24 June 2020
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: COVID-19 case in Rotorua
Enquiry
Just wondering if the mayor is pleaseable to provide comment on the news there is a confirmed Covid case in managed isolation in a Rotorua hotel?
Does she have a message for the people or reaction to the news at all?
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12342543
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
I know there is concern in our community but there is no cause for alarm. We've always known there would be more cases in New Zealand once people started coming from overseas again.
I've been assured again by the Defence Force, and by the Minister in charge, Minister Woods, that the managed isolation here will be run with all the right protocols and processes in place, and I know our local health authorities are well prepared.
We need to trust that everything is in place and the right steps are being taken.
And we need to be kind, to show some compassion and manaakitanga for our people returning home.
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Media: Newshub
Topic: Managed isolation in Rotorua
Enquiry
Reporter sought quick interview with Mayor Chadwick regarding use of Rotorua hotels for managed isolation and confirmed case announced today.
Response
Mayor Chadwick's full schedule today meant an interview was not possible. The reporter was provided with the following comment for their use:
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
I know there is concern in our community but today's confirmed case is no cause for alarm. We've always known there would be more cases in New Zealand once people started coming from overseas again.
I've been assured again by the Defence Force, and by the Minister in charge, Minister Woods, that the managed isolation here in Rotorua will be run with all the right protocols and processes in place, and I know our local health authorities are well prepared.
We need to trust that everything is in place and the right steps are being taken.
And we need to be kind, to show some compassion and manaaki for our people returning home.
We have been called on to play our part and we hope that will be balanced with the need for Rotorua, as a tourist destination, to be open for visitors, as we try to stand up our economy again.
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Illegal dumping
Enquiry
Shirley Trumper has shared this instance of fly tipping on Tumunui Road.
As you may remember, I did a story about something similar at the end of last year.
I was wondering if the council could please shed some light on these questions - 5 pm deadline please. Thank you.
- Is the council already aware of this instance of rubbish dumping? If so, what do the dumped materials appear to be - are any of them dangerous? Has it been cleaned up yet / when will it be removed?
- What view does the council take of this kind of dumping? What is its message to people who do this? Why do you think people do this?
- How much will the clean up for this specific instance cost the council?
- For the last story, you said illegal dumping costs the council about $100,000 a year. Based on the last quarter, does this appear to be on the rise, about the same or less this (calendar) year?
- Are there any particular 'hot spots' where people tend to dump rubbish? Is it better or worse in rural areas?
- What preventative measures does the council have in place for rubbish dumping?
- How much would it cost (approximately) to dispose of this waste properly, at the refuse station? Does building waste cost more to dispose of than regular household waste?
Response
From Stavros Michael, Infrastructure General Manager at Rotorua Lakes Council:
This instance of illegal dumping was reported on 22 June, and the rubbish has been removed from the site. The dumped items appear to be commercial waste from renovation work. No hazardous or dangerous materials were found.
Contractors are not always responsible for the waste created by renovation work, sometimes it is the responsibility of the property owner. If you are completing renovation or maintenance work on your property it is a good idea to check with any contractors you're using about whose responsibility it is to dispose of waste.
The issue of illegal dumping really comes down to people's behaviour. While unfortunate, there will always be people who would choose "not to do the right thing".
The cost per tonne of rubbish at the landfill is a minimum of $45 for a single axle trailer/van/ute, or $178.50 per tonne.
It is difficult to ascertain the cost to Council for this specific dumping incident, as removing illegal dumping is part of Council's contract for waste collection with Smart Environmental. The total expected cost to Council for illegal dumping is estimated to be around $80,000 for this financial year.
There are illegal dumping 'hot spots' in both urban and rural neighbourhoods. While the majority of illegal dumping takes place in urban areas, typically larger dumping cases occur in rural areas. Council uses preventative measures such as reducing the surrounding vegetation, installing CCTV cameras, signage, public rubbish bins or working alongside the community to implement strategies to reduce the likelihood of dumping.
Illegal dumping is a community problem and people have to take personal responsibility for doing the right thing in disposing of the waste they generate.
How people can help
If you witness illegal dumping do not approach the offenders but take notes and photos or videos of the person and their vehicle. This can help with identification and prosecution.
When reporting rubbish it is very helpful if you supply photos that have a location tag. This can be done by turning on your location services on your smart device before taking the photo. This enables contractors to go straight to the dumping site rather than spending time searching for the rubbish.
Information available
You can view landfill costs via this link
HERE are also some FAQs from the RLC website
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Future of Springfield golf course land
Enquiry
I was hoping to please get some comments from you in relation the proposed redevelopment of the Springfield Golf Course and the upset residents and players.
I am aware that this has been pushed out until 2024, however, residents are still rallying to ensure it does not happen with petitions etc.
I spoke to a woman who had her husband's ashes laid there, who is distraught at the plan. She says a number of other people had also laid their loved ones' ashes there and it would be "disrespectful" to build in such a sacred place for many.
She also said a number of native birds fed and lived in trees around the course and how could the council justify taking this away? What would the ecological impact be?
Could I please get a response to these comments? and any other comments you wish to make on this topic.
Also on another note to this, do people have to apply for council consent to lay ashes in public places? What are the most common places for this?
Response
From Operations Manager Jocelyn Mikaere below:
It's important to note that while engagement and consultation was undertaken earlier this year, the concept for the Westbrook Sports and Recreation Precinct is still in a proposal stage and no final decisions have been made.
Background work to further investigate and plan for this concept will continue. This work will include environmental and ecological reports. Council will also continue to work with the sports community to better understand their needs ensuring the development of the masterplan puts it in the best position to be considered for the 2024-2034 Long-term Plan.
Information re scattering of ashes (for your info i.e. not to be used as quotes/comments)
Scattering of ashes on public land is prohibited. This is in accordance with the Burial and Cremation Act 1964 Part 7 General provisions it is unlawful to bury any body in any land not being a cemetery or denomination burial ground
Interpretation: Cremation means the reduction to ashes of dead bodies by burning
Background info (again not quotes/comments)
You can see a bit more background info including reference to the Spatial Plan which identified Springfield Golf Course as a potential area for growth, especially for housing. This plan was finalised in 2016 and the community was given opportunity to provide feedback prior to it being adopted. See that info and other information here - https://letstalk.rotorualakescouncil.nz/westbrook-precinct/widgets/281115/faqs#question57423
