5 March 2020

Media: Stuff

Topic: COVID-19

Enquiry

Reporter sought comment from Mayor Steve Chadwick relating to Covid-19, specifically regarding impact on Rotorua economy and also welcomed some general comment

Response

From Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick:

People's health remains the number one priority and in that regard I would urge people to be guided by advice and information from the Ministry of Health.

While we can't be certain of the extent of the impact locally or nationally at this stage, panic is not needed. This is an evolving situation and we are being guided by those agencies leading this at a national level.

Regarding the local economic impact, Council's CCO Rotorua Economic Development is working with business sectors to provide information and support and get input into development of appropriate local responses. They are also advocating on behalf of Rotorua to ensure we are able to leverage national assistance packages that could help our district.

Tourism and forestry are certainly being impacted locally. In terms of tourism there has been a call to focus efforts on the domestic tourism market and RED is already doing that. Regarding forestry, it's our hope that Rotorua will be less affected than districts that are more export focussed.

Again, this is an evolving situation and our responses will also need to evolve as and when things change. Collaboration will be key to ensuring our district is able to work through this and I'm confident the right things are being done at this time.

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Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Westbrook sport and recreation precinct concept

Enquiry

I understand there was a meeting held last night (March 4) at 6pm at the sports stadium.

I understand it was regarding the future of the Springfield Golf Course and stakeholders were invited, but it was invitation-only.

I understand neither owners of nearby properties / the neighbouring community nor golf club members were invited.

I also understand an element of that meeting was to discuss the usage of the club, with three options: a) keep it as it is b) reduce it to nine holes c) remove the golf course altogether - perhaps for a housing development.

• Can the council please confirm these things are correct? If some elements are correct and some not, please clarify.
• What was the nature of the meeting and why was it not a public meeting?
• What was the outcome of the meeting?
• Which stakeholders were invited? Why were they chosen to invite?
• If owners of nearby properties / the neighbouring community and golf club members were not invited, why not?
• Who was there from the Rotorua Lakes Council?

Response

Just letting you know that we've received your enquiry.

We're due to issue some information in regards to the subject of this meeting very shortly.

When are you planning to run your story?

Please note that some of your information below is incorrect, the meeting was inclusive of all local sports clubs, including the Springfield Golf Club.

NOTE: The reporter did not respond to the above message but was subsequently sent the news release (as above) - [See release HERE]

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Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Council finances

Enquiry

Reporter sought clarification of Council financials following CFO's report to Operations & Monitoring Committee today

Further questions following initial information provided:

Could you please clarify what you mean by $7.8m of subsidies?

From what I understand of the table in the agenda, it is reporting a deficit of $5.603 million.

Subsidies and grants is reported as $2.867 m in revenue in the YTD.

The only $7.8m figure I can see there is the forecasted $7.866 m deficit.

What I plan on reporting is this:

"The council reported a deficit of $5,603,000, $869,000 over its budgeted deficit for the year-to-date."

NOTE: The above enquiry relates to the financial report for the seven months to the end of January which was reported to the Operations and Monitoring Committee's February 2020 meeting. See p13 of the meeting agenda HERE for the financial report, view the powerpoint presentation given in relation to the report HERE and/or view the livestreamed meeting at THIS LINK on Council's website

Response

Information provided following initial request for clarification:

Deficit of $5.603m (as shown in report to Operations and Monitoring Committee) + subsidies received of $7.8m = $2.2m surplus overall

Further clarification to subsequent questions:

Re "The council reported a deficit of $5,603,000, $869,000 over its budgeted deficit for the year-to-date."

Yes that is what was in the report to O&M today, however, that's not the full picture.

As Thomas explained, the report in the agenda does not include the additional $7.8m of revenue council has received from subsidies (eg from NZTA for roading) so it's additional information to the report and when all is combined, as emailed to you, the overall result is a $2.2m surplus.

As Thomas also told the committee, this is information that will be included in the financial reports in future.