27 October 2021
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Government's Three Waters reforms announcement
Enquiry
Reporter requested comment/reaction from the mayor on the announcement today from government about the three waters reform programme.
*NOTE: See HERE for Minister’s media release and HERE for recording of today's announcement and information about the Three Waters reform programme
Response
From Mayor Chadwick:
It’s great to see the public will get the opportunity to have a say through the legislative process and it’s my expectation that Council will also make a submission.
A working group to consider governance and accountability for the entities is a constructive step towards addressing councils’ concerns.
The mandating of the reforms is not a surprise.
The infrastructure investment challenges councils across the country face are huge and we chose to be part of the discussions from the outset to ensure that Rotorua had a voice. We have been well represented throughout, at both technical and governance levels.
Our preliminary position was that we largely agree with the drivers and need for change, but had a number of concerns about the proposal as it currently stands including key concerns related to the governance and accountability of the proposed new entities. We were also concerned about how the new entities would engage with local iwi and mana whenua.
Ensuring we maintain a local voice to address local needs and issues is key for us – as it is for all councils – and we want to be assured that local priorities will still be met, so I’m pleased that there will be an opportunity for governance and accountability arrangements to be worked on further via the working group.
I was also pleased to hear assurances relating to public ownership of infrastructure assets being maintained. I’m keen to see what that looks like.
Rotorua Lakes Council will continue to participate constructively in the ongoing reform process.
Following today’s announcement we’ve got more information to go through to get a thorough understanding of where we’re at but we will continue to be part of the process to ensure an ongoing voice for our community.
Reporter was also provided a link to Rotorua Lakes Council’s preliminary position on the Three Waters Reforms for reference: Council endorses initial position on Three Waters reform - Rotorua Lakes Council
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Health warning on lake at Ngongotaha
Enquiry
Can I please check if you anticipate putting something else out today and if so what time?
Can I also please ask that you answer the following questions before 2pm today?
- Do you think there could be another wastewater leak somewhere?
- When will you test the water again and when will those results be known?
- Do you have an estimate of how long the health warning will remain in place?
- What does the health warning mean? Does it apply to all of Lake Rotorua or just Ngongotaha area? What can and can't you do on the water? Should you still kayak? Fish? Swim?
Response
From RLC 3 Waters Services Manager Eric Cawte:
- Do you think there could be another wastewater leak somewhere?
No, we don’t believe there is another wastewater leak. Discussion with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council has raised other possible factors including background bacteria in the lake and/or stream related to animal or bird life, activities up stream and erosion.
The lingering levels of bacteria around this location could also be attributed to natural conditions in the lake such as wind and water currents restricting movement for dispersion and dilution. Investigation and testing is still underway to try and pinpoint a reason. - When will you test the water again and when will those results be known?
Further samples were taken this morning (Wednesday) and it takes 24 hours for results to be available. - Do you have an estimate of how long the health warning will remain in place?
As advised in our latest update (4pm Tuesday 26 October) the warning will remain in place until bacteria contamination levels have fallen below the recommended level for safe swimming.
With rain forecast for the next few days we are also expecting elevated levels of bacterial contamination that typically happens after periods of rain. - What does the health warning mean? Does it apply to all of Lake Rotorua or just Ngongotaha area? What can and can't you do on the water? Should you still kayak? Fish? Swim?
At this stage, the health warning applies just to this part of the Ngongotahā area within an approximate radius of 400 metres of the Waiteti Stream mouth.
From Dr Jim Miller, Medical Officer of Health, Toi Te Ora Public Health:
Health warnings are placed at sites with water where an increased risk of cyanobacteria or faecal contamination is present. The health warning applies to Ngongotahā, Lake Rotorua. Any recreational activity which may result in direct contact with the lake water should be avoided.
NOTE TO REPORTER Re further update: we are unlikely to provide anything new today as test results aren’t expected until tomorrow morning.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Bore issue on Hatupatu Drive
Enquiry
Below are some questions we have about the geothermal activity on Hatupatu Drive.
We'd appreciate it if you could respond to these questions before 12 noon today.
1. We note this incident is located near a bore, could this geothermal activity be linked to the bore?
2. Is this incident similar to the geothermal activity at Kuirau Park?
3. Have you had any indications as to what has caused this activity to happen?
4. How long do you anticipate the road closure to be in place?
5. How long do you think this geothermal activity will last?
Response
Reporter was provided with the link to Council’s updates on RLC website: HERE
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Media: Local Focus (part of NZ Herald)
Topic: Geothermal activity in Rotorua
Enquiry
I'm wondering if I can speak with [RLC Geothermal & Regulatory Inspector] Peter Brownbridge regarding the geothermal activity in the area recently.
There's been quite a bit and it might help to put us at ease through providing an accurate report that doesn't' sensationalize the situation and just provides facts so the community know they're safe, rather than being fearful, as some reports might potentially do this. I would love to chat with him further?
Response
The reporter was advised [Mr Brownbridge] is currently on leave and unavailable for an interview and that it would be best to speak with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council about geothermal activity in Rotorua as they are the council that manage and monitor this resource.
The reporter was also informed that the recent events in Kuirau Park, and today in Hatupatu Drive, are due to issues with the bores in the area, rather than due to naturally occurring geothermal activity.