8 June 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Lions tour
Inquiry
I am doing a story on how the hospitality industry is preparing for the Lions v Maori All Blacks game next weekend, and I have several questions for the Rotorua Lakes Council.
- Have any special licenses been granted to locals restaurants/bars in order for them to open longer hours/allow more people on site?
- How is the planning going for the Big Brekkie on June 18? Have all the vendor sites been filled?
- How is the council preparing/prepared for the extra number of camper vans that will be in Rotorua for the lead up/during the event? Will there be extra facilities and sites for visiting tourists?
- Are there regulations around tourists using council carparks to spend the night / several nights in?
Additional questions/clarification
I just have a few things I need to clarify
There are two locations in town where vehicles that are certified as self-contained can park overnight. Vehicles parked outside these two locations will be directed to the appropriate accommodation
- Where are these locations? Who (ie council representatives?) be directing those to the appropriate accommodation?
Response
It is expected that most of the visitors following the DHL NZ Lions Series 2017 will start to arrive in Rotorua from Wednesday 14 June and Council has been working with local businesses, accommodation providers and contractors to make sure the city it prepared for the influx.
Council's experience from the last tour and the Rugby World Cup in 2011, is that the hospitality industry will be extremely busy during the week of the game between the Māori All Blacks and The British and Irish Lions. So far Council has approved three applications for special licences to extend their usual business hours - Lone Star Rotorua, Hennessey's Irish Bar to 3am and Alexandra's to 5.30am.
Rotorua Lakes Council is not providing any extra dedicated overnight parking for campervans. Rotorua is a certified Motorhome Friendly Town and there are more than 1000 powered and non-powered sites available at the nine holiday parks within the district. For the more rustic campers, there are at least eight overnight camping areas in scenic locations but with limited facilities.
There are two locations in town where vehicles that are certified as self-contained can park overnight. Vehicles parked outside these two locations will be directed to the appropriate accommodation. Free buses will also be available to the public on Saturday 17 June on the normal City Ride network as well as a dedicated bus service to take fans to the Rotorua Stadium and back.
Council is working with local providers and with the public to ensure any influx of motorhomes and campervans are directed to the right places to spend their time in Rotorua. Recently Council also installed extra signage and waste facilities in the more popular areas and has increased the frequency of facility cleaning.
Sunday morning after the game (18 June) will be a great time for locals and visitors to be in the city. Council is hosting the Big Brekkie which will feature 17 food truck vendors at the Village Green offering a varied menu with something for everyone to enjoy, and the covered communal dining area will provide a comfortable space, with easy listening live music adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
To find out more about what is happening around town next week visit www.rotoruanz.com/dhlnzlionstour2017
Additional response
As per yesterday's response anyone outside the allocated overnight parking areas will be directed to the appropriate places by security staff contracted by Council.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre closure
Inquiry
1, In layman's terms what the issue regarding the main internal wall identified by engineers.
2 When was the issue identified?
3, Why did the hall have to be closed immediately? Does the issue present a public safety risk?
4 How many bookings have had to be cancelled as a result of the closure.
5 Have any events related to the Lions tour been affected by the decision.
Additional questons:
Is it possible to get a full list of events that might be affected?
What is being done to find alternative venues for these events?
Response
From Chief Financial Officer Thomas Coll:
The building was previously identified as needing earthquake strengthening and we've been working with consultants to understand exactly what needs to be done. During a discussion with engineers yesterday a potential issue with an internal wall relating to the strength of that wall was discussed. The remedial work is a precautionary measure which will strengthen the wall until earthquake strengthening of the building can be done. We are taking a conservative approach.
Closing the venue while this remedial work is done means we can get it finished quickly and efficiently.
Staff are contacting centre users and event organisers and working through options with them including re-locating events to other council venues like the Energy Events Centre, or finding other alternative venues in Rotorua. Just one has decided to cancel - the Capital E show which was scheduled for tomorrow [Friday] and is targeted at schools.
We've had a positive response from clients and users - they have been very understanding. There were 23 bookings for the next two weeks, 13 of these for Rotorua Museum's education programme for which alternative venues are being found.
A corporate hospitality dinner linked to the Lions tour has been re-located to the Energy Events Centre and staff are looking at options to relocate the Lions Tour public bus hub.
Several events have already been moved to alternative venues such as the Energy Events Centre and local hotels and staff will continue to work with clients in an effort to ensure events can still go ahead.
Affected bookings
13 Rotorua Museum school programme sessions with visiting schools
Capital E - Songs of the Sea show
Public Service Association of Hamilton meeting
Rotorua Lakes Council and Trustpower Rotorua District Community Awards
Stage Challenge and J Rock 2017
Boney M Concert
Te Wananga o Aotearoa Graduation
AB Hospitality Dinner (Lions Tour)
Lions Tour Public Bus Hub
The Royal Family Dance Crew
NZ Bloodbank Services
