support and off-sets costs such as rubbish and recycling, special mowing etc of reservesRecent work and work value - Mamaku Domain
• Neighbourhood Matching Fund grant to:Progress Mamaku Community Hub Inc, 125th Anniversary EventsAmount: $18, 965.13
• Lichen off roof of Tractor Shed and treatment with wet and forget - $650.00 + GST
• Mamaku Domain
• New fence and gate
• Second new water fountain
• Basketball hoops
• Total; $8333 + GST
• Sweep and clean of courts for event - $868 + GST
• Repairs to gravel roadway - $500
• Provided paint free of cost for Pavilion
• Street Plantings - $4379 + GST
• Re-planted opposite Shops
• Re-planted two smaller boarders on the shop side