26 October 2018
Media: Stuff/Waikato Times
Topic: Fordlands derelict houses
Enquiry
I have recently met with Fordlands residents and they have expressed concerns about some derelict houses in the area, including a burnt-out house on Bellingham Crescent and a house which keeps getting rubbish dumped outside of it, 44 Wrigley Road.
One resident in particular, Irihapeti Waaka, says she has been in touch with council numerous times about the rubbish and the fact people keep trashing the homes. She says there are more than a dozen in Fordlands, however, I have only seen a handful myself.
I was hoping to get comment about what responsibilities council has in regards to derelict homes, specifically those that are hazardous. Is council aware of some of these properties? Is it the owners responsibility here? What happens if they cannot be contact or are out of the country? And what if the houses are state homes?
Any comment around this would be appreciated.
The reporter also contacted the mayor with the following questions and explanations regarding her intended story:
I'm looking at exploring (but perhaps a bit more in-depth than recent coverage) the reasons why bus 04 temporarily stopped travelling through Wrigley Rd.
I managed to spend the day in Fordlands last week and talked to a few residents living in the community to get their take on it. I'm sorry I wasn't able to catch up with you then!
The feature piece I was hoping to do would look more closely at the community. Who lives there and why? What are there views on recent events? Is there resources they need that would benefit the community? Etc... It will be a constructive piece which would be written with colour, as opposed to a news story with one angle.
I am hoping you would have some time available . . . please, to have a chat about the Fordlands community. Is this a community that needs collective solutions etc? Are there plans to"turn it around" - for lack of a better word.
Response
Please attribute the following statement to Rotorua Lakes Council's Planning and Development Solutions manager, Jason Ward:
We encourage anyone who knows of illegal dumping sites to get in touch with Council by calling 07 348 4199 as our regulatory team responds to fly-tipping sites thanks to reports from our community. We also monitor sites where illegal dumping is a problem including on Wrigley Road.
Council is aware of a number of neglected homes in Fordlands and we continue to try to work with the owner of those properties to address the issues. An owner of a derelict home is ultimately responsible for any remedial work and/ or securing their property. Council does have powers under the Building Act when a building is dangerous or insanitary and has worked with the owner to secure derelict houses from entry. However, in most cases including in Fordlands the buildings do not meet this threshold.
For your information, the following information is not attributed but is general information for your story:
If an owner cannot be contacted Council can in certain circumstances undertake work to secure dangerous or insanitary sites and charge this back to the owner
Council deals with the Crown when a building is state owned
Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick . . . is happy for you to include the following comment from her:
Council collaborates and works alongside many communities in our district and projects we have been involved with in Fordlands, in partnership with local groups, include youth events, establishing community gardens and park development. We are always happy to collaborate with communities to help them achieve their aspirations.
To help you with your story, I checked in with the Fordland community group, Ko te Tuara Tōtara o Fordlands, about having a chat with you. They are happy to speak to you about:
What's happening in the community
How it set up a community hui to find positive solutions which has helped to reinstate the bus service after it was temporarily stopped as a result of some youngsters' behaviour
How the group is helping support local rangatahi to get them on the right path and how local initiatives such as Fun in the Park is helping to do this
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Royal visit
Enquiry
Today I am focussing on all the work that's going into getting Rotorua ready for when the royal guests arrive.
Could I please have answers to the following no later than 2pm today.
- How hard are the gardeners working in the Government Gardens to make sure the gardens are perfect for the day?
- Are the council currently fixing up some of the roads to have them complete in time?
- Will the not-so-picturesque chain fences around the Rotorua Museum stay up for the Government Gardens part of the visit? (have had this question a lot from the public)
- Was any repainting done to the gardener's cottage or tea rooms?
- Are there any other things the council is doing to be ready for Wednesday?
Response
The following information was provided:
Central city road re-seals and repairs that were due as part of our annual maintenance programme were scheduled to ensure they are finished before the royal visit so there are no roadworks in the area on the day.
Our Government Gardens are always very well-tended and maintained by Infacore gardeners but they will go over the area in the days before the visit to ensure the area is looking great.
The chain fences around Rotorua Museum will be taken down but will be replaced with other fencing as per health and safety requirements.
