3 June 2020
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Hemo sculpture
Enquiry
Just checking in with the current status of the Hemo roundabout sculpture. I understand prior to lockdown, it was expected to be installed by this month, however I assume lockdown has forced another delay?
Could you please let me know whether an installation date has been set? From previous stories, I am aware of what needs to fall in place in order to install the sculpture, so if a date has not been set, how much notice does the council expect it will be able to give once a date has been set?
Has the outer helix of the sculpture been completed?
Has the delay caused by the lockdown increased the cost of the project? If so, by how much and what is the current total cost (the last story we did had it at $743,029)
In a November story it said: The council confirmed the budget for making and installing the sculpture was unchanged and there would be no change to the $388,000 contribution the council had made.
If this is the case, who is picking up the additional costs?
How much will it cost to have a helicopter install the sculpture and was this cost built into the original budget or will it add to the end cost?
Response
The following information was provided:
A date for installation has not been set. Given its complex nature and the variables that need to align, Council cannot give an indication of how much notice can be given prior to installation.
Yes. Both helix's have now been completed with final tubes laminated in place and just some final sanding work being done. Kilwell is now just awaiting fine weather for these tubes and joints to be painted.
Re budget: see previous answer
As an installation date has not been set there is no final [installation] cost however, there was allowance within original budget for transportation.
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Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Rotorua Museum activities during lockdown
Enquiry
I just thought I would touch base and see if the Rotorua Museum would be happy for me to do a bit of an update with the museum around the below?
- What did the level 4 and 3 lockdown mean for the museum, its activities and the way it/staff operated?
- Has this changed much since moving to level 2? How does this feel?
- What are some of the plans for the museum (activities/events etc) in the upcoming couple of months?
- Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response
Guided Tour quotes can be attributed to Rotorua Lakes Council Arts & Culture Volunteer Coordinator, Julie Parsons
Collection quotes can be attributed to Rotorua Museum Operations Manager, Cat Jehly.
Many of the Museum team's activities were able to continue while working from home, including cataloguing and research, responding to public enquiries, developing online learning activities and contributing to the Bath House project. The team was also able to maintain security and care of the collection at the Museum's offsite storage facility. Some of the collection team have returned to the storage facility during level 2.
The regular Outside the Walls guided tours around Government Gardens were on hold during lockdown but have restarted over Queens Birthday. These free tours will run twice daily (11am and 2pm) every weekend in June and on Mondays (11am, 1pm and 2pm). The guides are looking forward to sharing the unique history of the Rotorua region with visitors to Rotorua and the Rotorua community.
(At this stage there are no other events planned)
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Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Food Truck Thursday
Enquiry
- What was the response like from the community last week? How busy was it?
- How many food trucks will there be each week?
- Why is this a great opportunity/alternative to the Night Market for the community?
Response
From Rotorua Lakes Council Art & Culture Markets and Festivals Manager, Brigitte Nelson
- What was the response like from the community last week?
It was fantastic to see new visitors and our Night Market regulars again, all of whom were excited to get their fix at the Rotorua Food Truck Thursday.
- How busy was it?
We had over 400 people attend the market which was great for a first time. The food truck owners were happy to be out again, bringing their delicious food to the Rotorua community. We had live music which added to the atmosphere and people were just happy to come out and support the market.
- How many food trucks will there be each week?
We will have 12-13 food trucks available for people to choose from each week. This week people can grab dinner from: NZ Crepes, Buon Appetito, Desi, FTP Vegan Eats, Kai Caff Aye, Mussel Madness, Tearific Bubble Milk Tea, Rossco's Coffee, Heat Caravan, Aayat's Exotic Food, Smokers & Grillers, Mobile Chef and Homegrown Kitchen.
We hope to be able to add in more vendors as the levels reduce, returning to a more normal Night Market.
- Why is this a great opportunity/alternative to the Night Market for the community?
As well as getting a delicious meal it is wonderful to support our local hospitality industry. It is really important to back our local and regional suppliers at this time.
