18 September 2024

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Tarawera sewerage scheme

Enquiry

I see there is an emergency meeting in public excluded in which there will be Tarawera scheme update.

Will there be any statement or information provided after the meeting?

May I please ask for a plain English explanation of what the update relates to and the rationale behind why it was not open to the public?

Response

The reporter was provided with RLC’s statement below:

Today Council received a verbal update from staff, police, and contractors on the current situation with the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme where the risks now are different from what they were when the project was approved in 2018.

Work was paused on 30 August to address safety concerns and enable further engagement with mana whenua.

Rotorua Lakes Council Chief Executive Andrew Moraes reported that work to install pipework under Tarawera Road (Council’s legal road corridor) is 90% complete. He added that council will continue to share information with the community as the project progresses.

Today's Council meeting was held as a Public Excluded meeting due to commercial sensitivity reasons relating to those providing reports and updates.

A full project background, latest updates, and frequently asked questions can be viewed by visiting: www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/tarawerassupdates