6 July 2020

Media: TV3 - AM Show

Topic: Tourism and school holidays

Enquiry

AM Show Duncan Garner interviewed Mayor Chadwick via Zoom re tourism and upcoming school holidays. Main topic was how Rotorua was looking for the holidays in terms of domestic tourism.

Mayor Chadwick was also asked about lack of direct link with Queenstown, pricing of attractions/activities for domestic tourists and impact of having managed isolation facilities set up in Rotorua.

Response

Key points made by Mayor Chadwick:

• We've had some good weekends in terms of visitors in lead up to July school holidays and accommodations bookings are strong so we're expecting a busy time as Kiwis get out and about
• Local operators are well geared for visitors and many have changed or modified what they do and offer, including some which have retrained staff in order to retain staff
• Presenter said some people thought operators should reduce their prices but asked if operators could actually afford that? Mayor said not really but there was a great mix of activities and prices for people to choose from as well as free activities
• Mayor agreed it was important to also have visitors between busy holiday periods
• Asked about isolation facilities in Rotorua, the Mayor said that was not preventing the district from welcoming visitors and the 2 hotels being used were solely for that purpose with no community transmission
• Presenter asked if lack of direct link with Queenstown was a concern. Mayor said it was something Rotorua wanted, would benefit both Qtown and Rotorua and we are ready

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Weather-related callouts

Enquiry

Can you please tell me the number of weather call-outs your contractors were called out to in the last 12 hours?

What were the nature of them? and where?

Response

The following information was provided:

Crews attended mostly wind related call outs overnight. There were a number of trees or branches down over roads around the district. Those locations were:

• Okareka Loop Road
• Devon/Kowhai Street
• Hatupatu Drive
• Hood Street
• Te Waerenga RoadCouncil had reports of surface flooding on Fairy Springs Road near Skyline Rotorua at about midnight and State Highway 30 (Rotoiti) at about 4am.All issues except Te Waerenga Road were cleared and made safe during the night. Crews are continuing to work on that location using a digger to remove the remainder of the tree. Once that is clear and made safe they will continue with checks around the district.If anyone needs to report weather related issues please phone Council on 07 348 4199.

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Lake weed at lakefront

Enquiry

Just wondering if you could tell me if contractors were down at the Lakefront today working to remove water and weed that had flooded into the development?

What damage has been done?

Will it be difficult to fix?

Response

The following information was provided:

This can be attributed to a council spokesperson if required:

After the Northerly winds last night there has been a big wash up of weed at the lakefront. Most of it is still in the water with some washed up on the shoreline. Council will be working with the Regional Council on removal options. Some weed has been washed into the construction site along the lake edge but this has not had a significant impact on the work in this area.

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Media: Stuff

Topic: Appointment of Rotorua Museum director

Enquiry

First I wanted to ask - again as mentioned - does Stewart think people may be surprised at this appointment?

How many other candidates were considered for the role?

Can you tell me what the remuneration is for the role?

Can Stewart tell me something about why Lizzie was deemed most suitable for the role?

This is obviously a crucial time for the museum given the rebuild work about to start - is he confident Lizzie Marvelly has the relevant experience to lead this?

I wanted to put a couple of questions to [Mayor] Steve [Chadwick] about this too if I may?

A clarification initially - I presume as Mayor Steve had no role in the appointment process - is that correct?

It strikes me too that the Museum is entering perhaps the most important phase since it's initial construction given the upcoming rebuild - I wanted to ask is Steve confident Lizzie's background means she will be able to deliver on this?

Lastly, was she surprised at this appointment?

Response

The following information and comment was provided:

The mayor does not comment on staff appointments and is not involved in staff appointments, other than recruitment of CE who is appointed by elected members.

See below from Arts and Culture Manager Stewart Brown:

"Some people were surprised by my own appointment to the role eight years ago. This is a very important role for our community and will attract different points of view.

"Lizzie's strong leadership, fresh thinking and compelling vision made her stand out. She has a strong understanding of the importance of the Te Arawa partnership and is passionate about Rotorua.

"The recruitment panel included a Te Arawa kaumatua and an independent museum sector representative.

"The museum rebuild is supported a large team of expert specialists, including very experienced and capable museologists and I am confident Lizzie has the support around her to be successful in this role."

Re number of applicants etc: 30 applicants, 9 shortlisted, 1 withdrew

Re remuneration for the role: This is personal and private information. If you need a reference, refer to section 7(2)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) re protecting people's privacy.