2 February 2017
Media: Maori Television
Topic: Museum closure
Inquiry
We understand the museum will be close for at least two year, how bad is the damage following the earthquake?
Do you know if the artefacts in the museum have been moved and where will they be stored?
What does this now mean for the employees how many job losses are there following the closing?
Is there an alternative site where the museum can continue operating?
Response
Response from Museum Director Stewart Brown
The Structural Engineers are continuing to assess the damage sustained by the Museum during the earthquake late last year. Until we have their final reports we won't know the full extent of the damage.
Some objects have been moved to our off-site storage facility or are stored safely in the new Museum extension that was built in 2011. Some objects, such as marble sculptures that have been too heavy to move, remain in place.
The closure has meant that 22 forward facing roles within the Museum were not able to continue but fortunately we were able to find roles in other Council divisions for four of our staff.
Rotorua Museum is operating the Da Vinci exhibition from the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre until mid-March and volunteers are continuing tours in the grounds around the museum. More permanent options will be reviewed once the Earthquake Risk Assessment has been completed.
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Media: Rotorua Review
Topic: Operations & Monitoring committee meeting follow up - substandard accommodation
Inquiry
Firstly I wanted to ask if Neven [Hill] could expand somewhat on his comments about the limitations of council's powers re sub standard accommodation.
He mentioned a Government change that removed council requirements for annual inspections - can I ask Neven to expand on this a little, for example who now is charged with inspections?
Also can I clarify this specifically - at present council has no powers to deal with such an issue unless Health/Buildings Act regulations are being flouted?
Also, in a related question, am I right in thinking from what was mentioned that council still has powers available under the Health Act and Building Act, but these of course don't apply in the case mentioned?
Lastly Neven mentioned he had spoken to the operator in question about his online presence and "how he can present to his customers what his plans are" - again can I ask Neven to expand on this?
Response
Response from Council's Compliance Manager, Neven Hill:
The scope of council's powers under the Building and Health Acts are limited and enable staff to ensure public health and safety is not jeopardised. As part of our role, we can carry out accommodation inspections to investigate issues that have been raised for the location and that the property is not affected by leaking or flooding, also that a motelier or hotelier is practicing good food hygiene. Most recently, we have been working with Silver Oaks Resort Heritage. Following an initial council inspection of the premises, we are so far satisfied with the motel owner's progress on implementing maintenance and cleaning as part of an upgrade of the accommodation facilities. We encourage anyone looking for accommodation to do their homework before booking and to find a place that fits their needs.
As a side note we encourage matters concerning public health safety, to be directed to the medical officer of health at Toi te Ora. Similarly for more detail we encourage media to seek comment from the business owner directly.