21 June 2021
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: RLC organisational realignment
Enquiry
Reporter requested job descriptions for new DCE roles and previous job descriptions for those now in DCE roles
Response
Reporter was provided with previous job descriptions and was informed the job descriptions for the DCE roles would be available once the realignment process was complete, but that the CE was open to discussing the realignment with him, to provide context and assist his understanding regarding why it was happening, the process and the scope/deliverables/expectations relating to the new DCE roles.
Reporter said he would need to speak to his news editor regarding offer of interview with CE.
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Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Cutting down of native trees
Enquiry
I'm not exactly sure who is the right group to send this query to so I thought I'd start by sending it to everyone I could think of.
Does your organisation prosecute people for cutting down native trees? And if so, have people been prosecuted in the past few years?
If I wanted information about the number of prosecutions and judgements handed down, would it be something I would need to OIA?
I'd look to try and get information for the Bay of Plenty specifically but as well as on a national scale too.
Response
The following information was provided:
Does your organisation prosecute people for cutting down native trees?
Yes. Council can prosecute due to non-compliance of the District Plan in relation to native trees.
RLC takes enforcement action where appropriate in response to confirmed breaches of the Rotorua District Plan, Consent conditions etc. Prosecution is only one of a number of options available to Council under the Resource Management Act 1991.
And if so, have people been prosecuted in the past few years?
There have been no prosecutions in the last 3 years.
If I wanted information about the number of prosecutions and judgements handed down, would it be something I would need to OIA?
This would depend on the specific information being sought and the length of time required to compile that information.
Further information
People considering removing trees and scrub are best advised to contact Council first to find out if there are any special requirements. Council’s Duty Planner can offer free of charge advice by phoning 07-3484199.