3 April 2024
Media: Newshub
Topic: Theft of dog statue
Enquiry
Reporter sought comment from Mayor Tapsell as follows:
Checking if you can provide comment on this story
It looks like it's not a council project/council land, but perhaps some thoughts on what it means for the community and any history you can provide
Response
From Mayor Tapsell:
This is really disappointing and sad for the local community who were very fond of Harawene and put a lot of effort into creating this memorial for her. I hope the statue is found soon and returned to its rightful location.
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Media: Re: News
Topic: Youth council
Enquiry
I’m writing a story about Whanganui District Council’s decision to cut their youth council.
I’m speaking to one of their youth councillors who is very against the decision and says it contradicts and undermines Whanganui District Council’s commitment to youth engagement.
I’m contacting Rotorua Lakes Council because I understand you recently re-established your youth council.
Could I please get an email statement, or a phone interview, responding to the following questions:
- When and why did Rotorua Lakes Council decide to cut its youth council?
- Why did Rotorua Lakes Council decide to re-establish it in 2023?
- What is the value Rotorua Lakes Council sees in having a youth council?
Response
We provided the following:
See below links to information and communications relating to the re-establishment of a Rotorua Youth Council. Please feel free to use any of this info, including quotes that are included [from Mayor Tapsell and Cr Wang].
Re previous decision to dis-establish youth council: the report that went to Council in November 2023 [link below] has background in it and this includes why youth council was disestablished . . . . the youth council report starts p86 and you’ll find reference to disestablishment of youth council in 2016 in the Background section.
Website page:
Youth Council - Rotorua Lakes Council
November 2023:
Agenda of [Nov 22] meeting at which Council approved re-establishing a Youth Council - public-agenda-council-meeting-22-november-2023.pdf (rotorualakescouncil.nz) – go to p86 for the report
23 November 2023:
Wrap from the meeting of 23 November when Council approved re-establishing a Youth Council, which includes a link to that part of the meeting recording: Council meeting decisions - Rotorua Lakes Council
28 November 2023:
Rotorua Youth Council seeking passionate young people - Rotorua Lakes Council
31 January 2024:
Re-established Youth Council appointed - Rotorua Lakes Council
