2 September 2021
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Environment Court case regarding Rotorua landfill
Enquiry
Good morning,
I'm working on a follow up to today's published story about the landfill leachate charge.
I intend to ask the council for response before deadline to any criticism that comes through.
There might be more as I interview more people but I will let you know as soon as I can to ensure you have adequate time.
The following is a comment from environmentalist Lani Kereopa:
This is a consequence of the ongoing failure of Rotorua Lakes Council to make or resource any long-term plans to adequately upgrade a primitive stormwater system or mitigate the harmful consequences for public health, waterways and ecosystems of the polluting medieval practice of dumping rubbish in holes. It’s also a reflection of failed local and regional council water and resource management systems. This incompetence of local government to protect our waterways is exactly the reason there is currently a national review of the management of three waters systems. Both our local and regional councils have a lot to answer for regarding the desecration of the Puarenga stream and the associated impacts on the health and wellbeing of generations of Ngāti Wāhiao, Tūhourangi, Hurungaterangi and Ngāti Hinemihi whānau. The consents granted for the dump, Waipa mill and spraying of wastewater into the Whakarewarewa forest never took into consideration the birthright of our children to swim safely in our own traditional waters. Co-governance, co-management and co-design of natural resource management systems with iwi must be implemented to ensure the mana and mauri of waterways and associated ecosystems are taken into account in all decision making. These issues are only going to get worse with the anticipated increase in storm events and potential droughts. In this time of climate change, business as usual favouring continued urban sprawl, channelling stormwater directly into rivers and lakes, and supporting throw-away economies is absolutely unacceptable. Local government must invest heavily in green infrastructure to rebuild Rotorua as a biophilic, water sensitive city.
Whakarewarewa Village Charitable Trust chairman James Warbrick said the "river kids" had not been swimming in Puarenga since Covid and already their skin was noticably better, less blotchy, so they had long had suspicions there had been pollution issues with the stream.
He said over the years they had relied on elders in the village to tell the kids to get out of the stream when it "didn't look too good" and it was disappointing there was never any official warnings from the council there were ongoing leachate issues and at times there had been discharges.
He said not only has the Rotorua Lakes Council let them down but the Bay of Plenty Regional Council also, as it was its job to ensure the water quality was safe and it should have stopped it earlier (prosecuted earlier).
He said the Puarenga Stream had always been special to the villagers and for generations penny diving had been part of the village tours package. This will need to be reviewed when tourists return and the village tours business opens again. They will need to ensure the stream is safe for the kids.
Warbrick is also the chairman of Parekarangi Trust, a farm trust that neighbours the landfill. He said over the years there had been times the council had met with that trust over extensions to the landfill.
"They come with all the frillies and you believe they are doing a good job but actually these events have been happening."
Response
Thanks for the offer for “right of reply” but RLC doesn’t have any comments regarding the personal views expressed by the people you have interviewed. As CE Geoff Williams indicated yesterday, because this is still an ongoing legal matter it is not appropriate to provide comment until after sentencing on 11 October.
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Departing council executive
Enquiry
Just doing a small sidebar to my meeting story on Jocelyn [Mikaere's] departure.
Could you please tell me when her last day will be and what role she is taking up at Min Ed? I heard Mercia say dep sec.... deputy secretary?
Also if you could let me know when she started with the council too please (and if she started in a role other than operations group manager that might be interesting too).
Response
The following information was provided:
The role that Jocelyn has accepted is Deputy Secretary for Te Tai Whenua which includes Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Waiariki, Hawkes Bay, Tairāwhiti, and Taranaki, Manawatū, Whanganui and has around 850 staff. Jocelyn will also have responsibility for a national portfolio which is yet to be allocated. Ministry of Education has been re-designing to prepare for changes to the education system and is forming a new leadership team. Jocelyn’s role is one of three based across the country in regional NZ. This is a first for MOE.
Last day is 17 September 2021
Start date was 17 February 2020
Jocelyn came to RLC in the role of Group Manager – Operations so no other roles within council prior to that
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Traffic volumes in Alert Level 3
Enquiry
We have noticed how busy it is on the roads out in Rotorua today.
I just wondering if Council has any traffic data around the level of vehicles out on the roads today? I understand this might not yet be available, so I was also wondering if you could provide any anecdotal comment around what Council teams out and about are noticing.
In general, does Council feel as though locals are adhering to level 3 precautions? Are council aware of an increase in traffic today?
Response
From Civil Defence Emergency Management Controller Stavros Michael:
Is council aware of an increase in traffic today?
There has been a noticeable increase in local traffic with many businesses resuming work under Alert Level 3, providing contactless goods and services.
Many small businesses in Rotorua are now able to operate safely under Alert Level 3 restrictions, and while we encourage you to support these local businesses when purchasing food, goods or services, it’s also important to continue following the Alert Level 3 rules.
Council’s Safe City Guardians are out and about providing businesses across Rotorua with information and education on how to safely operate under the Alert Levels, and reminding locals in public spaces of the restrictions.
Restrictions are in place to protect the community from the risks of COVID-19 and people are still advised to stay at home as much as possible. If people are leaving home to access a business or service that can operate in Alert Level 3 they must continue to stick to their bubble, stay two meters away from others, and wear a face covering if they can. All interactions with businesses that are operating must be contactless. People that are unwell must stay at home.
Following the Alert Level 3 rules is the best way to protect yourself and those around you, and to ensure New Zealand is able to get through this challenging time as quickly as possible.
For the most up to date COVID-19 information, visit www.COVID19.govt.nz.
In general, does Council feel as though locals are adhering to level 3 precautions?
Reporter was informed they would need to contact local police regarding adherence.