21 September 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Bike tree
Inquiry
I've been asked to do a story on the bike tree in the Village green being taken down.
From reading an earlier story published in December, council were deciding what it's options were for the tree because of the bikes falling into disrepair. So I guess my questions are:
- It the bike tree coming down permanently or is council considering replacing the bikes and rebuilding?
- Was it the state of the bikes that resulted in it being taken down?
- If it is permanent, is council looking to replace the tree with something else recognising Crankworx?
And, as always, anything else council would like to add.
Response
From Arts and Culture Manager Stewart Brown:
The bike tree's future has been under consideration for some time and more recently we become aware people were climbing it and taking parts off it. Cables that powered the lights in the tree have also been cut so it had become a safety risk and we removed it this week.
It was purchased in 2015 for $500 on Trade Me, to be used as a temporary installation to mark the inaugural Crankworx festival in Rotorua but was retained due to popular demand.
We will keep it in storage while we continue to look at options for its future but there is no urgency.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: More FM/News Hub
Topic: Bike tree
Inquiry
Asked Council to verify Daily Post online story regarding bike tree.
Response
Reporter was sent same information as Daily Post has received (see above)
________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Hamurana Springs
Inquiry
Can I please get some comment from the Mayor in relation to Hamurana Springs.
Ngati Rangiwewehi are going to reopen the springs in a few weeks time with a cost to anyone who wants to visit. We don't know at this stage what that cost will be but it looks like locals will be paying for a yearly pass.
- Does [the mayor] think this is fair to locals who have taken care of the springs?
- Could this have an impact on the Hamurana Reserve plans?
- Is this just the future for Rotorua, that as a tourist destination locals can expect to see more areas become catered towards tourists?
Response
The reporter was informed that this was not a matter for Council and the mayor did not consider it appropriate to comment
Clarification was also provided regarding the reserve ie that the Hamurana Springs Recreational Reserve and the Hamurana Reserve are two different reserves (Council is currently consulting on proposed plans for Hamurana Reserve which is on the lakefront, opposite the springs reserve).
