23 August 2021
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: COVID alert levels announcement
Enquiry
Reporter sought general comment/reaction from the mayor re 4pm Alert Level announcement by PM
Response
Mayor Chadwick made the following key points:
- As we did last time, no choice but to ride it out as best we can
- Acknowledge that it is very tough on our businesses which have already faced tough times. Encourage those who are eligible to access the Government financial support that is available
- Thank you to all the essential workers keeping things going and those working providing welfare support for people
- Urge everyone to stay vigilant, follow the rules and guidelines, book vaccinations
If we continue to do what is asked of us we will help to reduce the impact of the Delta variant and will be able to move down alert levels more quickly
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Forest use during lockdown
Enquiry
I'm writing a story for tomorrow's paper about some local concern around the number of people flocking (in this glorious pre-spring weather) to the forest to mountain bike and go running/walking.
The concern is people are putting themselves at risk of being hurt which impacts our emergency services and therefore puts them at risk.
There's also the added concern of crowds of people and being able to social distance properly on skinny tracks etc.
Questions:
- I assume all areas of the forest are still open to the public during lockdown?
- I might be going mad, but was it close last lockdown?
- Would the council consider closing the trails/forest?
Response
From Jocelyn Mikaere, Community Wellbeing Deputy Chief Executive –
Access to the Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest is currently open. Due to Alert Level 4 travel restrictions, only people who live in close proximity to the forest should be accessing the walking and biking trails. As per the Unite Against COVID-19 website, when exercising in Alert Level 4 people should stay close to home and enjoy their neighbourhood, but go no further.
We want to encourage people to take this situation seriously and not put themselves or others at risk. Everyone needs to work together to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by following the Alert Level guidelines.
Activity that’s not necessary, including driving, puts others at risk, including emergency services staff if you have an accident or injure yourself. The last thing we need to do is add pressure on our essential services.
The main access point parking areas at Titokorangi Drive (Longmile Rd), Waipa and Te Pūtake o Tawa are closed.
We are continuing to monitor the situation with our partners including the owners of the forest. We expect the public to act responsibly, including being mindful of other users, and follow government instructions. We want the forest and other green spaces to continue to be a space where people can safely exercise while Alert Level 4 is in place.
We are taking an encourage and educate approach while people get used to being in Alert Level 4 again. However, people who choose to consistently ignore the rules that are in place to keep the community safe, will be referred to the Police who have the power to enforce Alert Level 4 restrictions.
What people need to know if they want to use the forest and other reserves:
• If you want to access the forest for exercise, please do so by foot or bike – do not drive to the forest
• Do not meet up with others – stay in your bubble
• Stick to areas where you are able to easily stay two metres from anyone you may come across
• Be mindful of other users in public spaces
• Ride and exercise safely and within your ability
• Tell someone where you are going and take your mobile phone. Do not put yourself in a situation where you could be injured and require emergency help.
For more information: https://covid19.govt.nz/activities/sports-and-recreation/#sport-at-alert-level-4
The forest was not closed in the 2020 lockdown, however road berm parking (in addition to main carparks) was closed off to further discourage driving to the forest.
Rotorua Lakes Council, along with landowners CNI Land Management Ltd and forest managers Timberlands Ltd, would consider closing the forest should the public be seen to be putting themselves and others at risk by not behaving responsibly or by not following government restrictions.