27 October 2020
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Labour policies
Enquiry
I'm going to do a story about Labour policies and what effect they will have given the election result.
I've picked out a few key policies myself in key areas such as education, health, business, jobs and tourism.
As part of this I was hoping to get a comment from you Steve about what you think about a couple of policies related to jobs and tourism and what effect they may have on a local level.
The two I have identified as potentially being relevant or interesting locally are:
- Partner with regions to progress their regional economic development plans by making $200 million seed funding available through the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund for strategic investments in projects or programmes that support the growth of new and innovative industries, deliver sustainable employment opportunities, and further a region's economic development.
- Promote tourism as we progressively open our borders, continue to support domestic tourism opportunities and maintain New Zealand's presence in the hearts and minds of key international markets.
Would you be willing to provide a few thoughts on these policies (and any others which come to your mind as key Labour policies which could have a local effect). Your thoughts about them and their potential effects, are they welcome, is there any particular policy you would like to see in the jobs and tourism field?
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
Council will continue working closely with Central Government and its agencies to ensure we get the right sort of support for our district. During the past few years we have benefitted from significant PGF and other funding which will make a difference to our place and our people, and we will continue to explore opportunities that may arise through Government policy.
We are keen to understand how our district could benefit from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund, but as I told last week's Bay of Plenty mayoral forum, I don't want to work through a regional lens for approval to pursue funding opportunities for Rotorua.
Tourism remains key for our local and national economies and Central Government investment is crucial to boost what we do locally to promote our destination.
As co-chair of the national Tourism Taskforce established to consider the way forward for tourism in New Zealand, I look forward to presenting our report to Government later this year and seeing what emerges from that.________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Latin American Fiesta event
Enquiry
Is it possible to get comments to the below, and if there is a photo available at all that could work that would be awesome.
- Why do you encourage the community to check out the Latin American Fiesta?
- Why is it great to be able to collaborate the Night Market with different cultural groups?
- Why is it important to celebrate the different cultures within our community?
Response
The reporter was referred to Eduardo Diaz (festival organiser) to answer the first question.
From Brigitte Nelson, Rotorua Lakes Council, Arts & Culture Markets, Festivals and Project Manager:
Why is it important to celebrate the different cultures within our community?
Rotorua is home to a diverse range of cultures and it is important to recognise and celebrate them all.
Why is it great to be able to collaborate the Night Market with different cultural groups?
The popular Rotorua Night Market offers a venue with a ready-made audience. With Rotorua being such a multi-cultural city, it is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the different cultures living here and it all adds to the vibrancy of the Night Market for locals and visitors.
