22 July 2020

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: NZMACI/Te Puia Vesting Bill

Enquiry

I am covering the story below for the paper tomorrow. Will be watching what happens in Parliament later on, it appears the reading will happen between 3pm and 5pm.

I was wondering if we could please get some comment from the mayor about the significance of the bill today? Completely understand if you want to wait until the Parliament debate/vote is over, I have asked for a deadline about 5.30pm from my seniors to hopefully pull it all together. But would be highly unlikely not to go through.

I just want to ask the mayor if she supported the bill and why.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503438&objectid=12349875

Response

*NOTE: The Bill passed its third reading.

The mayor provided the following comment:

From Mayor Steve Chadwick:

This has been an aspiration for iwi for a long time so it's fantastic that the day is finally here - and it's beautiful timing, right after the launch of the Te Arawa 2050 vision. Te Puia/NZMACI and its important kaupapa in promoting and nurturing Maori culture, arts and crafts, is hugely important to Rotorua and this is an exciting new era for the kaitiaki of a place that is of great significance both locally and nationally.

*NOTE: Find more information regarding the Bill and its progress through Parliament HERE

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Skate Park project

Enquiry

Reporter wanted to check where the skate park project is at:

[The] latest story was in October last year and said expressions of interest were being sought and work would start within a year, obviously things might have changed now.

Can you please let me know the following?

1. Is funding still approved given the pandemic?
2. Is it still $750,000?
3. How much more is needed and how are the project going in terms of raising the rest?
4. Have expressions of interest been sought? Has a tender been awarded?
5. Is there a concept design yet?
6. When will work start/finish?
7. What will happen to the old site/what will be put there instead?
8. Can some of the equipment at the old site be used for the new one?
9. How will Charles' input into the skate park be acknowledged? Has the council considered naming it after him? (We can of course be sensitive around this and not mention it if the answer is no).

Reporter also asked if there was someone involved in the project available for a photo and video to help illustrate the story

Response

From Sports, Recreation and Environment Manager Rob Pitkethley:

The skate park project is something the community is very interested in seeing progress and we are continuing with important preliminary work.

We've always said this project will rely on external funding, and we know that funders across the board have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. We will do our best to work through this.

The impact of COVID-19 on the organisation has meant that Council is assessing its current work programmes and those discussions are now moving into planning for the 2021 - 2031 Long-term Plan.

At this point investigation and design work continues. Funding of $750,000 was already allocated for preliminary work. That has not changed and will continue to be applied while the planning is underway. ________________________________________________________________________________________

Media: Rotorua Weekender

Topic: Council markets

Enquiry

Reporter sought an update on Council markets:

Have you seen numbers increase since before lockdown? Or are people still getting used to getting back into normality?

Have you lost any vendors? or have more got on board with newfound lockdown talents?

What are some of the challenges vendors have faced?

Can you tell me of some quirky ways some vendors kept their businesses afloat over lockdown?

Could you please put me in touch with some vendors who faced challenges but overcame them?

What are some ways you are attracting people back to the markets?

Are there any other comments you can make about the success of the markets?

Response

The following information was provided:

Please attribute all comments below to Brigitte Nelson, Markets and Festivals Lead, Arts & Culture, Rotorua Lakes Council -

1. We have definitely seen a rise in local numbers visiting the markets since lockdown. People are pleased to get out and support local businesses. While we are missing the international visitors it is fantastic to see more regional Bay of Plenty visitors attending than ever before.
2. The Rotorua Night Market is fully booked and we are getting more enquiries than ever. People are investigating alternative streams of income and the Night Market is already proven to be a great place for business start-ups. This time of year does tend to be quieter for the Rotorua Farmers Market as there is less produce available. We are definitely on the lookout for new and innovative cottage industries to get involved with the Farmer Market. We would love the opportunity to support local people who grow, bake or create that are looking for a way to sell their products. No idea is stupid - just contact me to sit down and have a chat. We will offer guidance in streamlining your offerings with years of market knowledge behind us.
3. The Farmers Market has some great new local vendors on board since lockdown. The innovative Mourea Coffee Company grinds beans on the back of her bike, while Wild & Dry offers a great range of fresh and dried flowers.
4. Unfortunately weather has played a role in not getting the markets pumping along regularly with wet weather leading to several cancellations over the past months. (you can chat to vendors about any challenges)
5. Several food trucks have organised alternative locations around Rotorua and some vendors are branching out and developing new products.
6. As well as our local community, we are promoting the markets to the region as more people are travelling from the Bay of Plenty to attend the markets. Also making sure we offer a wide range of vendors at both markets ensures the visitors have a great selection to choose from.

We are grateful to our local community for supporting local businesses each week at both markets. In March the Rotorua Night Market celebrated its 10th Birthday and then we promptly went into lockdown. Unison continued their support with brand new tents so the market is looking smarter than ever. We are also working to give local tourism businesses a boost by offering a place to promote their activities to a large audience.