22 August 2022
Explainer re the above graphs, the figures are the total at that time so, for example, total to end May 2022 was 268, total to end June was 347 (the difference is how many were issued in between). Hope that makes sense, if not, please call me.
See also comment for you below:
From DCE District Development Jean-Paul Gaston:
The ongoing rise in consenting is a good sign and it’s good to see ongoing progress with developments like Wharenui.
We need thousands more homes of all types to address our district’s current critical housing shortage – from different-sized market homes through to public/social housing and affordable rentals. We will need thousands more homes in the medium to long term to meet expected future demand and we are working hard on multiple fronts to achieve the progress needed to get more homes built as quickly as possible.
That includes our Housing for Everyone – Plan Change 9 which will support intensification and will enable and encourage more housing in a way that also protects and enhances our district.
Infrastructure needs are often a barrier to development and we are continuing to work with developers on stormwater planning to support housing development at Wharenui and Pukehangi Heights. Investment in infrastructure improvements – which at Wharenui also includes roading – has provided the certainty developers need to move forward with planned developments.
We have recently also focused on supporting proposed papakāinga developments so that they are in a strong position to apply for development funding through Whai Kainga Whai Oranga. Part of our Housing for Everyone – Plan Change 9 also aims to encourage this type of development by changing the rules to make it easier.
We continue to get increased interest from aged care providers and lifestyle villages looking to establish themselves in Rotorua and we are providing support to assist them with assessments and site selection.
Information:
You can find out more about the Housing for Everyone – Plan Change 9 which JP mentions in his comments HERE
Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga which JP mentions in his comment is a commitment of $730 million over four years to accelerate Māori-led housing solutions. This is a combination of investment from Budget 2021 ($380m) and the Māori Infrastructure Fund ($350m) - the largest investment to date in Māori Housing. Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga is administered by MHUD and you’ll find more info about it HERE and HERE
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Tourism and business
Enquiry
Enquiry to Council CCO RotoruaNZ in relation to the same Infometrics report:
I am writing an article based on Infometrics' latest quarterly report for June 2022, here.
Background:
The challenging tourism environment continues to weigh on economic activity in Rotorua. Guest nights over the last 12 months are down by a third (33%) from a year ago, a greater hit than the national average. All areas with a strong tourism focus have been hit by the lower levels of tourism over the last year, as Delta restrictions then Omicron disruptions have hampered demand and supply in the sector. Tourism spending in Rotorua has been limited as a result, with a 15%pa drop in spending over the 12 months to June 2022.
More difficult tourism operating conditions have combined with high inflation to limit overall spending. Marketview data shows a 4.8%pa rise in card spending in the June 2022 quarter, although this rise hasn’t been enough to offset prior declines, with annual spending sitting 1.7%pa lower over the 12 months to June 2022. Inflation remains a challenge to households at present too, with less bang for buck. Households are putting off larger purchases as budget challenges force a rethink of spending priorities, evidenced by a 7.0%pa decline in annual car registrations.
Construction remains an important bright spot for the Rotorua economy, with a 39% increase in residential consents issued over the last year. Quarterly consent numbers remain elevated, at double the 10-year average. Quarterly consents have now been at or just shy of 100 consents a quarter for the last five quarters.
My questions:
- What is your response to the above statements?
- How would you describe the city's tourism sector currently?
- What is the biggest challenge facing tourism business in Rotorua, in your opinion?
- What does the future look like for Rotorua's tourism sector as we head into warmer months, in your opinion?
- Please add anything further you would like to say here:
Response
From Andrew Wilson, Chief Executive RotoruaNZ:
As reflected in the report, over the past 12 months border closures and the Delta and Omicron disruptions have ultimately dragged performance backwards. However, it is positive to see an increase in spending for the quarter to June 2022 which gives us good reason to be optimistic about the future for tourism as we head into the warmer months.
The tourism sector is feeing relatively positive with strong interest from international visitors and a packed events calendar for the next nine months with more booking enquiries continuing to come through. These are all event types including business, and are both mid-week and weekend bookings.
Our recent survey of the Rotorua business community highlighted the main challenges for the business community in Rotorua are the costs associated with doing business, finding skilled staff, and regulatory and policy changes.
Information:
(To download the report visit our website here: https://www.rotoruanz.com/business-pulse-survey )
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Whittaker Road water leak
Enquiry
Just checking in to see if any updates were available on the Whittaker Rd water leak?
Response
Reporter was referred to latest update HERE