5 April 2022
Media: Radio New Zealand (Checkpoint programme)
Topic: Local body elections
Enquiry
We’d love to have the Mayor on Checkpoint tonight at 5.40 – we’re doing a piece on local body elections, voter interest etc and would love her expertise.
Response
Mayor agreed to be interviewed
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Blue Baths
Enquiry
I am writing a story about the Blue Baths.
Could the council please answer:
- What is the council's plan for the building? Does it have a plan for its restoration and reopening? Please provide details.
- Could I please have an update on the condition of the building? Has its state deteriorated/improved since it was closed?
- Does the council have an idea of how much it will cost to address the issues with the building? Has the council sought any funding for this? From where? Has that funding been secured?
- How much has work assessing and addressing the Blue Baths' issues cost to date (including things like the cost of hire for the fence outside) and how much rent has the council foregone since its closure?
For the mayor:
- What is your hope for the Blue Baths and how are elected members working towards it? How long do you think it will be before the building reopens?
Response
From DCE, Organisational Enablement, Thomas Collé:
What is the council's plan for the building? Does it have a plan for its restoration and reopening? Please provide details.
No further decisions have been made about the Blue Baths building. Council is currently focused on making progress in its priority areas and will revisit the future of the Blue Baths at a later date.
Could I please have an update on the condition of the building? Has its state deteriorated/improved since it was closed?
There has been no change to the condition of the building since it was closed. Regular inspections are carried out to ensure the building remains safe and compliant.
Does the council have an idea of how much it will cost to address the issues with the building? Has the council sought any funding for this? From where? Has that funding been secured?
Not at this stage.
How much has work assessing and addressing the Blue Baths' issues cost to date (including things like the cost of hire for the fence outside)
Testing and assessments has cost $84,618. The fencing is owned by council, not hired.
How much rent has the council foregone since its closure?
The previous lease agreement expired in 2020. Given the building is not currently in a leasable condition it would not be appropriate to speculate about potential loss of rent.
From Rotorua Mayor, Steve Chadwick:
Right now our focus is on finishing projects already underway and addressing challenges that are priorities for our community like housing, safety and infrastructure. While everyone hopes the Blue Baths can re-open again one day, it’s not currently before elected members but will no doubt be raised at the appropriate time.
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Legal advice for representation review and Local Government Commission hearings
Enquiry
Federated Farmers just sent me this statement from Colin Guyton, which I'd like to supply to the council for the right of reply.
Could the council please also answer:
- How much did it cost for Lachlan Muldowney to attend the LGC representation review hearing? (Not just including the actual time of the meeting, but any associated costs such as prep time etc)
- Why did the council feel it necessary to have Mr Muldowney present for the hearing?
Colin's words below.
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Colin Guyton, Rotorua-Taupō president:
Federated Farmers along with many others in rural Rotorua have pushed hard yet again for rural representation to be at the table, being part of decision making and bringing our unique perspective to the outcomes. Sadly, following the 2022 Representation Review arrangements, it is clear our voice is not wanted – just our money. Keeping in mind rural communities make up around 30% of the rate take, they simply could not do without us financially.
Let me tell you, it is not much fun being a minority – all we are asking for is one seat in the council chamber – and our voices heard.
Rotorua Lakes Council put forward an arrangement following a split decision vote for; 1 Māori ward with one seat, one general ward with one seat, eight from an at-large ward, and the mayor at large.
An arrangement that was never put forward, or suggested – by anyone. So where did the council dream this regime up?
We have no idea.
Federated Farmers alongside many other submitters feel that council hasn’t consulted or listened to what the communities want. This stood out like dogs' balls during the hearings with the Local Government Commission. Council had the arrogance to utilise ratepayer’s funds to turn up with a lawyer.
Our Policy Advisor Shaun Hazelton commented to me that never had he seen other councils arrive with a lawyer to fight the communities speaking at the commissioners hearing. This is a wasteful use of ratepayers’ money for a decision made for the people. When Rotorua District Councils’ name changed to Rotorua Lakes council – rural literally got left behind.
Aside from that – on a positive note, we believe that the commission have heard and respected the multitude of complex issues facing the rural community – We are hoping that this hard work is not all in vain.
I think the solution is simple, stick with democracy – it’s not the perfect option, but it is the fairest.
Additional comments for right of reply
Couple more comments from Colin and I spoke to Shaun directly on his claims re having a lawyer present.
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COMMENTS
Federated Farmers policy advisor Shaun Hazelton said he had attended three Local Government Commission hearings this year, and observed others, and no other councils had a lawyer attend.
“It’s not common [for councils] to use a lawyer.
“It’s a bit concerning. They’re using ratepayer money to fight ratepayers.
"Should us appellants be using a lawyer too?”
He said it was possible some councils had a lawyer “sitting in the background” but to the best of his knowledge Federated Farmers had not seen any other lawyer “front facing and doing Q&As for [the] council”.
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Speaking to Local Democracy Reporting, Guyton said he believed expanding the number of councillors would allow a rural ward seat, something he believed could “easily” be done.
“[The rural community] are a group of different people. We need to have some sort of say.”
He believed there was a “strong case” for a rural ward councillor, but if the Local Government Commission’s finding wasn’t favourable to that outcome, the rural community would wait another six years and “have another crack”.
Response
The reporter was informed we would not be providing a response to the supplied comments in this instance.
DCE, District Leadership & Democracy, Oonagh Hopkins responded to the reporter’s questions as follows:
How much did it cost for Lachlan Muldowney to attend the LGC representation review hearing? (Not just including the actual time of the meeting, but any associated costs such as prep time etc)
$10,384.50
Why did the council feel it necessary to have Mr Muldowney present for the hearing?
Mr Muldowney has been involved in the Representation Review to ensure council’s process has been compliant with the requirements of the Local Electoral Act. Mr Muldowney was present during the LGC hearings to inform discussion, and provide clarification, around this process.