26 July 2017

Media:

Seven Sharp

Topic: LGNZ Conference proposal - driver licensing becoming part of NZCA school programme

Inquiry

Seven Sharp requested an interview with Mayor Chadwick following a proposal put forward by the Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs at the annual LGNZ Conference to make learning to drive part of the NZCA programme in schools.

Response

Mayor Chadwick was interviewed by Seven Sharp - watch HERE

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Sugar sweetened beverages policy

Inquiry

Following the recent LGNZ conference a remit was passed that drinks with high sugar content could be banned from local councils as a way of encouraging good behaviour in their communities. 61 per cent of council delegates passed the Sugar Sweetened Beverages Policy . The decision asks that all councils consider the development of an SSB policy, so each authority will make its own choice.

For a story for tomorrow's paper I have several questions for Rotorua Lakes Council / Mayor Chadwick:

• What are the council's/mayor's thoughts on the policy?
• What are the RLC looking at (potentially) implementing in Rotorua following the conference?
• Are there any current policies in place at RLC?
• Does the RLC currently allow drinks with sugar drinks to be bought on their premises ie in vending machines etc?

Response

From Strategy and Partnerships Group Manager, Jean-Paul Gaston:

In 2016 the Rotorua Sustainable Living Strategy was developed under the Sustainable Living portfolio. A key objective of that strategy was for the people of Rotorua to have access to enough safe and nutritious food for a healthy and active lifestyle.

In order to meet this objective a number of actions were identified including developing a healthy food and beverage policy for Council venues, events and activities.

During the past six months Council's WorkWell committee has been working to develop a policy that applies to food and beverages made available to Rotorua Lakes Council elected members, staff, visitors and volunteers. It is expected to cover all Council sites and activities.

The policy is yet to be finalised.

To support this movement, Council's WorkWell committee actively encourages staff and visitors to make positive lifestyle habits through education and activities such as good nutrition and eye health seminars, Council bikes for staff to use and Walking Wednesdays.

Further information provided in response to a query earlier in the year about childhood obesity:

The Rotorua Aquatic Centre now has two vending machines which stock zero/diet beverages and water. In removing one vending machine and changing the products of the remaining two, the centre has taken the opportunity to offer healthier alternatives to their customers and have received good feedback about the changes.

Rotorua Lakes Council's Sustainable Living Strategy (page 15) advocates for healthy food environments with a plan to develop a healthy food, and sugar-sweetened-beverage free policy for council venues, events and activities. The Aquatic Centre team is committed to providing a top quality sport and recreation facility for Rotorua.

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Te Manawa developments

Inquiry

I am following-up the work taking place on the Manawa - Heart of the City / formerly City Focus redevelopment:

- What stage are the works currently at and what will the next phase be?

- Has the recent wet weather interrupted the schedule?

- How much money has been spent to date on the redevelopment?

- Jean-Paul Gaston told the Rotorua Daily Post in May the work was on schedule for a mid-August opening - is this still the case? If not, when is the expected opening?

- Will there be a ceremony held for the opening of Manawa?

Further question:

We have heard that it won't be finished till November - is this correct?

Response

Response from Portia McKenzie, Strategic Development Manager

Contractors have completed site levelling work and installation of services including storm water, irrigation ducting, street light cabling etc. The next phase is the installation form work and reinforcing, prior to the pouring of the carriageway edge beams and feature concrete surfaces.

Unfortunately the recent wet and stormy weather has slowed progress, as it has with much construction works across the country. At this stage, without knowing if these weather events will continue, it is difficult to pin-point an actual opening date. A ceremony to celebrate the opening will happen, but those details are yet to be finalised.

Now that the contractors have finished the demolition and site works, passers-by are likely to see the design start to be realised.

The total contract for Te Manawa is $1,135,000 and at this stage we do not have a break down in the price from the contractor, as to what has been spent so far.

Further response:

No, November is not correct. We can't pin point a date as weather continues to play a significant role and could possibly worsen in coming weeks.