2 November 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Te Manawa
Inquiry
Now that Te Manawa is open we have a few questions.
- We noticed in the artist impression there were sails covering the grassy area on the Fenton St end of Hinemoa, will this still happen?
- A few people have concerns that the turning is too tight when turning left from Hinemoa St (Fenton end) onto Tutanekai St (towards the mall) have you considered this?
- [The mayor] said at the opening she was happy to work towards changes, are there any changes planned already?
- Can you confirm the budget and the actual spend?
- Has any of the work that's been done on Te Manawa been included in other budgets?
Response
Infrastructure Group Manager Stavros Michael:
It's early days yet and we'll monitor how people are using the space to identify any issues that may need addressing or changes that may be required. A safety audit of the design was conducted prior to construction and as is common practice and a follow-up audit will be conducted soon.
Council will continue its efforts to educate the public. The key thing for people to remember is that people come first in Te Manawa - motorists and bike riders are expected to treat the area as a low speed environment, to travel at walking pace and give way to pedestrians. Being a shared zone, it's not a typical roadway and drivers are expected to slow down and take extra care.
In turn, pedestrians need to be aware, be courteous and not impede traffic.
It may take a while for locals to get used to the shared zone concept but it's certainly not a new idea and it works well elsewhere in New Zealand and around the world.
Placement of a sail which was included in the design will be considered once we've had time to observe use of Te Manawa to ensure it goes in the right spot. There are also plans for a mobile stage.
The work on Te Manawa was a fixed price contract and was delivered for the fixed price of $1.135m. Existing plants in the area had been due for renewal so plantings in Te Manawa were covered by annual renewal budgets.
Education regarding shared zones will continue with signage and on Council's online channels and signs are up at Te Manawa indicating the rules and urging all users to be courteous and share the area with care. The following series of videos has been produced and is being promoted on social media to education users of the Te Manawa shared zone:
You can find a full list of FAQs about the space including educational animations at www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/temanawa
NZ Road Code definition of a shared zone: This is a road that has been designed to slow traffic and give priority to pedestrians. Drivers give way to pedestrians who, in turn, should not impede traffic.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Consenting figures
Inquiry
I see the building consents online only go up to August - just wondering if the September and October figures are available.
Can I also get the top commercial consents by value and the number of new builds in residential for each month.
Response
A document setting out the consents figures requested was sent - see HERE
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: BOP Regional Council charges against Rotorua Lakes Council
Inquiry
I have contacted the Bay of Plenty Regional Council in regards to the charges it has laid against the Rotorua Lakes Council in relation to alleged breaches of resource consent conditions at the landfill that are being assessed and will be defended in court.
The six charges relate to three incidents at the landfill during March and April 2017 storms which overwhelmed the facility's drainage and leachate systems. They are coming back to me today so I want to give you the chance to respond my deadline is 3pm today. I have some questions.
Why has the RLC decided to defend these charges in court?
What is the legal bill likely to be in order to defend these charges?
Was the RLC given the opportunity to pay fines and why did it not do this?
Response
As this matter is before the court, Rotorua Lakes Council will not be making any comment in the media at this time.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Extended Smokefree Outdoor Spaces Policy
Inquiry
Could I have some comment around whether Council considers phase one of the city's extended smokefree outdoor spaces policy to be a success as a result of community feedback and from what they have seen themselves.
Would it be possible to see if pavement cleaners have noticed a significant drop in the amount of cigarette butts they pick up now as opposed to prior to the extended policy being implemented.
Response
Please attribute the following statement to Rotorua Lakes Council's Strategic Development Manager of Sustainability and Social Development, Rosemary Viskovic:
The response to phase one of our campaign Let's clear the air' in places such as bus stops, youth spaces, skate parks and council-controlled reserves and parks has been positive. Most people who smoke are very considerate and don't smoke where it can negatively impact others. Council did undertake some extra promotion to help visitors on tour buses visiting the Redwoods to understand that the area is auahi kore and has been smokefree since 2008. Numerous sports clubs which use reserves have also come on board and Council has provided them with signage to promote the message. We're reminding people and businesses that from New Year's Day the smokefree zones will be extended to outdoor eating areas and the inner city markets. Council is talking to businesses about how it can support them in promoting the smokefree initiative.
[See this link for update provided on Council's website regarding this]