30 September 2022
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Update on Four Canoes building
Enquiry
Can I please get an update on the situation with Four Canoes Hotel?
- Is the Four Canoes Hotel still subject to a Dangerous Building Notice and a Notice To Fix (issued on August 8)?
- How long are the notices for? (ie, does the building owner have a specific time period to get the problems fixed?)
- What happens if they aren't fixed within a specified time period?
- Has any further action been taken by the council since August 8?
- Is the Four Canoes Hotel safe to have people living there?
- Have any other motels or hotels used for emergency housing been issued with similar notices? If so, please give details?
- Has the council launched any court action against any motels or hotels who have not applied for resource consent to operate emergency housing?
In general, how is the council getting on with contacting non-contracted motels and hotels who offer emergency housing to remind them of their resource consent obligations? How have the responses been? Have any applied for resource consent?
Response
FromDCE District Development, Jean Paul Gaston:
Is the Four Canoes Hotel still subject to a Dangerous Building Notice and a Notice To Fix (issued on August 8)?
Yes these notices currently remain in place and we’re working with the building owner and agencies involved to resolve the issues.
How long are the notices for? (ie, does the building owner have a specific time period to get the problems fixed?).
The Dangerous Building Notice requires remedial action to be complete by 3 November 2022.
The Notice to Fix required action to be taken by 26 September 2022.
We continue to work with the building owner and agencies to address the issues outlined in both Notices.
What happens if they aren't fixed within a specified time period?
An infringement notice may be incurred and a Notice may be reissued.
Has any further action been taken by the council since August 8?
We continue to work closely with the building owner and agencies involved.
Is the Four Canoes Hotel safe to have people living there?
The physical building itself is safe for its intended use, as a hotel. However the facility was being used for those with high care requirements, which introduces higher building standard requirements. On this basis the Dangerous Building Notice and Notice to Fix were issued. We’re currently reviewing the situation.
Have any other motels or hotels used for emergency housing been issued with similar notices? If so, please give details?
No.
Has the council launched any court action against any motels or hotels who have not applied for resource consent to operate emergency housing? Yes, Council has previously made an application to the Environment Court for an Enforcement Order. This was later withdrawn following a suitable level of engagement with independent planning consultants regarding Resource Consent/District Plan requirements.
In general, how is the council getting on with contacting non-contracted motels and hotels who offer emergency housing to remind them of their resource consent obligations?
Council continues to follow a phased approach to contacting facilities offering non-tourist accommodation.
How have the responses been? Have any applied for resource consent?
We have received one response which has included an application for resource consent. Our independent planning consultants will evaluate the application and determine next steps.