25 November 2020
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Proposed Marguerita Street safety changes
Enquiry
As you may be aware the attached letter (see letter HERE) was sent to the mayor, councillors and the chief executive this morning, on behalf of Marguerita St businessman Peter Baars - I have been provided a copy as well.
Could I please have an attributable comment in response (right of reply) to this letter, particularly the allegations that:
- the council process was "flawed"
- the O+M recommendation was "misleading"
- council's approval of the O+M recommendation would be "unreasonable, procedurally flawed and illogical"
- O+M recommended "an option which was not actually consulted on, which disregards community views and is illogical and ineffective"
Can I please also have attributable answers to the following questions:
- What is the council's response to the suggestion Baars will refer a council adoption of the O+M recommendation to the Ombudsman, or for judicial review?
- How will the council respond to it? Will it be through lawyers? How much is that expected to cost?
- What will the proposed changes (as in O+M's recommendation) cost to implement?
- How much have the consultations regarding Marguerita St cost the council?
I also have these comments from Peter Baars for right of reply:
- "I don't think the process was correct. It wasn't consulted on properly."
Further from reporter:
Just an additional comment from Mr Baars here for right of reply if desired:
"The proposed kerb does affect traffic which would cause issues. I'm absolutely against anything that disincentivises traffic down Marguerita St - it can only be detrimental to business."
Response
From Rotorua Lakes Council CE Geoff Williams:
As you are aware, this matter will be before Council on Thursday and it would be inappropriate to pre-empt final discussions and decision-making.
Council will respond to the correspondence received in the appropriate manner, rather than through the media.
For details regarding the process, recommendations, options that were considered and factors taken into consideration, please refer to the report, presentation and discussion from the recent Operations & Monitoring Committee meeting during which this was discussed.
For your quick reference, below are the links to the above:
Go to THIS LINK (p68 of the meeting agenda) to view the full report on this matter.
Links to feedback and feedback summaries can be found via THIS LINK
See the slides relating to the presentation of this matter at THIS LINK
To go directly to the part of the meeting recording where this matter was discussed go to THIS LINK
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Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Santa's Wonderland at Rotorua iSite
Enquiry
- How well did the first weekend of Santa's Wonderland go? How busy was it?
- What is the highlight of being able to have this for the community?
- Why do you encourage families to check it out if they haven't already?
- Is there anything you would like to add?
- Are there any photos available from the first weekend? (If not, I may be able to pop in sometime tomorrow and take one)
Response
From iSite Team Leader, Sabrina Gogg:
We had a steady flow of families who visited the Wonderland, mostly taking advantage of having their photos taken with Santa without the big crowds.
Especially popular were our free children's activities. The young and old gathered together around our tables to create Snowman ornaments and our decorate a Santa Christmas cards proved to be really popular!
This weekend's activities include, create your own Angel Tree Toppers and Christmas Garlands. We have Write a Letter to Santa and our Colouring-In Competition available every day.
Re highlight of being able to have this for the community: Creating that Christmas magic, seeing the smiles on children's faces, how they light up and hearing wow when they walk in is just so rewarding.
It is safe to say that 2020 has not been the best year, so we are encouraging everyone to end it on a positive note.
Santa's Wonderland is free to visit and will definitely spark some Christmas joy. It is a great way to entertain the kids for a wee while, meet Santa and take a photo with him & get creative with our free children's activities.
No one is doing what we are doing anywhere near by which makes it even more special to have such an amazing display here in Rotorua for all to enjoy.
Come along dressed up in Christmas Theme for a chance to win great prizes. We also have a colouring in competition, which runs up until 24th December 2020 with the winners announced just in time for Christmas.
Santa's Wonderland is not just a great experience for children, but also for adults who would like to get into the Christmas Spirit. Also a great setting to propose if anyone is looking for a unique venue.
A photograph was also provided