7 March 2024
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Government's Draft Policy Statement on Land Transport
Enquiry
I am doing a story on the government's draft transport policy statement, out for consultation now, and had a couple of questions if someone could please help.
- How does what is drafted impact local governments like in Rotorua? On residents? (Which aspects and how so?)
- How does it impact work already underway or proposed by the previous government?
- Will the council make a submission and what will it focus on?
- Does the council have a view on the approach taken in the draft?
Anything else important not covered in the above?
Response
From General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Stavros Michael:
At first glance it appears to align with the direction our Council has set in terms of enabling economic and housing growth and climate change resilience. However, we haven’t yet had the time to understand the full detail and possible impact of the draft policy and consider whether to make a submission.
From Mayor Tapsell:
We’ll need to take some time to understand the full detail and possible impact of the draft policy.
But here are some comments in the meantime:
It’s good to see the draft policy aligns with our Council’s direction and priorities, such as unlocking areas of economic growth by linking industries such as tourism and forestry in Rotorua to ports and key centres through effective and efficient transport networks.
Also enabling the construction of houses through improved capacity of roads and access to land.
As we grow, protecting our environment is also important so I’m pleased the draft policy signals an increased focus on sustainably maintaining existing roads and increasing investment to improve the resilience of our roads to climate change.
A range of funding sources for both national and local roads is important to ensure our communities don’t miss out to larger cities.
Community safety is also a key priority for our Council so it’s encouraging to see this recognised in the policy through initiatives to improve the safety of road surfaces as well as driver safety.
I look forward to considering this policy further alongside councillors to determine its possible impact on Rotorua.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Alleged incident in CBD
Enquiry
I seeking comment from the Rotorua Lakes Council about whether the council is aware of an incident by the Rotorua Library involving two girls and a man near the Rotorua Library yesterday. I don't yet know what time it was.
The mother of one of the girls' (in her social media post) described whatever happened as a "horrifying incident" and someone else in their social media post suggested the incident was sexual in nature.
I understand a "courageous lady" stepped in to help the two girls and police were quickly on the scene and arrested the man.
Can the council confirm whether this incident as described above took place near the library is correct?
If not, please elaborate on the correct nature of the incident, and whether the council has taken any action in relation to this matter?
Response
We responded as follows:
Police were called following an alleged incident in Jean Batten Square yesterday.
You’ll need to contact the police for any further information.
If you need to attribute you can attribute this to a council spokesperson.
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Protocol committees
Enquiry
*NOTE: this is a follow up related to a response provided 2 February 2024
just wanted to double check one thing on the below please,
Below Oonagh has said the committee does not have delegated decision power, but the letter sent to the Lakeland by a staff member said: “The Committee subsequently agreed that it is time to initiate a process to see that the vessel is removed. The Committee has asked me to let you know of its decision that no longer than an additional six months at the site can be permitted.
“This letter therefore serves as formal notice that the vessel must be removed from the reserve by 15 July, 2024, as per the Committee’s decision,”
I find that quite clear in that a decision arose from a protocol committee meeting - can it please be explained what's happened here? Would the council like to provide any further clarification or update?
Response
From Executive Manager Corporate Planning and Governance, Oonagh Hopkins:
Protocol committees may make resolutions/decisions but these don’t have any legal effect unless the council agrees with the committee’s views. In this case, there was agreement and council staff took the appropriate action, having previously granted a number of extensions to the Lakeland Queen owner.
On receiving our response (above) the reporter asked: Can I double check if you mean council staff when you say unless council agrees?
We confirmed that this referred to the council organisation as it would only apply in terms of operational matters.
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Media: Radio NZ and NewstalkZB
Topic: Government's plans to tackle emergency housing
Enquiries
Radio NZ and NewstalkZB requested interviews with Mayor Tapsell about the Government's announcement on how the Government will tackle emergency housing
Responses
Links to the interviews below:
Rotorua Mayor on emergency housing changes | RNZ
Rotorua welcomes end to emergency housing "shambles" (newstalkzb.co.nz)
