5 September 2019
Media: Newshub radio and TV, Radio NZ
Topic: Fatal tour bus crash
Enquiry
Above media sought interviews with Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick regarding yesterday's fatal tour bus crash near Rotorua.
Response
Key points made by the Mayor during interviews: - This is an absolute tragedy for all those involved and their whanau- Proud of community response which enabled us to wrap around support that was needed- At request of police RLC civil defence staff set up a welfare centre and assisted bus passengers who were not injured- Provided food, blankets, clothing, transport, translators, assistance to enable them to contact family, liaised with accommodation provider and with emergency services- Mayor was flooded with calls and messages last night offering help and accommodation- Chinese community has rallied to provide support including providing translators- Such a sad event and lovely to see when this type of thing happens we've been able to provide the help and support needed to ensure they don't feel stranded in a foreign country- Have been briefed by police today and they and Victim Support are now providing welfare assistance- Have been in touch with local Chinese community leaders who will continue to do whatever they can to help and will speak with Chinese ambassador today |
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Fatal tour bus crash
Enquiry
Reporter working on follow-up to yesterday's crash had the following questions: I was wondering what the Council was doing in terms of supporting the victims? Have you been to see them? Are you worried this will affect tourism from the Chinese coming to Rotorua? Or people migrating to the city? What are your thoughts on the Rotorua community response to the crash? |
Response
The reporter was referred to today's update which is at THIS LINK on Council's website
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Media: Various media including Raio NZ
Topic: Fatal tour bus crash
Enquiry
Various media also contacted Destination Rotorua for comment about the fatal tour bus crash and the potential impact on Chinese visitor numbers and whether the tragedy has cast a dark cloud over the tourism industry.
Response
Comment provided by DR chief executive Michelle Templer:
My thoughts and condolences are with the passengers and their friends and family members following yesterday's tragic accident. Our city is known for the hospitality it provides to visitors and we've seen that demonstrated in the outflowing of support being offered to the passengers and members of the Chinese community affected by the tragedy. I've heard that Chinese restaurants have brought food to the bus passengers and locals gathered in town to help with translation. One of our own i-SITE staff members remains working with the police and victim support team to provide translation services today. It's a common role for our i-SITE in times of crisis as visitors will naturally gather at the central i-SITE location and our staff speak a number of languages.
Re do we think the accident will have an impact on Chinese visitor numbers:
We've got a long history of hosting visitors from China in Rotorua. We're one of the most well-known New Zealand locations for Chinese visitors so, while the international coverage of the tragic accident may encourage visitors to be more cautious on our roads and drive to the conditions, I believe our reputation for wonderful hospitality will be unchanged.
