9 March 2017

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Pool legislation change

Inquiry

- How much will it cost pool owners to have their pools inspected?

- Will council need to employ more staff to do this?

- What are the new rules and how have they changed?

Further questions:

- What happens to temporary pools? Like the ones you can get at the Warehouse for $500.

- Does it only cover permanent pools?

- I understand commercial pools are already covered by the RLC bylaw, is this correct?

Response

Compliance Manager Neven Hill was interviewed by Rotorua Daily Post

Response from Compliance Manager Neven Hill -

The Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016 came into effect on 1 January 2017. Implementation of the requirements has been delayed while waiting on performance standards from the Ministry for Business, Innovation & Employment.

The key changes of the new Act are:

- Residential swimming pools must be inspected every three years

- safety covers will be able to be used as barriers for spa pools and hot tubs

- territorial authorities (councils) will have better tools to enforce barrier requirements, including notices to fix and infringement notices

The current fee for pool inspections is $110. The fee amount is set at the discretion of each territorial authority and will cover the full cost of administration, staffing and travel. If a follow up inspection is required a further fee of $55 will be applicable.

Inspections of all pools will occur every three years (except those that council deems exempt after an initial inspection).

Council has employed one full time staff member in the Compliance team to carry out the administration and pool inspections.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Media: Rotorua Review

Topic: Gambling figures - APR Survey

Inquiry

Firstly I wanted to ask if I could get a copy of the APR survey questionnaire that I believe is being put to members of the public at present?

Secondly I wanted to ask what the broad intent is behind this round of surveying?

I also wanted to ask about the 'sinking lid' concept - specifically does that policy exist in Rotorua when it comes to pokie machines?

Response

Rotorua Review spoke with Councillor Merepeka Raukawa-Tait.