25 January 2017
Media: Stuff.co.nz
Topic: Silver Oaks Hotel Rotorua
Inquiry
We were recently contacted by a guest of the Silver Oaks Resort Heritage in Fenton Street who said she was appalled by the conditions there during her recent stay and thinks the place should be shut down. She said she has lodged a complaint with Rotorua Council and that the council is aware of the situation and has visited the place.
I was wondering what the situation with the hotel is exactly from the council's perspective? Are you investigating the complaint and/or the hotel? What will the process be? How will you decide whether or not to shut it down?
It would be great if someone was available for a quick chat about this soon.
Response
We have talked to our Compliance team about Silver Oaks Resort and here is the information we received -
- Council received a complaint and Licencing Officers visited the property to investigate.
- A property would need to be in breach of either the Health Act 1956 or the Building Act 2004 for council to have the authority to shut it down. The process taken would depend on what legislation is applied for the situation.
- Some housekeeping issues were noted which the owner has agreed to fix and the officers will return next week to follow up. These issues were not of a nature that would give council the authority to shut the premises down.
We understand that the owner of Silver Oaks has shared plans to refurbish the hotel over a period of time. You may want to contact him to find out more.
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Media: Rotorua Review
Topic: Freedom Camping
Inquiry
Firstly I wanted to ask whether there have been any recent issues council has had to deal with regarding freedom campers and rubbish and other issues (I'm thinking of noise issues and human waste clean ups)?
Secondly, the release mentioned seven locations where self-contained vehicles are allowed to freedom camp - are there any other locations where this is permitted around Rotorua?
The release relates to freedom camping at the Hamurana Reserve - are there any other specific locations where council is aware of an increase in freedom camping numbers?
Lastly the release mentions a bylaw review on the issue. Does RLC has a position on what they would like to see come out of that review?
I'd need a response by 5pm this Friday if possible?
Response
As to your media enquiry about freedom camping, attribute the statement below to Sports and Recreation manager, Rob Pitkethley:
During the summer holiday period we receive five or six calls per month regarding concerns about freedom campers. Freedom camping on non-camping sites has mainly been at Hamurana Reserve, while staff are keeping an eye on Motutara Point as there have been reports of freedom camping and incidences where rubbish has been left around vehicles.
Often on inspection of an area of concern we find the campers have moved on and/or there is little evidence of any impact that can be related to the campers so the actual problems they cause are considered minor.
We have improved some sites frequented by freedom campers by increasing rubbish bin capacity and cleaning toilets more frequently including at Trout Pool Road, which has become more popular.
Freedom camping is allowed in the Rotorua district - in the inner city for self-contained vehicles like camper vans only in the designated camper van parking area in the Government Gardens and at the lakefront; and further afield at Boyes Beach (Okareka), Lake Okaro, Lake Rerewhakaaitu, Broadlands and Trout Pool Road.
There are no other designated areas on council reserves.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Easter Trading
Inquiry
I know submissions don't close until 4pm Friday, but if we could get a progress report of sorts and have the final number at some stage Friday evening?
Please let me know if this is possible.
My deadline will be midday Friday.
- How many submissions have been received?
- How many of those submissions are for and against Easter Sunday Trading?
- Is there a general trend in submissions? What would that trend be?
- And the next steps in the process.
- Plus how many people want to be heard in person during deliberations/hearings?
Please feel free to add anything you think is relevant to the article.
Response
Here is info regarding submissions for proposed Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy for Rotorua:
121 submissions
78 Support
43 Do not support
8 to be heard
Hearing will be 3 February
Strategy, Policy & Finance Committee (at its 9 Feb meeting) will make recommendation to full Council which will make final decision on 27 Feb.
To save you looking if you need it HERE is link to where you'll find proposed policy and Statement of Intent (basically a supporting document required when we go out to submissions which provides overview of what's proposed etc)
