29 May 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Manawa works update
Inquiry
Could I please request an update on works at Manawa/City Focus?
- Is work on schedule?
- Where are they at in terms of progress? (What's been happening?)
- When will the road be re-opened?
- What's happening with all of the old cobbles?
- What's going to happen next?
Response
Response from Strategy & Partnerships Group Manager Jean-Paul Gaston
The work taking place at Manawa - Heart of the City is on schedule. The contractors are currently removing the existing cobblestones, concrete structures, planters and relocating services.
About 90% of the existing cobbles will be reused in the pedestrian areas within Manawa - Heart of the City and the remaining 10% are either too old or damaged to be reused.
The next phase will be the installation of new underground services and formation of the concrete surface features. The road is expected to be open by mid-August.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Mayoral movements
Inquiry
Could I please ask the following regarding the mayor and her duties?
- Has Steve had to put off any official engagements?
- Has she given any indication when she will return to her duties?
- Who is filling in for her at the moment? (Deputy Dave I presume)
I understand this is a difficult time for all concerned, but there are people asking what Steve will do in the future
Response
Council was unable to provide details of Mayor Chadwick's return to work.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Catering
Inquiry
We are following up on a stoush at Hutt City council regarding catering that's been in the news lately.
Can I request the following;
- How much has RLC spent on catering for councillors only in the past three years?
- Do councillors have a lunch in Green Room or anywhere else after council meetings/hearings?
- What food/drinks are offered to councillors at meetings?
- When are full meals provided for councillors?
- I seem to remember the RLC clamping down on fancy lunches etc a few years back to save money. This may have been under Kevin Winters. Can you confirm this at all?
Response
In response to your media enquiry about councillor catering, please attribute the following statement to Rotorua Lakes Council's Governance and Partnership Manager, Oonagh Hopkins:
Over the past three year period to 25 May 2017, catering for all councillor meetings have cost $33,157.50. Council reviews its catering budget each year and checks that the budget is cost effective and meets the dietary requirements of councillors. Council's caterer also services its caf and provides two options to councillors during their meetings which are a light refreshments, either morning tea or afternoon tea, and lunch. Light refreshments are provided at a cost of $5 per person and cover the cost of either tea or coffee and a snack, fruit, scone or biscuits. Lunch is also provided to councillors if they have deliberated for at least three hours. Lunch is provided at a cost of $18 per person and includes five items such as a drink, piece of fruit and a sandwich. Catering for council meetings is evolving to reflect changing dietary needs and has slowly started introducing healthier snack options such as vegetarian as well as gluten, dairy and wheat free options.
