25 February 2025
Media: Newsroom
Topic: Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Enquiry
the protest group at Lake Rotokākahi has issued a press release saying about 150 police “storm” the area at 8pm today, and made several arrests.
Can you please advise whether the council sought police assistance, and for what purpose, eg enabling council workers to commence project works?
Response
Regarding police presence at the Tarawera sewerage scheme site last night:
Police had been asked to assist, if required, to ensure compliance with the District Court injunction order to ensure work could resume safely at the work site.
The above in bold is for publication if needed. Not for publication but for your understanding: police were there from the outset last night, they weren’t called in partway through efforts to re-establish the work site and resume work.
I understand Nikoletta has provided you with links to previous and background info.
There will be further updates today.
*Reporter was also provided with links to further information here, here and here
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Media: TVNZ Breakfast Show
Topic: Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Enquiry
Could I please have a statement from your council about the protest currently happening at Rotokākahi.
Response
There will be a statement from RLC later today but in the meantime see link below to this morning’s update on our Facebook page and below that a link to our most recent statement which also provides some background information.
Regarding the police operation, arrests etc, you’ll need to go to the police.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BYjJq1N6w/
Date set for work on Tarawera Sewerage Scheme to re-start - Rotorua Lakes Council
You can also feel free to use any of the response we provided to media here: 24 February 2025 - Rotorua Lakes Council
Subsequent from Breakfast Show
Breakfast initially sought to interview CE Andrew Moraes tomorrow morning, which he agreed to, but they then cancelled the interview and instead asked for any statements/info
Response
We provided the statement that was issued today
We also provided a link to the video of today’s media stand-up: Rotorua Lakes Council update on Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
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Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Enquiry
Does the council wish to respond to the below statement from the Green Party - in particular the call for works to stop until the Environment Court has had an opportunity to assess the project?
I also seek council response to an allegation from Te Pāti Māori that the timing during Te Matatini was deliberate: “The Government’s strategy of targeting our Waiariki community when iwi leadership is absent must come to an end."
That party also describes the sewerage project as "desecration" of sacred sites, and criticises the police for "excessive show of force" during the "raid", a "deliberate attack on the rights of tangata whenua".
Response
With regards to the comment about timing during Te Matatini:
From Infrastructure and Assets General Manager Stavros Michael:
That was not a factor in determining when to re-start work. Factors taken into consideration following the granting of the injunction in November included the upcoming school/summer holidays, events planned for the area and police availability.
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Enquiry
Possibly already covered off by previous comment and releases but can I please put for response the below:
Protect Rotokākahi spokesperson Te Whatanui Leka Taumalolo Skipwith for response please and thanks, although noting it may have been covered off when I spoke to the acting district commander this morning (and relevant police questions sent to them):
He said an 'army' of police imposed their force on people sitting singing around a fire and eating.
Police came within 3m of the private land occupied by the protest and threatened to come onto the land with 80-100 officers against a line of 15 men, with the rest of the protesters being women and children. Protesters had to de-escalate the situation. Children are scared and tired and feeling sick after that experience.
"How is it that Rotorua Lakes Council have the ability to mobilise the police to enforce whatever they want on people and their private properties?"
"None of our people resisted. [Footage shows] women getting dragged over the fire, along the road, getting chucked into these [police] vans. One of our women were hospitalised.
Police and the council have a lot to learn and "answer for".
Protesters maintain RLC's work has been done "illegally" without necessary permits, that they were not consulted and RLC changed its plans.
"We're not doing anything wrong. We're actually protecting the things that everyone requires - a good, healthy whenua, healthy water..."
Response
We provided the following response:
Andrew covered police involvement last night and the differing views of protestors in his stand-up today. We have nothing further to add at this time. Anything regarding police actions should be referred to police.
Also, I can’t recall if you were recording at the standup but here is a link if you would like to use it
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Media: NZME (Radio)
Topic: Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Enquiry
Can you please provide a statement responding to the interim enforcement orders filed by Protect Rotokākahi Incorporated - to stop the Council's sewage pipe construction?
Response
We provided the following:
From Infrastructure and Environment Group Manager Stavros Michael:
We can confirm Council has been served copies of applications for declarations, enforcement orders and a priority fixture filed in the Environment Court by the Board. RLC now awaits the Court’s initial case management directions. It is not appropriate for RLC to comment further at this time.
Claudia, in case you are referring to a statement issued by Protect Rotokākahi which states that the council issued itself a resource consent: This is incorrect. RLC has not granted itself a resource consent for the work. Council has recorded its decision that this work does not require a resource consent because it is a permitted activity.
The pipeline work for the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme has been the subject of engagement and consultation with the community and mana whenua dating back to 2015.
The following links may help with more information and background:
25 Feb update: Work resumes on Tarawera sewerage scheme pipeline - Rotorua Lakes Council
17 Feb update: Date set for work on Tarawera Sewerage Scheme to re-start - Rotorua Lakes Council
Project page + video of today’s media stand-up following the resumption of work today: Tarawera Sewerage Scheme - Rotorua Lakes Council
