8 March 2018
Media: National Business Review
Topic: Short term accommodation taxation
Enquiry
- Where is the council at with taxing online short term accomodation providers.
- Is there any plan to charge commercial rates?
Response
The following information was provided:
There is a proposed district plan change relating to short-term holiday rentals. Submissions have been received and a report is now being prepared ahead of the hearing of submissions ahead of deliberations and a decision. A date for hearings has yet to be set. You can find out all about what's proposed at Council's online consultation hub Let's Talk/Korero Mai at THIS LINK on our website.
However, the district plan change relates to amenity, not rating.
In the Rotorua district commercial rates apply if a holiday home is let for more than 100 days per year. This rating policy has been in place since 2009. There are currently no proposals for changes to this.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Forum for mayors to discuss freedom camping
Enquiry
Reporter sought comment from Mayor Steve Chadwick following the forum for mayors with Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis to discuss issues around freedom camping.
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
It was a very good meeting and we have agreed to establish a working party to work with the Minister on this issue.
Rotorua's position was heard and was shared by others.
It was agreed absolutely that the Freedom Camping Act needs to be thoroughly reviewed and that actually, it shouldn't be called freedom camping but managed or responsible camping. We need a much more consistent approach nationally - achieved through regulation and things like signage and education - while retaining the ability as local authorities to do what's needed and what works for us locally.
Rotorua is really fortunate to have a large number of excellent holiday parks so issues related to freedom camping aren't as big here as in some other locations. Active enforcement requires considerable resourcing and our first response is to try to move people on, to either a holiday park or one of the few freedom camping sites.
One model that's working well for Rotorua and which I shared at today's workshiop is at Lake Okareka, where the community manages a lakeside council reserve and the small fee charged to campers goes back into improvements. We're exploring a similar arrangement at Hamurana.
It was great to hear from mayors from around the country and to be able to discuss an issue which we are all grappling with to some degree. There are definitely pressures of volume which we are all feeling.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Red Stag timber plant announcement
Enquiry
The reporter sought comment from Mayor Chadwick and Deputy Mayor Donaldson regarding the announcement.
Response
Mayor Steve Chadwick:
I congratulate Red Stag for their vision and their decision to establish this plant in our region at the centre of New Zealand's forestry sector, which contributes about 15 per cent of Rotorua's GDP.
This latest investment has the potential to bring not only economic benefits, but also social outcomes in terms of additional jobs and ultimately, improved and lower-cost housing, both of which align with what we are trying to achieve for our district in the long term.
It also aligns with the district's Wood First policy and shows continuing confidence in our growing region. It's fitting that it is Red Stag taking this new build product innovation to the next level.
Deputy Mayor and Economic Development Portfolio lead:
This is wonderful news for Rotorua, and for New Zealand in that we are extracting added value from our primary resources rather than seeing that value added elsewhere including off-shore. It shows confidence in Rotorua as a great place to do business with great connectivity to resources and business routes.
It also provides further confidence in growth assumptions that are informing our district spatial plan which aims, among other things, to increase the availability of industrial land.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Cyclone Hola preparation
Enquiry
- Is the council doing anything to prepare for the potential of the cyclone hitting Rotorua?
- Has recent adverse weather events in Rotorua in the last year changed the way the council treats cyclone warnings?
- What advise do you give residents in preparation for potential adverse weather next week?
Response
Please attribute the following response to Primary Civil Defence Emergency Management controller, Stavros Michael:
Council continuously monitors developing weather patterns, which have changed in the past year as Rotorua has experienced more severe events such as thunderstorms and heavy rain. At present we are keeping a watchful eye on the progression and movements of Cyclone Hola. Like any severe weather event which may possibly descend on Rotorua, we encourage residents to prepare just in case and remind them to consider the following tips:
- If it's not essential travel, maybe avoid driving
- Ensure drains and spouting around your home are clear
- Keep an eye on Council's website and Facebook page, and the MetService and NZ Transport Agency websites
- Phone council on 348 4199, if you have reports of flooding, slips or fallen trees so we can work towards addressing them
- It's also a chance for residents to check their emergency supplies to ensure they have fresh water, food and medication, as well as resources just in case there is a power outage
If severe weather is expected for the district, staff remain on standby and activate preparedness measures including monitoring inflows to the Wastewater Treatment Plant and notifying contractors about the approaching weather.
