27 July 2020
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Quakes in Rotorua
Enquiry
I am just following up on the quakes this morning.
- has the council received any reports of damage from residential or commercial properties?
- How many calls, what is the damage? And to what extent is the damage?
- Will the museum be checked for any damage following the quakes? If so, what was the outcome of the checks? Do small quakes pose a risk until the strengthening is complete?
Response
The reporter was advised that Council had no reports from the public of damage to buildings.
Contractors were carrying out a rapid seismic assessment on the Museum building today and a report is expected tomorrow.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Vandalism at Hamurana Reserve
Enquiry
Just have some questions relating to a Hamurana Reserve being ripped up by boy racers last night.
- When was council notified?
- What is the extent of the damage?
- How long will it take to repair the reserve?
- Have the police been notified?
- Any additional comment on this sort of vandalism is welcomed!
Response
From Sports, Recreation and Environment Manager Rob Pitkethley:
Council received a couple of calls about the damage this morning. Staff from our Open Spaces team have been out to inspect the damage and we have reported the incident to the Police. There was also damage to the Reeme Street reserve last night although we don't know if the incidences were connected. The crew from Infracore will reinstate the surface and monitor how the turf responds. This time of year isn't great for trying to grow grass, so if the grass doesn't grow back naturally, then our teams will go back in the spring and reseed as needed.
It's always disappointing when people choose to do the wrong thing. What some people don't realise is that it is the ratepayers, and others in the community that end up having to pay for this type of damage. Council has worked closely with the community in Hamurana and Ngongotahā to upgrade both these reserves in recent years and some much appreciated improvements for locals and visitors have been made. The damage was mainly restricted to the grass areas so should be repaired reasonably quickly.
What to do if you see vehicles damaging a reserve:
- Do not approach the vehicle
- Take notes of the vehicle registration, make and colour
- If you can do so safely, get pictures of the vehicle
- Phone the Police straight away
- Report the damage and car details to Council on 07 348 4199
