24 March 2020

Media: Te Ao Maori News

Topic: Homeless during COVID-19 lockdown

Enquiry

I would like to interview someone from the council about what the homeless community in Rotorua are going to do during the lockdown?

What are we as a community going to do?

Or will they find somewhere to sleep in town?

Response

The reporter was referred to MSD as the lead agency working with MHUD and community groups including Housing First Mangatakatahi, to support those who are rough sleeping and utilising the night shelter.

He was informed MSD was the most appropriate agency to speak to about efforts underway to encourage people to take up the emergency housing options available to them and that Council has a support role in this work.

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Media: RotoruaNow

Topic: Parking fines

Enquiry

I have a few questions regarding parking fines.

• Hospitality staff at two EatStreat businesses received $40 parking fines today while clearing out premises due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
• Surrounding streets were almost empty of cars, car parking spaces were ample with about six cars parking on Whakaue St outside the Lone Star.
• The two people who received tickets were parked less than an hour however, neither of them had paid for parking.
• Parking wardens spoken to said the council wanted them to ticket vehicles right up until the end of business tomorrow (Wednesday).

With this in mind could you please answer the following asap, and let me know when I can expect an answer:

• Will the RLC be issuing parking tickets up to the end of business Wednesday?
• Considering the current climate and impending lockdown does the RLC think this is appropriate?
• Will a waiver of the fines be considered?

Response

The reporter was informed that:

Parking wardens will be working until 5pm tomorrow (Wednesday) and the council is working on options as we move to Alert Level 4. All requests to waiver fines will be considered.

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Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Council services during COVID-19 lockdown

Enquiry

Reporter sought latest on Council services and facilities.

Response

Reporter was referred to the updated information on Council's website HERE

This link was also provided to other local media as a source of the latest regarding Council's COVID-19 response