14 March 2024

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Geothermal activity in CBD

Enquiry

A reporter requested information about suspected geothermal activity outside the Ambassador Motel on Whakaue St.

Questions are as follows:

Is council getting involved in this at all?

• Any closures going in place and warnings for the public etc?

Response

We provided the following information:

A private geothermal bore at the motel has failed. Council’s geothermal advisor is on site to ensure public safety in the vicinity. Geothermal drilling contractors have arrived and are working to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

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Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Wasps

Enquiry

Following on from the reporter’s story about a wasp nest at a vacant site in Ngongotaha she had the following questions:

Can I ask generally how wasps have been this summer/autumn?

How many nests has the council dealt to?

The no-bin trial at Tikitapu, has this worked as desired in controlling wasp numbers out there?

Response

From Rob Pitkethley, Sport, Recreation and Environment Manager:

In general, wasps have been less of an issue across our reserves this season. Following removal of the bins and wasp control undertaken in spring at Tikitapu, we’ve noted a significant reduction there. We removed a nest at the lakefront but have had no reports from the public about any issues with wasps on our reserves.