30 May 2024

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Budget 2024

Enquiry

We're writing a local story for Budget 2024 and wanted to offer Mayor Tapsell the opportunity to provide some general comment on what the Budget announcements means for Rotorua.

We also saw in this document on page 56 a mention of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua.

Can the council comment on whether this is significant and what it means?

Response

From Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell -

People are feeling the pain of housing and living cost increases so it’s positive to see the Government ease the burden by reigning in spending whilst continuing to invest in core services like law and order, health, and education.

This budget supports regions to grow and become resilient which could be positive for Rotorua if we can attract a fair share of the Regional Infrastructure Fund. This will be vital to restoring our resilience to flooding and high lake levels as well as unlocking the development of new housing and industrial land which we’re desperately in need of and ready for.

I’ve asked the Minister for Police for more local resourcing in Rotorua, so while the announcement of 500 more Police is very positive for New Zealand, it will only be successful if they’re deployed to areas who need them most like Rotorua. Our Police are invaluable for protecting and supporting our community’s safety. I’m concerned 500 Police may not scratch the surface of numbers leaving due to inadequate pay so this needs to be addressed urgently too.

From RLC organisation:

Thank you for the opportunity to comment. We have nothing further to add beyond what Mayor Tapsell has said.