18 April 2024
Media: OneNews
Topic: MHUD intention to apply for two more years on motel consents for emergency housing
Enquiry
Reporter who had asked to interview the mayor in regard to the story published by the Herald re emergency housing in Rotorua but was informed she was away asked if there was anyone else from the council who might be able to comment.
Response
We politely declined the opportunity and with the Mayor’s permission provided comments she provided to media yesterday:
From Rotorua Mayor, Tania Tapsell:
MHUD staff did not discuss this announcement with myself as Mayor, or with our Council, so it's also a shock to me and I understand and appreciate the community response.
In 2022, the previous Government’s Minister for Housing and Minister for Social Development committed to reducing the use of emergency housing in Rotorua to near zero as soon as possible. While improvements were made, our expectation was that we would see an end to emergency housing much sooner that what’s played out. Rotorua shouldn't have to suffer because the previous Government wasn’t able to deliver faster solutions.
This announcement also doesn't align with discussions I've had with current Ministers who want to end emergency housing in Rotorua as soon as possible. I will be meeting with them urgently to get more certainty for our community that this won’t negatively impact us.
It's beyond disappointing that MHUD is taking this action. Council has a regulatory function which is separate from our community advocacy function. If this does go ahead our regulatory function will be obliged to process the resource consents when we receive them.”
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Media: RNZ Checkpoint
Topic: MHUD intention to apply for two more years on motel consents for emergency housing
Enquiry
We would like to request an interview with Her Worship on Checkpoint this afternoon at 4.05pm to talk about Rotorua Motels, and the extension of their emergency housing consents.
Response
The Mayor’s office responded on behalf of Mayor Tapsell saying she was not available and politely declined the request
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Media: Stuff
Topic: Maori wards
Enquiry
In light of the Government's recent announcement of its intentions to reverse the Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2021, I am contacting every council that has Māori wards or is intending to introduce them in the 2025 local body elections.We are very interested in your council's views on the Government's plans and invite your responses on the following questions, by 2pm tomorrow (Thursday, April 18):
1) How does your council feel about the Government's announcement?
2) What has your council done/is your council planning to do next in regards to the announcement?
3) Why did your council decide to establish a Māori ward in the first place?
4) What kind of impact has Māori ward representation had on your council/what kind of impact do you envisage Māori ward representation would have on council?
5) How do you think your constituents would vote in a local referendum on Māori wards?If there is anything else your council would like to add to this conversation, feel free to include those views as well.Thank you in advance,Ngā manaakitanga,
Karanama
Response
We provided the following background information and response:
On 21 May 2021 (Council decisions - Rotorua Lakes Council), Council resolved to introduce Māori Ward following feedback from the Te Arawa Partnership board, Te Tatau o Te Arawa, which undertook consultation with Te Arawa people, communities and entities, seeking feedback on the opportunity for Māori Wards (see above link which details this decision).
Included in the above link is a link to the agenda for the meeting at which Council resolved to introduce a Māori Ward – go to p5 of the meeting agenda which provides the relevant background.
To understand why elected members voted in favour of establishing a Māori Ward you’d need to watch the discussion and decision-making – you can go directly to this part of the recording of the meeting HERE.
Re how does your council feel about the Government's announcement and what we intend to do?
Rotorua Lakes Council has not yet had an opportunity to discuss the Government’s recent Māori Wards Bill or its implications for our council. You can attribute this to; Rotorua Lakes Council Executive Director Corporate Panning and Governance – Oonagh Hopkins.
Your questions seeking opinion about the Bill and the impact having a Māori Ward has had/is having is a question for elected members. I have added Mayor Tania Tapsell’s office to see if our Mayor has a view she would like to share with you. She is currently overseas on Mayoral duties so, there may be some delay in getting a response.
Re how Rotorua residents might vote in a local referendum on Māori wards: this question might be better put to Te Tatau o Te Arawa which engaged with local iwi on the matter of Māori wards and may be better placed to have a view on this.
