28 January 2021
Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Increasing popularity of e-bikes
Enquiry
I'm writing a story on the increasing popularity of e-bikes, and the increasing number of ACC claims for injuries relating to e-bikes, during the past five years.
I'd like a general comment from the council regarding this. As I will need a swift response, I'll keep it simple.
- what factor do e-bikes play in transportation planning now, compared to five years ago?
Clarifying question: Basically, I'd like to find out how much of a factor e-bikes are in council planning these days with cycleways, roading developments, etc. Obviously, years ago they wouldn't have even featured but now (I assume) they do - so, how much so?
Response
From Niki Carling, Sustainable Journeys Manager at Rotorua Lakes Council:
The current trend in the increase of e-bikes use means that active travel is more accessible to more of the community. Currently Council's transport planning takes into consideration bikes in general, but does not specifically cater to e-bikes.
Over the past 5 years we have seen an increase in the number of shared path users. The shared paths in Rotorua have been designed to accommodate all vulnerable users, including cyclists, ecyclists, pedestrians and mobility scooter users.
Future infrastructure planning will continue to accommodate the needs of these users.________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: CBD homeless hub proposal
Enquiry
I just urgently need to check [Mayor] Steve [Chadwick]'s comment from yesterday is still relevant as Tiny Deane has now downgraded his original statement to the following. We haven't yet published what you gave us yesterday from Steve.
I'm really sorry but the timeframe is really tight as Tiny has just got his new statement to us. We didn't want to run with yesterday's statement from Steve as the context has changed.
Tiny's new statement
Visions of a Helping Hand CEO Tiny Deane have confirmed that The Base Backpackers Rotorua will not be utilised as a homeless hub. There has been a misrepresentation of how The Base could be used to alleviate the housing crisis. This has caused an uproar in Rotorua especially for family/whanau of children attending education so near to the backpackers.
Discussions continue to be held towards how The Base could benefit the need within the community. There are no finalised decisions however it will not be a homeless hub or an emergency housing complex. If Visions decides to become a part of this project, there will be consultation with stakeholders and other interested parties to ensure the needs of the community and the best interest of Rotorua are taken into consideration.
Visions of a Helping Hand continues to work towards finding solutions to help those in need. With the aim to decrease the negative effects and perceptions towards people experiencing homelessness.
In the last 10 months Visions has moved 69 families from emergency housing into transitional and private rentals. The week prior to Christmas 7 families were housed giving these families the opportunity to celebrate in their own home.
Steve's original statement
From Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick:
I am concerned. As everybody knows, we've had a difficult history with provision of this type of service in the central city in the past, and I don't want a repeat of the issues we experienced then and the heightened concern it generated within the community.
We always said the CBD was not the right place for this type of facility for people who often have complex problems that require a complex system of support.
I'm also concerned about the potential impact on our business and tourism sectors and our efforts towards economic recovery.
Without knowing the detail I can't comment about what Mr Ngatai is proposing.
Response
From Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick:
Mr Deane's initial comments have caused a lot of distress within the community. I was also immediately concerned. We've had a difficult history with provision of this type of service in the central city in the past, and I don't want a repeat of the issues we experienced then and the heightened concern it generated within the community.
We need to move forward and it's imperative that our CBD has the right mix of activities and a homeless shelter or emergency accommodation is at odds with a vibrant and safe inner city.
I am not aware of any formal notification or proposal made to Council or MSD, MHUD or the DHB for this location. Without knowing more about what type of facility Mr Deane is proposing it's difficult to determine what impact it could have on the community. ________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: COVID19 managed isolation facilities in Rotorua
Enquiry
Following the three cases that tested positive for the highly infectious South African strain of Covid in Auckland, after testing negative and leaving managed isolation, I have the following questions regarding all the managed isolation facilities in Rotorua.
- What extra precautions would Steve like to see taken following these new cases?
- Has the council/mayor been contacted about any plans moving forward after the new concerns raised this week?
- Will this potentially harm the reputation of Rotorua, with travelers knowing there are managed isolation facilities in the city now with the possibility of highly infectious cases?
- Any other comments are welcomed. Thanks.
Response
The reporter was referred to Rotorua Economic Development regarding impacts on tourism.
From Rotorua Mayor, Steve Chadwick:
"The health and safety of our communities, and of New Zealanders returning home, is imperative. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, we are seeing the New Zealand Government adapt processes here to improve our border protection and hold fast to the gains we worked hard to achieve last year.
"The isolation facility management team here in Rotorua regularly keep us informed about developments and Council has been assured that the priority for personnel managing facilities in Rotorua is keeping COVID-19 out of the community. Locals and visitors should continue to feel safe being here.
"These recent cases are a reminder to stay vigilant in our response to COVID-19. Keep using the COVID tracer app and signing in wherever you go, stay at home if you are unwell, and wash your hands regularly."