22 February 2018
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Census 2018
Enquiry
The following questions were put to council regarding the 2018 Census:
- Why is the census important? (other than the fact it's a legal requirement)
- How does the council use some of that information when planning for the future?
Response
Response from Group Strategy Manager, Jean-Paul Gaston:
The census provides a national snapshot of what's happening in New Zealand in various sectors and aims to provide an insight every five years so we can see how Aotearoa/ New Zealand is changing over time. Census data provides an analysis of how, for example, the population is aging which is essential to infrastructure planning such as roading, water and waste management. As an example the census can help Council to understand what the future may hold for pensioner housing demand, which is helpful. The census also helps us to further investigate questions such as how many homes are owned or rented and/ or whether they are in temporary accommodation.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Geyser Foundation Vital Signs 2018 report
Enquiry
Rotorua Daily Post requested information in regards to the 2018 Vital Signs report (read more here):
It says that vital signs was a collaborative project between the Geyser Community Foundation, BayTrust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Rotorua Lakes Council. Could the council let me know firstly, what its involvement was in the project? eg was it funding.
And secondly how might the council use this report in its planning and work?
Response
From Strategy Group Manager Jean-Paul Gaston:
The findings of the Vital Signs 2018 report reinforce what Council has learned through a greater focus on community engagement during the past few years through work to progress towards the district's 2030 vision, including work to revitalise neighbourhoods.
Council is taking a collaborative approach, working together with others to address social and environmental issues.
The council is working with other government agencies as part of the Rotorua Working Together Group which provides cooperative responses to addressing community issues and needs.
We are part of the Whiria Te Aroha group of agencies and community service providers collaborating on homelessness.
Council is also working with Housing NZ to identify potential locations for more homes and signed a housing accord with the Government last year to facilitate housing development. We have also been exploring options for our pensioner housing, recognising the need to improve both quality and quantity to meet growing demand.
Meanwhile, we are changing the criteria for Council's community grants to a focus on addressing inequity in the community and we are supporting and collaborating on youth engagement, education and employment initiatives alongside youth services providers, schools, Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Education and Toi Te Ora.
Rotorua is now officially a medium growth area and planning for ongoing growth remains a focus for Council, factored into all future planning such as the spatial plan, infrastructure planning and the 2018-28 Long-term Plan which will soon be out for community consultation.
Council contributed $10,000 towards the Vital Signs 2018 report.
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Media: The Mud
Topic: Impact of cycleways
Enquiry
The Mud requested the following information regarding cycleways in Rotorua:
What, if any, work has been done to study the likely impact of building cycleways adjacent to streams. This relates to [a recent Operations Report] note "Application with Bay of Plenty Regional Council for global consent to build and maintain cycleways on Rotorua stream edges to be lodged by end of year."
Response
From Infrastructure Group Manager Stavros Michael:
An environmental impact assessment will be part of our application to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council for a global consent for Rotorua's shared path network, and this will include assessment of materials which are being considered for use in the upgrade of the streamside pathways, including concrete and lime chip.
Determining which material or materials are appropriate is done on a project by project basis, taking into consideration factors such as access, usability and durability and the nature of the site and surrounds as well as environmental considerations and any conditions or stipulations of consents granted by the regional council.
Enhancing our environment is a key aim of encouraging more people to ride by creating a local biking network, so we are very aware of the need to ensure we protect sensitive environments, including streams.