9 September 2022
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Queen's passing
Enquiry
Daily Post requested comment from the Mayor on the Queen's passing and asked the following questions of council:
How will the council mark Her Majesty's passing - flags at half mast? condolence book?
Location for flower drop-offs?
Will there be any council-organised events regarding her death?
Any other info the council can provide on its response to the death of QEII much appreciated.
Response
RDP was advised that council was flying the Union Jack and New Zealand flag at half-mast at Civic Centre and a book of condolences was being arranged for the community to sign in Council’s Civic Centre foyer (this is now available). People wanting to drop off flowers are encouraged to do so at the cenotaph in Government Gardens.
Mayor Chadwick provided the following comment:
The Queen’s passing will be mourned around the world, including in Rotorua – she was deeply loved and respected locally.
Rotorua residents extended their manaakitanga to the Queen several times, including during her honeymoon tour, and these were always wonderful occasions.
We greatly admired her for her absolute commitment to service which never faltered.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Forest walking sculpture
Enquiry
Few questions about the Redwood wooden people sculptures.
Are they getting renovated again?
What are the nature of the rennovations?
How often does maintenence or rennovaton need to occur on them?
When will they return and to which location?
How much does the rennovation work cost?
Response
From Council’s Sport, Recreation and Environment Manager, Rob Pitkethley:
Are they getting renovated again?
The ‘Walk in the Redwoods’ sculpture (includes all three figures) has been refurbished and is ready to be reinstalled.
What are the nature of the renovations?
Some parts of the legs needed to be replaced and this work has been completed by Roland Tissink, son of the sculpture’s creator, Martin Tissink.
How often does maintenance or renovation need to occur on them?
The sculptures are regularly inspected and because they are made of New Zealand grown Redwood, which is a softer timber and prone to deterioration, regular maintenance is required.
When will they return and to which location?
We’re hoping to have them reinstalled in the coming months. We’re currently working with both mana whenua and Mr Tissink to determine an appropriate location.
How much does the renovation work cost?
This is dependent on the scope of work and we are yet to be invoiced for this recent work.