27 November 2019

Media: RotoruaNow (Sunlive)

Topic: Aquatic Centre improvements

Enquiry

Original enquiry -

Have any - and if so which - projects been deferred or held back because of the need to improve facilities at the Aquatic Centre?

Follow up question -

I've been informed the proposal to install steam boxes for cooking etc at Kuirau Park, in or about the region of the red brick building (principally used as a council repository for gardening, clean implements, public toilets and Friends of the Library) has been delayed because of the urgency over the Aquatic Centre problems.

Response

Original response -

You'll find the latest update on which the Daily Post story was based HERE on Council's website. Please note that funding to improve facilities at the Aquatic Centre was included in the 2018-28 Long-term Plan (there's a link to that within the update) so no, other projects haven't been deferred because of the need for improvements at the Aquatic Centre, funding for the improvements has been allocated in the LTP.

Follow up response from Rob Pitkethley - Sport, Recreation and Environment Manager:

The information you have received is incorrect. The Kuirau Park redevelopment project is progressing in parallel with the Aquatic Centre project and there is no conflict between the two.

As part of the renewed Kuirau Park redevelopment in the 2018-2028 Long-term Plan, there is a long term vision to create or renovate a space for a food outlet. Whether or not that is a steam kitchen will depend on access to private investment, access to the right geothermal resources (i.e. enough steam) to supply such a facility and a provider to run a facility of this nature.

Background information (not quotes)

In 2014 a visit with the then-Mayor of Beppu Hiroshi Hamada sparked an idea for a potential partnership to see a communal steam kitchen developed in Kuirau Park.

There was budget set out to investigate the Beppu Kitchen concept in year 4 to 10 of the 2015 - 2025 Long-term Plan (now overlapped by the new LTP). It was envisaged that the potential steam kitchen would be a partnership with a private investor.

The redevelopment of Kuirau Park has progressed in stages since 2015. The objective of the continued upgrades is to better link the park with the inner city and the Aquatic Centre as well as creating a premier recreation destination for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Early stages of the redevelopment included adding a lime chip path to connect the Kuirau Park playground area to the Aquatic Centre carpark, vegetation removal to improve visibility, foot pool refurbishment, picnic furniture, shared paths and a series of boulevard gardens.

In the 2018-2028 Long-term Plan Council renewed its redevelopment project for Kuirau Park by adding plans to move the Saturday Rotary Market to a purpose built space that also provided more parking. Further enhancements planned are a geothermal water play space, community gathering area, new toilets and upgraded signage and story-telling features.

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Media: RotoruaNow (Sunlive)

Topic: Santa parade route change

Enquiry

Note in today's Daily Post new route for Santa Parade, announced through Govt Gardens. No reason given for Saturday's event.

Has it anything to do with homeless, vagrancy problems in CBD?

Also in changing venue, retailers denied sale opportunity day they would otherwise expect with people flocking to view the parade.

Response

The reporter was advised that the Rotorua Christmas Parade is run by the Rotorua Christmas Parade Trust, not Rotorua Lakes Council, that it was the trust's decision to change the location for this year's event. Reporter was referred to the parade organiser for comment.

Response from Rotorua Christmas Parade organiser Boost Events:

Like most events, change has been part of the parades history. Once held as a New Years Day parade down Fenton st it was later adapted to a large loop around the city. In more recent years the trustees made a decision to use a shorter route through town, hold the event later in the afternoon and show a movie on the green in the evening. This year, with the support of the events key stake holders and event partners, the trustees and event manager decided it was time to offer something fresh, an event that celebrates a space that is unique to our city, with less traffic management & crowd control risks, all while giving our visitors and locals a safe, fun, free experience.

Other key points you might find helpful:

The Rotorua Christmas Parade is managed by a Charitable Trust.

The key purposes of the trust is to;

-Promote & enhance community wellbeing in the Rotorua District Through the organisation of events, festivals and other activities.

-To promote the education of young persons of their cultural and religious heritage.

-To promote the development of the performing & creative arts.

The Parade key partners include; Boost Events, Rotorua Lakes Council, Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, NZME

Our prize sponsors include Agrodome, Skyline Rotorua & Rainbow Springs

We have around 30 community groups, schools, sports clubs giving their time to create this event. We have minimal corporate/business sponsorship or parade involvement.

Event information is on our website www.christmasparade.co.nz and our Facebook page has regular updates.

We look forward to starting the festive season with everyone on Saturday Nov 30, from 11am, followed by free activities and entertainment until 2pm in the stunning Rotorua Government Gardens.

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Media: BOP Times/Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Subdivisions

Enquiry

I am doing a story - John O'Brien is hoping to develop land for a 93 subdivision at Collie Rd. He was the developer at the Arohanui Parade Subdivision, situated off Vaughan Rd.

John says the latest development is still in the initial stages of resource consent etc but he has said the Council has been great to work with. I have some questions and my deadline is 2 pm tomorrow.

• In the last three years how many resource consents has the council issued for subdivisions, where were they and how much was the value of the consent?
• What will this new subdivision mean for Rotorua?
• How is the council working with housing developers to make more housing a reality in Rotorua?

What are some of the challenges developers may face due to the unique geothermal landscape of Rotorua and how easily can they be overcome?

Response

The reporter was provided with previous responses sent to BOP Times and Rotorua Daily Post which covered land development and Council's approach to housing [see below]

Response sent to RDP on 2 October 2019

The table below covers the period from 01 January 2017 - 26 September 2019 and covers only resource consenting for the major subdivisions. It doesn't include infill (eg me subdividing my section into two lots) or minor subdivisions with just a few lots.

See directly below, explanations for what each column means.

