27 March 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: ANZAC day
Inquiry
it's less than a month before Anzac Day.
With this in mind can I get a full run down on the council side of planning for the day?
I'll be speaking to RSA pres William McDonald about his side of things this morning.
- Time and place for council-run Anzac services and events on the day
- Format and performers for the service at the civic theatre/SHMPAC
- Guest speaker details
- Road closures
- Any other information relevant to the day
Response
Time and place for council-run Anzac services and events on the day
8.50am Memorial Drive Parade meeting time
9.00am Parade leaves Memorial Drive
9.15am Parade Arrives at Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre
9.25am Official Party line up in South Wing
9.30am Service Begins
10.30am Service Ends
Format and performers for the service at the civic theatre/SHMPAC - TBC
Guest speaker details
Leith Comer
Road closures
Memorial Drive - Fenton Street (Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre) 8.00am - 10.00am
Any other information relevant to the day
On Tuesday 25 April 2017 the team from Rotorua Museum will be based at Te Rūnanga Tearooms (Government Gardens) from 9am until 3pm with a range of activities to commemorate ANZAC Day.
Visitors can come to reflect and remember all the men and women who have served their country, showing courage and loyalty.
Take time to remember those whose lives have been lost by writing a message on a poppy. These poppies can be added to our ANZAC Day remembrance displays.
Children will have the opportunity to create their own poppy wreath to honour fallen soldiers in our free craft activity.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Te Ngae / Tarawera Road roundabout
Inquiry
In January, NZTA acting state highways manager Mark Haseley said the agency would be asking for feedback on recommended upgrades in March or April.
- Has the RLC had any further communication with NZTA about this?
- If so, does the RLC have any idea when some options will be released and what those would be?
Response
The reporter was referred to NZTA in the first instance and received the following response:
Thanks for the call.
We're releasing the date for the open day next week. Just finalising info and timing for it now. A newsletter will go out and you'll get a media release.
The short list of options will be shared with the community for their feedback at the open day.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Council meeting / Annual Plan
Inquiry
- Why is the annual plan going out for consultation this year? (what projects, plans etc have triggered this?)
- Why did it not go out for consultation last year?
Response
Chief Financial Officer Thomas Colle:
Details and explanation regarding consultation on the 2017/18 annual plan will be provided at Wednesday's full Council meeting.
You'll recall from last year that legislation changes mean annual plans are now exceptions-based documents and it is not mandatory for councils to hold formal consultation (submissions and hearings), unless there are material or significant changes from the current Long-term Plan, or unless there are matters a council specifically wishes to consult on.
Last year council did not hold formal consultation (the annual plan was year 2 of the 2015-25 Long-term Plan). For the 2017/18 there are matters about which elected members want community input.
[For a full explanation regarding last year's different approach, see the report that went to SP&F last March. See p10 of that report.]
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Weather information
Inquiry
Have there have been any weather related incidents the Rotorua Lakes Council has had to deal with following the heavy rain last night and this morning?
Response
the only weather-related incidents reported to Council were surface flooding in Moncur Drive, Galvin Road and May Road. Contractors were sent to deal with these.
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Media: TVNZ
Topic: Bhana Rentals
Inquiry
I am doing a follow up story about Stephen Bhana and the Ranolf street units. I'm wondering if you have heard anything from Mr Bhana since he was served the council notice to clean up the property last month? He says he has received no correspondence from council and has no knowledge of the inspectors finding the units unsanitary. If he fails to clean the places up within a month would you be able to tell me what happens from there? Is it possible the units will have to be demolished?
Response
The Ranolf St units are not owned by Mr Stephen Bhana.
Following on from previous inspection (when a requisition notice to fix was issued, giving the property owners a month to take action), the units will be inspected again. If nothing has changed from the previous visit this could mean a Notice to Fix and an Infringement notice ($1000 fine).
Demolishing the units is not an option in this case because they do not meet the requirements of the Building Act in this regard.
You'll recall receiving the following information in response to your inquiry in late February:
- Council's powers in respect of dangerous and unsanitary buildings are defined in section 124 of the Building Act.
- Under current law it can be a long and costly process to prove that a building is in such a bad state of repair that it should be fixed or demolished and there is a high threshold that must be met before the courts will make judgement against a landowner.
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