2 August 2021
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Councillor lead role appointments
Enquiry
I am working on a story about councillor lead roles and have some questions for the mayor, as well as some comments to share for her right of reply if she wishes.
Please answer the questions in line, i.e:
Question
Answer
Question
Answer
The deadline is 2pm.
Thank you very much
Questions:
Why did you decide not to include all councillors in councillor lead roles (and support roles)?
Why did you include community board chairs in councillor lead support roles?
Why did you view the new lead roles as necessary?
Will the new lead roles have an impact of remuneration for elected members and if so, when will that be clarified and approved?
In the report for the council meeting (in the agenda) it states the new lead roles are intended to align with the DCE roles, but only four out of the eight appear to. Can you explain why this is / how they align with the seven deputy chief executive roles?
COMMENTS:
Councillor Raj Kumar said he would have spoken up in the council meeting if he was disappointed he didn't receive a councillor lead role.
"Steve [Chadwick]'s going into her last term, she's rolling out the dice how she sees it. As mayor that's her prerogative. We've all seen how Steve's operated.
"She's shown if she wants to be biased against something she will be, so Councillor Macpherson, Councillor Bentley, Councillor Kumar.
"I still support a lot of things that come my way, I work for the ratepayer not the mayor and sometimes it's the same values.
"We can all see [Chadwick] is not moving from the paradigm she has set - one dimensional."
He said Chadwick had appointed people she could trust and the public could see the "flaw in her communication" by appointing councillor Tania Tapsell to support lead role "without discussion" with Tapsell.
Response
See below from the Mayor. There is no remuneration attached to these appointments.
From Mayor Chadwick:
These are governance leadership roles to support and add value and input into the work of the council organisation, to deliver in priority areas set as part of our Long-term Plan.
The roles are aligned with workstreams that are part of the outcome areas established by the organisation, to align its work with the direction set by elected members and the needs of our community.
My decisions regarding who to place in these roles followed discussions with my leadership team (the deputy mayor, chairs and deputy chairs of our committees and the chairs of our community boards and Te Tatau o Te Arawa).
I have appointed elected members who are willing to – and who I have confidence can – take on the responsibilities and work required in our LTP priority areas.
Those without leadership roles did not support the LTP and have consistently spoken in opposition to Council’s direction.
The appointment of our community board chairs to support roles – and my invitation to Te Tatau o Te Arawa to also have representatives involved – reflects work they are already doing and/or interest they have shown in being involved.
Regarding Cr Tapsell, I have accepted her wishes to not be involved in the housing workstream, where I have the lead role given the importance of maintaining direct links with the Ministers responsible for housing.
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Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Illegal dumping
Enquiry
We've been made aware of a possible dumping of asbestos and rubbish in a Rotorua reserve and I'd like to check whether the council is aware of it, and what - if anything - has been done about it. Unfortunately, I only have limited information at the moment. We understand the dumping was in the recreation reserve between McIntyre Ave and Sala St (near the cemetery) late last week.
Are you able to confirm when (or if) this was reported to council?
And:
- what has been done about it?
- what was the rubbish and can you confirm this includes asbestos?
- how much was cleaned up?
- what concerns does this dumping raise? Particularly the apparent asbestos?
- is this an area typically used for rubbish dumpings?
Response
From Prashant Praveen, Waste Services and Sustainability Manager
Council was notified of the dumping and contractors Smart Environmental have assessed the site. The dumped rubbish included piles of gravel and rocks as well as old tiles. An assessment will be made by a specialist contractor to determine if the tiles contain asbestos. The rubbish will be cleared when the site has been assessed.
There is rubbish dumped at this site from time to time throughout the year. Illegal dumping is always concerning and disappointing because it's harmful to our environment. People need to take personal responsibility for doing the right thing when it comes to disposing of the waste they generate.
Asbestos removal, where required, is undertaken by specialists.
How people can help
- If you witness illegal dumping do not approach the offenders but take notes and photos or videos of the person and their vehicle. This can help with identification and prosecution.
- Report any dumped rubbish to Council as soon as possible so contractors can remove it before people add to it.
- When reporting rubbish it is very helpful if you supply photos that have a location tag. This can be done by turning on your location services on your smart device before taking the photo. This enables contractors to go straight to the dumping site rather than spending time searching for the rubbish.