30 April 2019
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: TRENZ
Enquiry
I am wondering if there is someone at council that would be able to answer some questions in regards to the tourism conference, Trenz, that is coming through to Rotorua in a number of weeks.
I had some questions and wondered if you could send answers through to me mid-morning tomorrow?
- What has been happening in Rotorua to prepare for this event?
- Why is Rotorua proud to host the event?
- What is the benefit of hosting an event like this?
- Is there an estimated amount that Trenz hopes to bring to Rotorua while here?
Reporter also asked to speak to Mayor to talk about how good TRENZ is for the city
Response
Reporter spoke to Mayor Steve Chadwick Response from Rotorua Economic Development Chief Executive Michelle Templar - Destination Rotorua and the local visitor industry have been working closely with Tourism Industry Aotearoa since last May's announcement that TRENZ will return to Rotorua. The opportunity to host 1500 delegates for the four days of TRENZ is significant for us as a destination and operators have been working hard to prepare to showcase the city and their products to buyers, sellers and media from around the world. Rotorua has been a popular TRENZ location in the past so we know how much impact the event has, both in terms of direct spend and in the legacy it leaves. Based on Dunedin's experience last year, we're expecting to see an estimated total of 5361 nights booked for TRENZ, generating millions of dollars of direct revenue and many more millions of dollars of additional business over the next 12 months. That's because people will return home talking about their Rotorua experience and with a much better understanding of all there is to offer here. So much has changed since we last hosted TRENZ in 2016 so we want to inspire excitement in the progress that's been made around the city and in the new products the delegates will experience during their time here. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Media: Rotorua Daily Post A pedestrian was critically injured on Old Taupo Rd last night. By our count that puts it at 4 in about two weeks in Rotorua There was one on Te Ngae Rd on April 16 at night Then a person received moderate injuries on Saturday April 27 after being hit at the intersection of Lake Rd and Old Taupo Rd https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503438&objectid=12225755&fbclid=IwAR0bv1fJhZveOECy--qYzSHCMexY4lFTZ0VUrkn096eBNGKnkQ_BwLIxT5U Then last night's on Old Taupo Rd, April 29 https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12226310 Is the council able to provide comment on road safety? I'm aware these particular stretches are state highways so I have gone to NZTA for comment already but can the council please provide comment around: - A safety message round driving at night or taking care as a pedestrian? - Are any safety improvements planned for either of these two stretches of road from the council perspective? Does the council have any concerns about road safety on these stretches? - Will the spate of pedestrian crashes prompt any reaction or further works? If so what may be considered? Response |
Response from Infrastructure General Manager Stavros Michael: Council, in its work with New Zealand Transport Agency, confirms that safety and access issues have been identified on three main State Highway corridors. Council continues to work with and anticipates that the Transport Agency's programmes in the short and medium term will be addressing these issues. Council's Safe and Sustainable Journeys team delivers a road safety education programme that addresses identified risks within our community. Our current programme includes pedestrian safety and walking activities that support users to be skilled, unimpaired and alert when using the networks. The programme continuously monitors trends and where emerging issues are identified the programme can be adjusted to address them. The Safe and Sustainable team are currently reviewing the Transport Agency's Communities At Risk Register and are making plans for the programme delivery during the next financial year which will prioritise pedestrian education. We would like to remind the community that road safety is everyone's responsibility and it's important we all make good decisions when using any mode of transport. Key tips for pedestrian safety: - Stay alert - headphones/earbuds or using technology can impair users ability to be alert- Always use safe crossing areas (e.g. pedestrian crossings and refuge islands) even if that means walking a few extra paces- Wear hi-vis clothing or lights when out and about - especially in the dark- Slow down and take extra time to ensure your next move is a safe one Information on other local network safety improvements (information not quotes):During upgrades or when new facilities are created, Council follows best practice guidance set out by the NZ Transport Agency as well as working with community members to ensure safety measures match user behaviour. The CyWay programme, which is partially funded by the Government and the Transport Agency, has enabled Council to make significant changes to a number of residential roads that improve safety for pedestrians and people using other modes of transport. The primary consideration is always the safety of the most vulnerable road users - pedestrians, bike riders and people using other modes of transport. As part of each new cycleway or shared path Council uses pedestrian or courtesy crossings to improve safety at road crossings. Traffic calming measures such as extended curbs, refuge islands, signage and road painting also helps to slow drivers making it safer for shared path users. CyWay has also enabled Council to work with a number of schools to upgrade their entrances improving safety for children making their way to and from school. Council is also involved with and promotes a number of safety campaigns aimed at encouraging safe practices for pedestrians, drivers and people using other modes of transport: - Share With Care pedestrian safety campaign - School based Travel Planning - Walking school busses, Hikoi to School events - Be Bright campaign cycle safety campaign - Bikes in schools - giving equal opportunities to children to access riding a bike - Bike skills programme 'With Us' in schools (Grade 1 and 2) - Beginner riding classes for elderly, adults and E bike users - Driver Directions - youth driving event - Agewise and Driving On road safety education for senior drivers - Youth Road Safety Expo - targets all Year 11 students - AIEP - Alcohol Impairment Education programme - 'Indicate' at Roundabouts campaign (doesn't commence until May) - Driver Fatigue and distraction campaigns- Back2School speed education campaigns- Puppet Vision - road safety, walking and cycling shows in Schools and Early Childhood Centres _______________________________________________________________________________________ Media: Rotorua Weekender (Rotorua Daily Post) I hope you had a good weekend. I'm getting in touch because I'm looking to run a preview story on the St Mary of the Angels screenings. I was wondering if it is possible to have a few comments sent through in response to the couple of questions below? - Why was it decided to hold these screenings in Rotorua? What makes this documentary great/interesting? - Why do you think it is something of interest to the Rotorua community/encourage them to come along? ResponseFrom member of Friends of Rotorua Museum Julie Parsons - Friends of Rotorua Museum decided to show this documentary to help illustrate the challenges of earthquake strengthening an historic landmark building, with similar complexity to Rotorua Museum. By showing the film we hope to explain some of the reasons why a project of this type takes time and needs to be completed with care. There are many similarities in the St Mary of the Angels project when compared to the Bath House building, home to Rotorua Museum. The Bath House building (opened in 1908) is only 14 years older than the St Marys rebuilt building (opened 1922) and both are excellent examples of unique styles of architecture. Both buildings have Category I classification bestowed by Heritage New Zealand and so any construction or design decisions need to be made in close consultation with them. The film is a unique and interesting look at a project of this magnitude through the eyes of architects, builders and craftsmen as they carry out earthquake strengthening. |
