24 April 2020
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Shovel-ready projects submitted for Government funding
Enquiry
Following on from Kiri's story on the weekend I would like to request some more detail on the projects that were included in the council's CIP application
I am aiming to file a story on this tomorrow, so if you can please get this info back to me by EOB today I would be very grateful.
- Could you please supply me with a copy of the submission?
- If not, can you please tell me more about the projects included in the submission?
- Were they limited to airport business park developments, wastewater schemes and aquatic redevelopments, or are there other projects included? If so, what are they?
- For each proposed project, can you please tell me:
- more about what it is,
- its potential in terms of economic stimulus (how it will help restart the region's economy),
- how many jobs each project is projected to create,
- what its time frames are likely to be,
- how much each is likely to cost,
- what proportion of that funding has been applied for from the government and if there is any financial investment from the council
- When was each project originally expected to begin, prior to Covid-19?
- [If not available now] will the submission be made available to public and when? If not, why not?
Response
The reporter was provided a copy of the media release and further information (view the release and further information on Council's website HERE)
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: COVID impact on tourism
Enquiry
I have been in touch with Destination Rotorua this morning with some follow up questions regarding Ngāi Tahu Tourism. I was hoping to please ask the mayor about a couple of things too.
- Does the mayor have any figures for predicted total tourism-related job losses in Rotorua as a result of Covid-19? (I have also asked Destination Rotorua this so hoping either the mayor or Michelle can provide this).
- Besides the support already provided from govt so far, does the mayor think the govt should be providing more to support tourism businesses like those in Rotorua? If so, what would she like to see?
- Does the mayor expect the council's Long-Term Plan and Vision 2030 intentions to change as a result of Covid-19? If so, how?
Response
From Rotorua Economic Development:
Infometrics data shows that in 2019, tourism accounted for 22.7% of employment in Rotorua. The same figure for New Zealand as a whole was 9%, showing our region's comparatively higher exposure in the tourism sector. The accommodation & food services sector is also strongly dependent on the visitor economy, employing 10.8% of the region's workforce That gives us a point of comparison for measuring the impact of the virus in the short and medium term and also indicates areas where the impact on jobs is likely to be the greatest.
We're already seeing examples of the impact, such as yesterday's announcement by Ngāi Tahu Tourism. We know that would have been a hard decision and our thoughts go out to the company and their employees. Rainbow Springs and the Agrodome are iconic Rotorua attractions and the closure will be felt by the industry and the wider community. Over the years many of us have enjoyed visiting the attractions with family and friends. The closure of these businesses is a reflection of how challenging the current environment is for our visitor economy, and more broadly.
We know that the visitor industry is looking for more clarity from the Government on whether they will extend the wage subsidy beyond the original 12 weeks. We are working with the newly formed
Rotorua Inc. Whakahouhia te Whare Ohanga (Build Back Better) Steering Group to advocate on the industry's behalf to ensure their input helps to shape the Government's ongoing response.
Once domestic travel is possible again we will be working hard as a destination to enhance our position as a favoured domestic holiday location. New Zealanders spend around $10b each year on overseas travel so some of that spend will now make its way into the domestic market.
There's also an important role for locals to play in supporting businesses and exploring the wealth of activities and attractions that we have on our doorstep.
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Council vehicles
Enquiry
I understand the mayor, chief executive and group managers might have had company cars upgraded recently. Could you please tell me more about this?
- Is that statement above correct?
- Was there an upgrade?
- If so, when did that happen and how did it come about?
- Was it at any further cost to the council? If so, how much?
- What makes and year are the cars now?
- How much do the cars usually cost the council?
- How many are there?
- Are they all petrol combustion, or hybrid, or electric? If petrol, why this option?
Response
The reporter was provided with the following information regarding council vehicles for mayor, CE and group managers:
- The mayor, CE and 4 group managers have Council vehicles.
- They take a salary sacrifice to have a vehicle ie it is part of their total remuneration. The salary sacrifice is 30% of the vehicle's value.
- At various times during this current financial year the CE's car, 4 group managers' cars and the mayor's car have been replaced as per scheduled replacement.
- Vehicles are replaced on a three yearly cycle in line with industry standards. Salary sacrifice, vehicle replacement and operating costs are designed to achieve an overall nil cost to Council over the life of the vehicle.
- The mayor's car is a Lexus hybrid (2020 model)
- Re CE and group managers' vehicles: one is a Toyota Highlander (2020 model), four are Hyundai Santa Fe (all 2019 models)
- 3 of the above are diesel, 2 are petrol (as per personal preference)
- The cost of these vehicles is commercially sensitive - they are purchased through an All of Government contract.
- CE and group managers' cars are replaced as per Council's vehicle procurement policy, the mayor's comes under Remuneration Authority policy
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Tourist attraction closures
Enquiry
I am seeking urgent response from the Steve to the news that Ngai Tahu, which owns Agrodome and Rainbow Springs, will be closing due to impacts of Covid 19.
The nationwide multi-business tourism venture will make a a final decision on the future of their work in 1 month.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503438&objectid=12327101
- what is your response to such popular tourism destinations in Rotorua potentially shutting for good?
- what does this mean for tourism in Rotorua?
- what does this mean for Rotorua - a city built on tourism?
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
This is sad to see and another devastating blow for our local economy. Our thoughts right now are with the individuals affected and their families.
It can't have been an easy decision and we hope it won't be permanent. These are two of our iconic attractions with smart products that we are very proud of locally and they have been important employers of our people.
If they haven't already I would encourage Ngai Tahu Tourism to link up with Rotorua Economic Development which is leading work with our businesses as part of our Build Back Better economic recovery strategy.
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Elected members' Zoom meeting
Enquiry
I understand there is a meeting of the council being conducted today via Zoom, chaired by Merepeka. Are motions being put to vote on at this meeting?
After this ASAP please.
Response
The following information was provided to the reporter:
There was no meeting of the Council today but there was an annual plan forum/workshop. These are held every year to provide direction for the development of an annual plan consultation/information document. It was the fourth forum/workshop. All elected members are able to attend these, not just councillors and mayor (so also rural and lakes community board members and Te Tatau o Te Arawa members).
The normal process for annual planning is as follows:
-A series of forums/workshops are held for elected members, to provide direction for development of an annual plan consultation/information document;
-Draft consultation/information document goes to SP&F committee to approve it to go out to consultation
-Consultation period/feedback sought;
-Feedback reported back to SP&F committee which then makes recommendations to the Full Council regarding the annual plan;
-Annual Plan then goes to Full Council to adopt the plan and strike the rates.
That's the usual process although it can all go straight to Full Council and depending on where things are at re the COVID-19 situation that could be an alternative that is considered if committee meetings haven't resumed by then.
