28 December 2020
Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Sign protesting Hemo sculpture
Enquiry
Kia ora team,
We've received this press release below which is critical of the council, particularly the money spent on the Hemo roundabout (and sculpture). Essentially, we're seeking a response from the council to what is alleged in the release below.
Can you please tell us:
- is there anything in this release that you consider incorrect? If so please specify what and what the correction information should be.
- what is the current council spend on the Hemo sculpture (and roundabout, if there's any council cost here)? And how much more is expected to be spent on this and how long is this expected to take and what is the potential extra spend for?
- what is your response to the suggestion the Hemo sculpture has been a large waste of public money?
- is the council proud of the sculpture? If so, why? If not, why not?
- what feedback (or complaints) has the council received, if any, about the sign that was placed near the roundabout?
- do you have any concerns that visitors to Rotorua will be greeted by this sign? If so, what and why? If not, why not?
Also, I presume any comment regarding the legality of the sign next to a state highway will need to come from NZTA but are you able to please tell us whether local bylaw has been breached by placement of the sign?
MEDIA RELEASE
Message board erected in Rotorua highlighting monumental waste
27 JANUARY 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Zealanders approaching the Hemo Gorge roundabout from the south will from today be greeted by an electronic message board warning motorists of the 12-metre 3D-printed monument to Government waste at the Te Hemo Gorge roundabout, where State Highway 5 meets State Highway 30. The sign reads MONUMENTAL WASTE AHEAD / COST: $743,000 / AND COUNTING, and is an initiative of the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union, installed by volunteers from the Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers (RDRR). Union spokesman Jordan Williams says, "This monument to waste was installed three years behind schedule and $240,000 over budget. But we understand the final bill will be even higher, once the costs of the botched installation are counted." "The final product looks nothing like the grand concept drawings - in fact, ratepayers and taxpayers can barely see the sculpture because it's been erected below road level!" "Sometimes the best antidote to government waste is sunlight. We're glad to expose to holiday period travelers how Rotorua District Lakes Council and the New Zealand Transport Authority have squandered public money while so many households struggle to make ends meet, and roads need basic maintenance." The monument looks a bit like flames going up into the air. It takes little imagination to see it's taxpayer and ratepayer money going up in smoke. RDRR spokesman and local councillor Reynold Macpherson says, "The Council can't seriously expect ratepayers to tolerate year after year of rate hikes when we've now literally got a monument showing how that money is wasted. This ill-advised public art project risks putting our town on the map for all the wrong reasons."Video of the sign in action can be viewed here, and an image of the site is here.
The Hemo Gorge sculpture was nominated in the local government category of the 2020 Jonesie Waste Awards
ENDS
Response
From Acting CE Craig Tiriana:
"The sculpture, Te Ahi Tupua, was a partnership project, the primary partners being Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Council, the designers Te Puia and local firm Kilwell which constructed it.
Rotorua Lakes Council's total contribution remains $388,000. Other funders and contributors include: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency ($200,000), Kilwell Fibretube, New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute |Te Puia, Rotorua Trust ($25,000), Rotorua Community Arts Trust ($15,000), Lion Foundation ($5000), Infinity Foundation ($5000), Red Stag Timber ($25,000), Rotorua Public Arts Trust (fundraising).
It was a complex project, something never done before, and required a high level of innovation by Kilwell to overcome challenges along the way, so it took longer than originally estimated. Installation was also a challenge but the sculpture was successfully put into place and Kilwell is undertaking final installation works which are nearing completion.
The concept behind the design speaks to a significant Te Arawa story and represents the arrival of geothermal energy to our district. It is not unusual for artwork to generate different opinions.
Regarding the sign: It has been reported to the council and we are therefore obliged to investigate. It is on private property and does not breach council bylaws but staff will need to consider whether there are any breaches to the District Plan and what, if any, action should be taken. This will happen as the appropriate staff are available."
Re timing and any extra costs related to final installation, please contact Kilwell which is responsible for this.
Re cost of construction of the roundabout itself, please contact NZTA as this was an NZTA project.
If you're interested in understanding the design and background to the project, you'll find all that HERE
________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Mayor's hopes for 2021
Enquiry
The below enquiry was sent to a number of local leaders:
Kia ora Rotorua leaders,
I am a Local Democracy Reporter with the Rotorua Daily Post.
As part of our New Year coverage, I am compiling the wishes of some of Rotorua's leaders for 2021. It will likely be on the front page of the paper on January 1.
I have selected you as one of those eight voices - all you need to do is answer this question in 100 words or fewer:
What do you hope for in 2021?
If you can please get back to me with your answer by midday December 29 that would be fantastic.
Here's last year's version if you need some inspiration: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/rotorua-leaders-share-their-new-year-wishes/DYIMTW25X2OOLSDGGI2IAVDDG4/
Thank you very much - look forward to hearing your interesting visions for 2021!
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
In 2021 I want to see a collaborative and collective emphasis on housing, community safety, community leadership and wellbeing - key topics elected members are discussing as we work towards Council's next long-term plan.
More than just houses, we need to ensure we create communities that are connected, safe and supported, with services, infrastructure and facilities people need to thrive and be resilient. That's the crux of our housing and thriving communities plan, being delivered in partnership with Te Arawa and Central Government's agencies.
Community wellbeing is vital so I'm also looking forward to progress on the COVID vaccine.