27 October 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Reynold Macpherson court case costs
Inquiry
We are doing a story on the legal costs incurred by council as a result of Reynold Macpherson's court case. We understand that cost was $63,487.48.
- What impact did this unforseen legal cost have on the council's financial budget for the last financial year?
- Were there any other options at the time that could have prevented this issue from going to court (and subsequently costing ratepayers in legal fees?)
- Why did the council initially decline revealing the amount spent?
- Did the settlement with Dr Macpherson include a financial payout?
- Did council consider requesting its legal costs be covered by Dr Macpherson when he withdrew his petition?
Response
The following information was sent to the paper:
You'll find Council's statement regarding this matter HERE (there's also a link to a previous, joint, statement issued in November 2016 when the petition was withdrawn).
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Media: Rotorua Review
Topic: Reynold Macpherson court case costs
Inquiry
Reporter had received information about the cost Council incurred as a result of the court petition filed by Reynold Macpherson following last year's election and wanted comment from CE Geoff Williams and from Mayor Steve Chadwick.
Response
Reporter was referred to statement on Council's website HERE and was informed the mayor did not wish to comment further on the matter, respecting, as per the statement, the confidentiality the parties agreed to at the time the petition was withdrawn.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Consenting figures
Inquiry
Reporter sought consenting figures (since August and for the financial year to date) and an interview with relevant staff to discuss.
Response
The following figures were provided:
- 37 lots consented since August 1 2017
- 91 lots consented since start of new financial year (1 July 2017 - 25 October 2017)
- 193 lots consented so far this calendar year (1 January - 25 October)
- 172 lots consented last financial year (2016/17) Key points made during the interview today with Henry Weston, Simon Bell and Jason Ward:
Perceptions of Rotorua have changed at same time as market upturn. RLC dealing with a lot of inquiries from developers from outside Rotorua (including Auckland and Tauranga) who tell us they see Rotorua as a vibrant, progressive district
Landowners and developers in general are more confident/have confidence in Rotorua and value of land now means there will be a return for them
District Plan has freed up/zoned more land for development
Council is more enabling, working in partnership with landowners and developers, removing barriers that may previously have existed
In the past consents tended to be for infill lots but that has now shifted to being mainly lifestyle and multi-lot subdivisions
Starting to see more interest in affordable housing with landowners and developers seeing a gap in the market re that and RLC is having some good discussions about how good, affordable housing can be enabled
RLC aim is to provide as much certainty as possible pre-application so that hopefully landowners/developers will lodge application
Spatial Plan will identify more places for potential development which will provide direction for further zone changes
Housing Accord is recognition Rotorua is growing and provides additional tools to help speed up/simplify consenting and zone changes processes. It also signals to landowners/developers that there is demand which could lead to further confidence
At the moment there are 4 or 5 large residential developments either consented or in pre-application discussions