3 September 2018

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Crash at Hemo Gorge roundabout

Inquiry

I am following up on the crash which occurred at the Hemo Gorge Roundabout, SH30, on Friday.

A logging truck tipped, spilling logs onto the road and cycleway which runs under the roundabout.

• Was there any damage done to the cycleway?
• How long did clean up take?
• Are there any repairs that will need to be done?

Response

The Rotorua Daily Post was referred to NZTA which is managing clean up.

Below is the statement provided by NZTA in response to the Daily Post inquiry:

The NZ Transport Agency is continuing to assess the damage at the Hemo roundabout.

So far we have established a barrier has been broken. And a light pole, the fence around the underpass and the garden has been damaged. There has also been some gouges made in the road surface from the impact of the truck hitting the road.

We will continue to work with Police while they investigate the cause of the crash.

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Dementia-Friendly awareness week

Inquiry

I'm just getting in touch as I'm working on a story about what is happening around Rotorua for Dementia-Friendly Awareness Week, and saw that a Purple Bike Ride is being held as part of it on the 23rd.

I was wondering if it is possible to have comments sent through to the following questions from an appropriate person?

- Whereabouts will the bike ride be going/travel?

- Why do you encourage people to come along and get involved?

- What are you looking forward to about the ride?

- Why do you think it is important to raise awareness about dementia?

Response

Please attribute to Rotorua Lakes Council's Safe and Sustainable Journeys Manager, Jodie Lawson:

The Purple bike ride for Dementia-Friendly Awareness Week is an opportunity for everyone, no matter what your age or riding ability, to get your purple outfit on, jump on your bike or your set of wheels and get fit while enjoying our beautiful city. The purple ride is a chance to make new friends and support members of our community who are living with dementia. About 750 people in Rotorua are living with the condition. This initiative is just one way we can show our community living with dementia that we care. Initiatives like these can help make a difference. We encourage everyone to come along for the ride on Sunday (23 September). It will travel from the Soundshell along Lake Road on to Kuirau Park and back to the Soundshell. If you can't make it, you can still help support members of our community who are living with dementia by learning about the condition. You can learn more about it at: www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/dementiafriendlyrotorua.