26 July 2019

Please Note: when we talk about the town clock we are talking about the one in the tower of our historic iSite building.

Comment from Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick:

"Our Seddon Memorial Town Clock and the building it's housed in are an iconic part of Rotorua's history and character. It's in a part of the city that also features our historic te whare taonga, Rotorua Museum, the Government Gardens and other buildings of historic significance so the clock is very much part of what makes us a unique destination. People like it, it feels familiar and it's important to us as part of maintaining our district's history and telling our story."

Information:

Formerly a post office, the building is now the city's iSite building and the clock was brought back to life in 2014 after about 30 years of silence. The Westminster chimes in the tower - five solid brass bells weighing about 2.5 tonne in total - sound every 15 minutes with an hour bell also sounding on the hour.

The building that houses the clock was opened in 1914 as Rotorua's post office. Built by the Snell brothers of Hamilton and replacing an original 1880s building, it was purchased by the district's council in 1990.

About the Seddon Memorial Town Clock

Named in honour of Premier Richard Seddon who died in 1906.

A project of the Seddon Memorial Committee

Clock and its bells manufactured to specifications by J B Joyce & Co, a company located in Shropshire, UK and shipped to New Zealand.

According to Council records it appears the clock and its chimes cost 300.

Clock and bells, or Westminster chimes, installed in Rotorua's then post office building in 1914, the same year the building was opened.

The Government of the time had to approve allowing for a clock tower in the post office.

Maintenance of the clock costs about $300 per year. Fortnightly checks and general maintenance are done by council staff with an expert called in for any technical repairs if needed.

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Dog registrations

Thought I would do a wacky story to remind people about their dog registrations paired with the stats on dog breeds in Rotorua. So just seeking some comment from you guys.

Why is it important to register your dog?

What are the consequences of not registering your dog?

How will be people be reprimanded (for want of a better word) if they do not register their dog?

Where does the money go?

From Rotorua Lakes Council Animal Control team leader Dylan Wright:

Registering your dog is part of being a responsible dog owner. It ensures that our Animal Control team can provide and maintain facilities where we care for and return lost, stray, impounded or seized dogs.

The Rotorua Lakes Council Animal Control team has the responsibility to manage dog and stock issues in the district.

The dog population is growing yearly and we now have more than 11,000 known dogs. Our Animal Services team receives over 5,000 complaints every year and we impound more than 1,900 dogs, of which 60% are returned home or adopted to new homes. So far this year 7,962 dogs have been registered, equating to about 68% of known dogs currently registered and we are noticing that more people are registering their dogs on time. This is really pleasing to see.

One possible reason for this is that we are trying new avenues to remind people to register dogs. This year for the first time we have sent TXT message reminders to dog owners reminding them about dog registration as well as billboard advertising on Old Taupo Road.

Failing to register you dog may result in you receiving an infringement of $300 and/or your dog being seized and impounded, this adding unnecessary further costs.

The following is information rather than quotes:

In Rotorua, there is a ratepayer contribution towards the cost of animal control services however, dog registration fees help to pay for most of our animal services activities, including:

Providing and maintaining facilities (the pound) for the care, welfare and return of lost, stray, impounded or seized dogs

Investigation, monitoring and resolution of dog issues such as nuisance (barking & roaming), aggressive and dangerous dogs (rushing's & attacks)

Monitoring and enforcement of the dog control act, bylaws and policy

Friendly and professional advice to dog owners and residents, also providing bark collars (for hire) microchipping of dogs and collars

Education program to school children

Patrolling public areas, reserves, parks, sports fields and signage in public places including our lakes all aimed at public education, safety and where required enforcement action

Stock control on roads

As with any business there are also standard overheads associated with vehicles, technology, facilities, administration, record keeping of over 11,600 dogs (including the updating of the National Dog Database), staff costs, management etc.