1. Pre subdivision lodgement = discussions being had with developers about proposals they have prior to any consent being lodged to help them through the process and make the consenting process as smooth and timely as possible (ie ensure everything is done right and they've ticked all the boxes. That doesn't mean they ultimately decide to go ahead though.)

2. These are resource consent applications that have been lodged and are currently being processed.

3. These have been granted resource consent.

4. Civil works is things like earthworks and construction of services like stormwater that need to be completed before titles can be issued

5. Once civil works have been completed titles for lots can be applied for and lots can then be sold. Lots can be sold subject to title.

*PLEASE NOTE: the table and new dwelling figures have been updated top 26 November 2019

• We can potentially, by pulling several databases and matching things up, give an indication of building underway or completed on the subdivisions with titles issued but can't just look up a subdivision and see what's being/been built. Matching up of databases and extracting this info will take more time (at least several days) but as it's just 4 subdivisions (see last column) it would be quicker for you guys to go for a drive and check these out to see what building is happening, however let us know if you want that work to be done.
• Note re the Kawaha Point Villas and Ashworth Villas - these are what's known as "comprehensive" developments which means the developers are both subdividing the land and building the homes.
• Re building consents granted for dwellings: for 2017/18 financial year (1 July to 30 June) 153; for 2018/19 financial year 186; so far this financial year (2019/20) approximately 128.

Re the value of subdivisions: (unlike building consents) obtaining the value of the works is not part of the resource consent process. So we do not hold that information.

Your questions

• What will this new subdivision mean for Rotorua?
• How is the council working with housing developers to make more housing a reality in Rotorua?Refer back to response sent to you on 2 October regarding Council's approach to Housing - see part of that response below: For your information and understanding (ie not quotes):Regarding development of a housing strategy: we provided information about work being undertaken towards a district housing strategy/plan in our response to your October enquiry re homeless in motels. As was provided at that time, housing has been identified as a key challenge for Council and the district (as per this year's Pre-election Report) and community engagement was undertaken in October to gather feedback for consideration in the development of a district housing strategy (see more HERE from October regarding the engagement that took place).Council has also been engaging with Government agencies like MSD, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Housing NZ, other organisations involved in housing, iwi, other landowners and developers to get their views and input and work on development of a strategy/plan is continuing. More re this from the mayor below.Comment from Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick:"Housing is an issue of high concern for Rotorua and local solutions will require alignment between all parties with a role to play, which is what Council is working towards."Council's primary focus around housing and homelessness has been to support and work collaboratively with others. There is no quick fix for what is a very complex issue. We need more homes of all types and solutions will require a collaborative approach. We want to develop a plan and actions so we can provide homes that match people's needs and align with the aspirations of our community. Council can't do this alone and is working with others, including Government and its agencies, local organisations and iwi, to provide housing solutions for our community."Engagement undertaken during October resulted, I understand, in some very constructive and positive discussions and work with Government, its agencies and others is continuing. We will announce our housing plan once the detail is finalised." Your questionWhat are some of the challenges developers may face due to the unique geothermal landscape of Rotorua and how easily can they be overcome?

Comment attributed to Infrastructure General Manager Stavros Michael -

Geothermal features in the district can be a hazard but they are also a resource to be protected. If the right steps are taken to mitigate any issues, developing on a large proportion of Rotorua's geothermal areas is feasible.

The main challenges are heat, gases, ground conditions (including acid ground), corrosion and geothermal springs/water both hot and cold as well as unrecorded abandoned bores and soakholes.

Some steps to mitigate issues:

• Employ experienced contractors
• Ensure new buildings are set back enough from geothermal features
• Adequate ground testing prior to building design
• Use of special gas proof membranes under floor slabs and high strength concrete
• Install under floor venting in areas of high gas flows
• Use of special material manufactured to withstand extreme conditions e.g. coastal grade roof iron
• Avoid underground rooms such as basements
• Ensure good ventilation in rooms in buildings Staff at Council ensure that all building in geothermal areas is thoroughly inspected to make sure work to mitigate effects is carried out correctly. Council is also working to make sure its records are updated as much as possible to enable mapping of geothermal areas and current and old geothermal wells.

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Homeless housing proposal

Enquiry

I received a call from Tiny Deane today about how he had plans to shut down the night shelter and possibly move the homeless community to tiny houses on a council-owned reserve on the corner of Te Ngae Rd and Sala St. He said the council flatly rejected this.

Just hoping to get some questions away about this one:

1. Can you tell me what Tiny Deane proposed to you in terms of this agreement? Did he ask for the land to be gifted, would he pay for a lease etc?
2. Can you explain on why the council flatly refused his offer? He said it was because it was a reserve and council did not allow housing on a reserve. However, his defence was that it was removable housing.
3. What are the council currently doing in terms of housing for homeless?
4. How many complaints has the council received about the night shelter since it has been opened?
5. Is the council open to moving the night shelter out of the CBD? What would you do to assist this move?
6. Do you have any other comments you wish to make on this topic?

Response

From Group Manager Operations, Henry Weston:

Mr Deane has approached Council about using this land as an alternative accommodation option for the homeless community. Mr Deane has been advised that to undertake this type of activity on this land, which is part of the Ngāti Whakaue gifted reserves, he would need to go through a consultation process with mana whenua.

Additionally, the land is a recreation reserve and housing is not consistent with that. Any change to the status of the land would require going through a statutory process. Mr Deane has been advised that Council will work with him to see if there might be a more suitable site for his plans.

*The reporter was also provided previous responses covering Council's approach to housing and homelessness. A report regarding the number of complaints relating to the night shelter is being collated by Council staff and will be provided to the reporter.