26 July 2023
Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Proposed Rotorua factory
Enquiry
I am writing a story on how Ngai Te Rangi is exploring the idea of setting up a $30 million manufacturing factory in Rotorua to build affordable portable homes for people to buy to put on Maori or private land. The design for the factory and its process is coming out of America. The Iwi says this could help the housing crisis which is affecting Maori and it would also create some employment opportunities
Thank you
When it comes to setting up a new business in Rotorua how does the council support that process and are there any initiatives associated with that?
I understand the RLC is already involved with some housing projects but do you think there is room in the market for an Iwi to become involved with building affordable portable homes and why or why not?
Response
From Rotorua Lakes Council DCE District Development Jean-Paul Gaston:
Research over a number of years has confirmed Rotorua has acute housing needs and this relates to all types of housing, including smaller housing options, affordable housing and social housing.
Rotorua is in need of more homes of all types and initiatives like this would contribute to reducing the critical housing shortage in our city. We have a deficit of about 1800 homes which has directly contributed to a significant increase in rent and house prices during the past few years.
Our assessment has been that we need 6000 more homes to accommodate growth and the changing needs of our population over the next decade. For example, an ageing population means we will need more, smaller homes.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: High lake levels at Rotomā and Rotoehu
Enquiry
I was wondering if someone can please provide an update on how many homes around Rotoehu and Rotomā have been deemed uninhabitable and for what reasons? Will check in with WDC too.
Response
Council has deemed just one house uninhabitable which has been deemed insanitary.
We have advised home owners to contact their insurance companies relating to flood damage.
Rates remissions is possible from both Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Rotorua Lakes Council if a house is declared uninhabitable.
Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.You can attribute this to a Council spokesperson.