27 February 2018

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Crankworx 2018

Enquiry

The following questions were asked by Rotorua Daily Post in regards to Crankworx 2018:

• Other than the economic benefits, what does Crankworx bring to Rotorua
• Are you getting excited for the event?
• Rotorua will have a long relationship with Crankworx, what is the council hoping to see come out of this year's event?

The following questions were also sent to Destination Rotorua:

• How much is this Crankworx expected to add into Rotorua's economy?
• How many visitors are expected over the course of the event?
• How will Rotorua's infrastructure cope with having that many people in town?

Response

From Mayor Steve Chadwick:

Crankworx certainly brings economic benefits, attracting visitors from around the country and the world, and builds on our reputation as a mountainbiking destination, contributing to the ongoing growth and success of that sector locally.

It helps to cement our worldwide reputation as a visitor destination and improves perceptions of Rotorua - it's helping to make Rotorua "cool" again and with its massive worldwide following, we gain maximum exposure and benefits that extend well beyond the duration of the festival itself.

Successful major events help keep Rotorua top of mind as a place to not only visit but also to hold events and to live, invest and do business. They also add vibrancy to our community and that's also important.

The event has grown annually in size and popularity and we hope to see it continue to grow, develop and benefit our community.

One of the wonderful things about Crankworx has been the fantastic community support and participation and we're also fortunate to have a very passionate local mountainbiking community that ensures the local success of the festival and mountainbiking in general.

I'm looking forward to another successful event this year.

Destination Rotorua referred the reporter to Crankworx event director Ariki Tibble to respond to questions and provided the following general comment from Consumer Marketing Manager Tom Worsp:

"Over the past three years it's fantastic to see new events like Crankworx, Ocean Swim Series, Summer Seafood Festival, Mudtopia and Flochella come to Rotorua and fit into the events calendar alongside already well established and successful events like the Tarawera Ultra, Rotorua Marathon, Rotorua Bike Festival and Okere Falls Beer Fest to name just a few. Having events like these not only attract domestic visitors from out of town but have a positive effect on the vibrancy and people's perception of the destination."

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Lakeside cafe closure

Enquiry

The following questions were asked by Rotorua Daily Post in regards to the closure of the Lakeside Cafe:

• Why is the building being demolished?
• What are your plans for the site, including the soundshell?
• When do you plan to demolish the building?
• Have you received any complaints about the decision?

Response

Rotorua Lakes Council's Group Strategy Manager, Jean-Paul Gaston:

The Rotorua Soundshell has been flagged for removal for several years with Council allocating funding for redevelopment of the area it occupies in the 2015-25 Long-term Plan.

The Soundshell auditorium is earthquake prone and has been closed to the public since July 2015. It had already needed significant repair and sustained further damage when the roof failed in 2016. The western annex, which houses the caf, is not earthquake prone but has required ongoing maintenance.

Council investigated the possibility of retaining [the annex] as a stand-alone building but this was not feasible as it would require constructing a new exterior wall, new roof, renovations, asbestos removal and other replacements.

Council has worked with the caf operators for the past year. They have been aware of the situation with the building and had the option of staying for another month.

The building is due for removal after July and the future of the site will feature in the 2018-28 Long-term Plan. As signalled in its 2017/18 Annual Plan, Council proposes redeveloping the lakefront as part of a city ring of reserves proposal that would link Kuirau Park, the lakefront, Government Gardens and Sanatorium Reserve.

Council will soon be consulting the community on proposals for the 2018-28 Long-term Plan. Proposals include the development of a world class lakefront interweaving elements like the natural landscapes, art and culture. The plan would include the creation of a building site where investors could establish restaurants, cafes, kiosks and ticketing offices for lake activities.

Consultation begins from March 5 until April 13, and we would appreciate people's feedback on the Long-term Plan via www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/letstalk or they can pick up a consultation document at the Council building.

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Aquatic Centre decisions at Council meeting

Enquiry

Rotorua Daily Post asked if Rotorua Lakes Council would like to comment ahead of the full Council meeting in which Aquatic Centre Management options would be voted on and asked the following questions:

• Is there are any anticipation around what will happen tomorrow
• is council expecting a big turnout from the public for this decision
• is robust debate expected?

Response

From Chief Executive Geoff Williams:

There has been a lot of public interest in this matter and a lot of lobbying of elected members and the public by the AWUNZ union.

Unfortunately, there has been a lot of misinformation circulated which has raised a lot of anxiety among staff and the general public.

It's important we bring this matter to a conclusion and provide certainty to all parties involved regarding the way forward. In saying that, Council has a clear obligation to ensure the best services are provided to the community, and that this is done in the most cost-effective and efficient manner while also maintaining the organisation's commitment as a good employer.

I'm confident there will be a good airing of the issues and equally, that Council will set a clear way forward.

Given the high public interest there may be a larger than normal public turnout to the meeting.