22 January 2020
Media: Rotorua-based local democracy reporter
Topic: Homelessness
Enquiry
As you know we've interviewed Rob and he's explained a lot about the council's approach and process to people living in parks and reserves - which I've included in the story - but we would like to give the council the opportunity to respond to these comments specifically:
His reaction to the idea of the council removing homeless people from parks and reserves without anywhere else for them to go was that "they don't care".
"They care more about making the community look nice to attract the tourists."
It was a facade that denied that Rotorua had a "very big problem" with homelessness.
He believed the solution was to create a space where homeless people could live.
"They spend a couple of million on that, you'll have a less of a problem real fast."
- One person says homeless people should be involved in any plan to remove them from parks or reserves.
- Another says being moved along from place to place ("here, there, and everywhere") made it more difficult for homeless people to reach out for help to support organisations. Would the council like to provide any comment specifically in response to these?
NOTE: Reporter subsequently clarified, when queried that his references to "His" and "He" were "advocates for the homeless/people who work in services for the homeless"
Response
From Council CE and Acting Operations Group Manager Geoff Williams:
Council has never denied and is very aware that Rotorua has a critical housing shortage and that we have people in our community who are homeless.
Council supports lead agencies and providers who are able to assist people and is leading the development of a district housing plan, alongside Central Government, its agencies (including the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Urban Development Housing) and other key stakeholders (eg landowners, developers and iwi). That will include looking at solutions to help address homelessness.
People our staff engage with are provided with information and encouraged to make use of the services that are available to assist and to provide accommodation options.
Council also has a responsibility for public safety and has an obligation to address public health and safety risks in public spaces. That includes not allowing people to illegally camp in situations that pose both an individual and public health and safety risk.
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Media: Rotorua-based local democracy reporter
Topic: Trucks on Marguerita Street
Enquiry
Street I'm working on a story about Glenbrae Retirement Village and trucks banking up on Marguerita St.
Some Glenbrae residents are in the process of circulating a petition to council calling for action on the number of heavy vehicles on the street.
The issue is two-fold: it's about the number of heavy vehicles in the area (which they understand to be zoned for a combination of residential and light commercial) and their speed on that street, and the issue of some heavy vehicles banking up on the grass berm across the road from the retirement village.
They understand the heavy vehicles park there in order to maintain their place in line at the VTNZ down the road.
They want to see fewer heavy vehicles in the area. They believe heavy vehicle activity has increased in the past 2 - 3 weeks.
They also believe the increased heavy vehicle activity is having an effect on their properties, such as cracks in houses and shifted joinery. They also report an impact on the emotional and mental well being of some elderly people who live there, saying some a quite "stressed out" by, as they say, the increase in heavy vehicles.
Ultimately they would like to see the eastern end of Marguerita St converted to be a cul de sac (around the east then of white st) or chicanes to slow the traffic.
-What is the zoning of the area? Does that have any impact on whether heavy vehicles being present in the area?
-Is council aware of some Glenbrae residents' concerns regarding these issues?
-If so, what has the council done, or what is it planning on doing, to address the problem (if anything)?
-Does council own the berm land on the opposite side of Marguerita St to Glenbrae?
-Does the council take any issue with trucks parking there? If so has the council been in touch with VTNZ?
-Has the council heard from Arvida about the issue?
-Would turning the eastern end of Marguerita St into a cul de sac be a feasible solution to this issue?
-Does the council have a view on whether there has been increased heavy vehicles in the Fenton Park area?
Response
The following comment and information was provided:
From Stavros Michael, Infrastructure Group Manager, Rotorua Lakes Council:
Council is aware of concerns from residents in this area regarding traffic volumes and our staff have had discussions with some people. We are currently working towards development of options for Marguerita Street but there is a process that needs to be followed and any major changes to the configuration of the road would require approval from elected members and wider community consultation. As Rotorua continues to grow traffic flows change and through gathering data, including public feedback, we can work towards creating solutions for all parties involved.
What is the zoning of the area? Does that have any impact on whether heavy vehicles are present in the area?
The Te Ngae Road end of Marguerita Street is zoned Industrial 1 and 1E. The Fenton Street end is zoned Residential 2. Industrial areas will be serviced by Heavy Commercial vehicles.
Does council own the berm land on the opposite side of Marguerita St to Glenbrae?
The road berm is vested in Council as road reserve. Council manages this area.
Does the council take any issue with trucks parking there? If so has the council been in touch with VTNZ?
It is illegal to park on road reserve/berm. The issue of trucks parking on the berm is being dealt with by i-Park. It is not permitted to park on berm areas.
Does the council have a view on whether there has been increased heavy vehicles in the Fenton Park area?
Vehicle counts in the area indicate that vehicle use, including heavy vehicles, in the area is steady and not showing any significant increase. We note that there has been an increase in residential properties.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Pukehangi Heights Plan Change
Enquiry
Clarification sought by reporter working on a story about the proposed Pukehangi Plan Change (see yesterday's news release regarding this HERE on Council's website)
The reporter sought clarification about current zoning for the area covered by the Plan Change and what that zoning was being changed to.
Response
The majority of the site adjoining Pukehangi Road is currently zoned Rural 1: Working Rural but includes a Future Growth Area overlay indicating that this area is anticipated for future urban development.
The plan change also includes land above Matipo Avenue and this land is currently zoned Residential 1: General Residential and Rural 2: Rural Lifestyle. This area also includes provisions in the District Plan that enable the development of a retirement facility.
Information provided on Council's online consultation/engagement platform Let's Talk/Korero Mai might also help with background and understanding. You'll find that information at THIS LINK on Let's Talk
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Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Summer water use
Enquiry
Can I please check how close the Rotorua council is to imposing water restrictions (if at all)?
What is current water usage like at the moment and how soon could restrictions likely be put in place, and what would these be?
Response
From Eric Cawte, Manager 3 Waters Services:
Due to the current dry weather we are seeing a steady increase in water use in all supplies across the District, with particularly high use last weekend, most noticeable in the Eastern and Hamurana/Kaharoa supplies. In spite of Rotorua having reliable water sources to draw from, if usage gets too high, it can exceed the capacity of our pumps and resource consents to keep the reservoirs topped up.
With no rain forecast, and a long weekend ahead, we are requesting and reminding all consumers to be sensible with water use, to reduce wastage and unnecessary use where possible. At this stage water restrictions are not planned, however if water usage continues to increase to very high levels, it remains an option to be considered.
Tips for water usage in summer:
- Allow the lawn to go brown - it will recover when rainfall returns.
- If watering gardens or lawns, a good watering every few days is sufficient - and use a hand-held hose rather than a sprinkler
- Water just the gardens (not the paths or driveways)
- If washing a vehicle, use a bucket and don't let the hose run to waste.
