28 August 2024
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Council meeting security measures
Enquiry
Am I able to please get a small comment on the security measures at the meeting and why these steps were taken? As soon as possible please, will file the story asap after the wards item ends.
Follow up question:
does that mean today's security was a response to abusive communications or threats?
If so can I please ask what these were and what it was in relation to?
Response
From Rotorua Lakes Council Chief Executive Andrew Moraes
We will be taking some additional security measures as and when required in response to an increase in abusive communications and threats to people in relation to council business. Our priority is to keep our people, the public and our spaces safe.
Follow up response:
We have handed the information on to the Police, which may result in an investigation, so we are unable to comment on it further.
Further note to the reporter:
We understand that your query was in relation to this morning’s Council meeting and that you are filing a story about the Māori wards discussion. We wanted to make it clear that the communications and threats were not in relation to the Māori wards discussion.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Te Karere
Topic: Te Arawa partnership
Enquiry
I am a story producer with Te Karere News (TVNZ), seeking information and an interview regarding the Amorangi unit's role in engaging with Council and iwi from Te Arawa.
Specifically, I would like to inquire about:
1. The Amorangi unit's responsibilities in supporting Council's partnership with iwi.
2. The unit's engagement with mana whenua regarding the sewage line development.
3. Why mana whenua feel aggrieved about the project?
4. The role of Paul Warbrick, CE Mana Partnership, in addressing these concerns.
I would appreciate an interview with Paul Warbrick or another relevant representative to discuss these matters.
Additionally, I request information on:
1. The Te Arawa Partnership's recommendations regarding the sewage line.
2. The Council's decision-making process regarding the project.
3. Measures taken to address Ngā Puna community concerns.
Response
Mr Warbrick and Mayor Tapsell politely declined the offer for an interview. We provided the following information.
Re Te Amorangi Unit and Paul Warbrick’s role - please attribute the response to a Council Spokesperson:
Rotorua Lakes Council’s Te Amorangi Unit supports and guides the Council in our Relationship and legislative responsibilities with all iwi and hapū, working with staff and management to enhance opportunities and reduce barriers that impede council’s ability to work effectively.
Council has been in discussions with iwi and hapū since 2015, beginning with the establishment of the Lake Tarawera Sewerage Steering Committee which included representatives Tūhourangi Tribal Authority, Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi, Māori landowners, the Lake Tarawera Ratepayers Association, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) and Rotorua Lakes Council. The Committee unanimously voted for option 3 (of six options presented) (Low pressure grinder pumps + connect to Rotorua through the road). As you are already aware, two Cultural Impact Assessments and an Archaeological Report have been undertaken as well as extensive community consultation with residents and Māori landowners at Tarawera. In 2023 direct consultation began with Rotokakahi Board of Control regarding the pipe along the roadway. Since 2021 this project has had its own dedicated resource to ensure engagement with Iwi and Hapu, enabling the Te Amorangi unit to support the wider organisation.
Manahautu Te Arawa Hourua, Paul Warbrick arrived last week at council He has been briefed and is supporting and guiding council leadership and the Project team, including a number of important projects impacting on iwi and hapū across the organisation.
Re The Te Arawa Partnership’s recommendations regarding the sewerage line:
As noted above, the scheme is the result of extensive community consideration over many years, including discussion with and input from, iwi and hapū. Arriving at the preferred option followed careful consideration of all technical, cultural, financial and planning factors.
Re why mana whenua feel aggrieved about the project:
We can’t comment on behalf of mana whenua. It would be best to reach out to them directly.
The reporter was asked to clarify the remaining two questions:
The Council's decision-making process regarding the project.
Can you be more specific here please? This project has been underway since 2015 there is a timeline with key milestones on our webpage Tarawera Sewerage Scheme - Rotorua Lakes Council
Measures taken to address Ngā Puna community concerns.
Can you elaborate here please?
