27 May 2020
Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Music Month
Enquiry
I was thinking of doing a bit of a story for this week around how the response has been to the Music Month celebrations this year? Would it be possible to get a few comments from someone around the below:
- What has the response been like from the community to the live performances online from local musicians?
- How have entries been going for the Te Manu Tito Waiata - Rotorua Song Writing Competition? How hard will it be to pick a winner?
- Why has it been great to continue to celebrate Music Month despite the Covid restrictions?
- Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response
From Bobby Howard, Rotorua NZ Music Month Coordinator:
What has the response been like from the community to the live performances online from local musicians?
We have been overwhelmed with the number of people tuning in to watch on the night or view afterwards - we have reached audiences across the world through the power of the internet. Our five performances over the month have netted over 32,000 views and we still have great shows happening this weekend! On Friday 29 May (8pm) Moana Opal will perform some of her original songs on the Rotorua Events Facebook page. Moana lives in Rotorua and her music really developed when studying at Toi Ohomai under the tutelage of Jazz pianist, Ben Wilcock, who was our very first Music Month performer this year.
How have entries been going for the Te Manu Tito Waiata - Rotorua Song Writing Competition?
We have had more than nine entries so far. We extended the deadline until 29 May so anyone still considering entering needs to get to it! They have been from a range of performers and it will be great to hear them all.
How hard will it be to pick a winner?
Judging any kind of art is hard but we want to nurture and support all those that entered. We know there is a lot of talented songwriters in our region and putting your music out there for critique can be difficult. The songs are an extension of the artist, an insight into their thoughts and life experience, it's a vulnerable space but a powerful one when the listener can connect with it too.
Why has it been great to continue to celebrate Music Month despite the Covid restrictions?
It has been so exciting to still be able to showcase our talented locals even with the COVID-19 restrictions. And we have probably been able to share Rotorua music with more people than normal, which means some great learning for future NZ Music Month celebrations
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The Rotorua NZ Music Month finale this weekend is hosted by the Bay of Plenty Blues Club. Starting Saturday 30 May people can watch a wide range of virtual performers from some of the best Blues players in New Zealand. Watch Blues Recharge live on the @BOPBlues Facebook page.
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Media: New Zealand Herald
Topic: Availability of public toilets during Queen's Birthday Weekend
Enquiry
I'm putting together a story for the Herald for tomorrow, on Queen's Birthday Weekend domestic tourism.
I see on social media someone posted that public toilets at popular beaches/lakes around the district will remain closed until level 1. Is this correct? Why is that?
Response
The following information was provided:
All public toilets are to be opened during Alert Level 2, our contractors are working through each toilet to thoroughly clean each facility and ensure they all have hand washing facilities i.e. soap or sanitiser. Without knowing which toilet you are referring to I can't address that Facebook post. However, from my investigations most (if not all) toilets will be open for this long weekend.
