10 May 2021
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Tarawera sewerage reticulation scheme
Enquiry
Following on from this Tarawera reticulation stuff:
Is it correct an alternative payment option (such as a hardship option) has been offered to benefitting Tarawera ratepayers by the council?
It doesn't appear so in the letter the council sent to the residents but I have someone saying there will be an option, so wanted to clarify.
Response
The current LTP (in the link we sent through to you on Friday – pg24) talks about considerations for other payment options for the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme – see excerpts below.
Council in signaling up-front payments in the first instance will work with the residents around other payment options if the up-front option is not financially achievable for individual residents. If the level of funding assumed is not available Council will need to further consult the community on the affordability and any alternative funding options before going ahead with construction.
Council will continue to work with the community to source additional funding from external providers as has been done with East Rotoiti/Rotomā. In addition to this Council will also look into establishing a payment option for those residents that meet specified criteria (yet to be determined) to allow them to pay the $19,000 + GST back over a specified number of years.
As advised on Friday this matter will be part of the upcoming LTP deliberations.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: CBD safety patrols
Enquiry
Further to [previous enquiry relating to car break-ins in CBD carpark building], would it be possible for a quick phone interview with a Safe City Guardian and perhaps a photo in the CBD?
This is all going to part of a wider story about burglaries and break-ins. I just interviewed one of the local police and he's happy to be in a photo, with backs to the camera, showing police and a guardian patrolling the CBD. Do you think that could be arranged this afternoon?
Proposed questions:
- Can you give me an overview of how the guardians work with police to keep the CBD safe?
- Have you noticed a spike in crime in the last few weeks, specifically vehicle break-ins and burglaries?
- Why do you think it is important for police and guardians to be a visible presence in the CBD?
- Do you have any messages for the local community around keeping safe and preventing crime?
Response
Given the angle of your story is about crime (burglary and break-ins) these questions are better suited to the police, who you’ve said you’ve already interviewed.
Our community safety operations are about deterring anti-social behaviour and ensuring our public spaces are safe and inviting environments to be in, rather than directly responding to crime. Our collaboration with police has involved information sharing to support a more comprehensive and efficient response to safety concerns throughout the city.
This article provides more information about Council’s community safety operations if this is useful - https://www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/our-council/news/Pages/default.aspx?newsItem=8962
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Long-term Plan submissions process
Enquiry
I've heard from some people who have made written submissions on the LTP that they aren't allowed to speak to their submission / provide oral submissions.
Is that true? Why is that? Were oral submissions allowed on the last LTP's consultation? If it's changed, why has it changed?
Response
From Rotorua Lakes Council’s, Manager Corporate Planning and Governance, Oonagh Hopkins:
Elected members agreed to a Long-Term Plan consultation strategy that included a variety of ways for the community to provide feedback. Feedback was able to be provided online, in writing, over the phone, and verbally at the seven face-to-face feedback sessions with elected members held throughout the district.
A similar strategy was used during the last Long-Term Plan consultation.
All feedback is now being collated and deliberations on the 2021 – 2031 Long-Term Plan will take place later this month.