9 February 2021
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Allan Skipwith passing
Enquiry
I'm writing an obituary for Tūhourangi leader Allan Skipwith today.
I have been told Mayor Steve Chadwick knew him quite well so I'm hoping to get a few lines from her if possible, I can either do a quick phone interview or if you want to send some through that's fine too.
I'm just looking for Steve's thoughts on Allan as a person and his contribution to the community.
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
"Allan was a very dignified and humble man and a very reasonable man. He came back to Rotorua from overseas to give back to Tūhourangi and became a wonderful leader. He was a bridge builder and when he asked for a meeting you knew it was something important to keep things moving forward.
"He was a lovely man who I respected greatly. I think he will be really missed as Tūhourangi continues to move forward and progress future opportunities, but others are stepping up to the pae and I think that has in large part been due to Allan's leadership."
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Proposed alcohol ban
Enquiry
Reporter writing about proposed temporary alcohol ban which is the subject of this week's extraordinary Full Council meeting requested photos which appear in the agenda report
Response
Photos were provided as requested.
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Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: New CBD bike stands
Enquiry
I'm just flicking through a few questions for the Safe and Sustainable Journey team. I saw the comments and figures which were part of the release about the upcycled bike parking stands and thought I could merge it together with a story on Bike Month and Go By Bike Day.
I've popped a few questions below:
- Why is increasing sustainable modes of travel in the district a key aim?
- Why do you encourage people to make the most of events such as Go By Bike Day and Aotearoa Bike Challenge?
- What are some popular travel routes in Rotorua for wheeled users?
- Is there anything you would like to add?
Response
From Niki Carling, Sustainable Journeys Manager at Rotorua Lakes Council:
Why is increasing sustainable modes of travel in the district a key aim?
The flat, condensed landscape of Rotorua is ideal for active travel, and more people are realising just how easy it is to bike or walk around our city. Increasing sustainable modes of travel is a key aim of Council and provides environmental, sustainability and wellbeing benefits with transport being the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases in our district.
Why do you encourage people to make the most of events such as Go By Bike Day and Aotearoa Bike Challenge?
Events like these are a fun and social introduction to the many benefits of biking and an opportunity for people to experience our city in a different way.
Even short rides can make a big difference to your team's score. Last year, 122 Rotorua Lakes Council staff took part in the Aotearoa Bike Challenge, and together we saved over 1,600 kilograms of carbon-dioxide in just one month of cycling!
On Go By Bike Day, several Council staff will be leading social group rides into the CBD from east and west Rotorua suburbs, and anyone can join. Keep an eye out on the Safe and Sustainable Journey team's Facebook page for more information.
What are some popular travel routes in Rotorua for wheeled users?
The shared path network is increasing in popularity across Rotorua, as the connections grow between neighbourhoods and the city centre.
In March 2020, there was a 276% increase of wheeled users (bikes, scooters, prams, wheelchairs, mobility scooters) on Springfield Road, since March 2016.
Meanwhile, the Linton Park path and Utuhina Stream path are two of the newest shared paths in Rotorua, and provide fast and easy off-road access to the city.
You can find a map of our shared path network on the RLC website.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Come along to the annual Frocks on Bikes event on 20 February. This fun, family friendly and free event is a leisurely ride along the Utuhina Stream shared path, and begins at the International Stadium at 2pm. Find all info on the Safe and Sustainable Journeys Facebook page.
Follow Safe and Sustainable Journeys Rotorua Facebook page for more biking events and tips.
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Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: January building consents
Enquiry
May I please have a list of the top five commercial and residential building consents ($1m-plus) that were issued in January 2021?
Please may you include, the dollar value, address and what the consent was issued for?
May I also please have the total value of all consents issued in January 2021?
Subsequent request:
May I please also ask what the top five commercial consents were in terms of value.
Response
Commercial - $1m plus issued in Jan 2021
$3,500,000 - 1B Iles Road, Lynmore - New classroom block, and relocate garage
No other commercial building consents issued in January 2021 were $1m+.
Residential - - $1m plus issued in Jan 2021
No residential building consents issued during January 2021 were $1m+.
The total value of all consents issued in January 2021 was $14,732,400.
The five commercial consents for January 2021:
$3,500,000 - 1B Iles Road, Lynmore - New classroom block, and relocate garage
$795,000 - 7-9 Brent Rd - Stage 1 - Earthworks, sewers, retaining walls
$540,000 - Pukuatua St - RBHS - Relocate Jubilee toilet block, ground/drainage works
$380,000 - 3 Old Quarry Rd - Reconfigure internal walls of classrooms
$320,000 - 3 Old Quarry Rd - Reconfigure internal space of existing classrooms