29 November 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Lighting of public Christmas tree
Inquiry
I'm writing a story about the Christmas lights [lighting of the Christmas tree in Te Manawa on Thursday] and can drive [for the Daily Post Salvation Army Food Bank Christmas Appeal).
Why has council decided to coincide the lights and the can drive this year?
How many people does council expect to turn up to the tree lighting?
How much does it cost to keep the Christmas lights going after they've been turned on?
Anything else to add about the can drive or the lights?
Response
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony tomorrow [30 Nov] coincides with Rotorua's weekly Thursday night market in the inner city. You'll find details regarding times and entertainment plus other information in the media release which was issued last week which, if you haven't already seen it, you'll find at THIS LINK on Council's website. The release includes comment from the Salvation Army.
From event organiser, Arts and Culture project manager Mandy Godo:
Given there will be a gathering of people, we're taking the opportunity to support a good local cause at the same time and will collect items for this year's Daily Post Salvation Army Food Bank Christmas Appeal at tomorrow's tree lighting ceremony, as we did last year.
It was a really nice community occasion last year with about 200 gathered around the tree for the lighting and entertainment and we hope night market goers and others will join us again this year.
Elisha Hulton and the Te Ao Mārama choir will entertain from 7pm to 7.20pm, followed by the Salvation Army Band until about 7.40pm and there will be collection points under the tree for donations to the appeal.
Information re cost of running the lights:
The tree lights will be on a timer, switching on at dusk and off at dawn, and the tree will be up for just under six weeks. The lights are LED so running costs are very low, about $50 a month.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: GLO Festival
Inquiry
Request to interview Kathy Nicholls from Council arts and culture team about GLO Festival 2017, council's annual New Year's festival
Response
Interview conducted, questions and responses as follows:
Reporter asked why festival had been reduced from 3 to 1 days (used to be 3):
Organisers decided to focus efforts on one great night that would suit all ages rather than spread it over several days and locations which some had found confusing. Also because it is a busy time for most people so made sense to focus on one great night.
Reporter asked about funding of the festival:
Council has always relied on external funding groups to help put together this free community event and this year we have explored new options and got creative with details for the event to reduce the budget.
Reporter asked about Council funding:
There is some council funding for the event but we do rely on external providers as well and this year's council contribution should be lower as one event.
Reporter asked about the headline act:
It was explained that was yet to be announced (December)
Reporter asked for details re fireworks:
First display at 9.15pm at lakefront and second at midnight around the stage. Local entertainers performing on main stage for first half.