21 July 2022
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: $84m Infrastructure Acceleration Fund allocation for Rotorua
Enquiry
I'm writing a follow-up story to today's announcement of Rotorua getting the majority of the funding, with almost $85 million to fund stormwater solutions.
I know it had originally tried for more than $113 million to enable the construction of 5000 new homes in the city.
I know the mayor gave some comment for the press release sent this morning by the minister but can I please have some comment on what it asked for and what it got?
how will this impact the city and the projections for 6000 homes needed by 2030?
How does it impact on the emergency housing situation in the city?
What work does council need to do for the plans to go ahead?
I noted it needed to complete an Intensification Plan Change - is this complete and what else needs to be done?
When is work expected to begin?
Response
We provided the following comment from DCE District Development Jean-Paul Gaston, as well as additional info for the reporter’s understand (in italics)
I know it had originally tried for more than $113 million to enable the construction of 5000 new homes in the city.
Note for your understanding: RLC originally submitted 3 applications for funding, totalling $113m. The application for funding for projects on the city’s eastside was dropped by IAF as council has previously received Govt funding (CIP funding – see below) for infrastructure projects in this part of the city. IAF then requested that the remaining two applications (for western and central) be merged, that was done with a total $99.5m requested for projects in those areas.
I know the mayor gave some comment for the press release sent this morning by the minister but can I please have some comment on what it asked for and what it got?
The projects this allocation will help fund are all part of Council’s long-term infrastructure plan and can now be brought forward.
Projects for the Eastern part of our city that were initially submitted for IAF funding did not make it through to the final process (see more about that HERE) but we have already received Government funding, via the Crown Infrastructure Partners fund, for other projects on the Eastside (see more about that HERE).
So there is significant government investment in infrastructure across our city that is enabling us to fast-track critical projects that will help to support more housing and increase climate change resilience. This was critical to the upcoming intensification Plan Change.
Note for reporter: CIP funding for Rotorua totalled $55m (all for eastside) with $35m allocated to Waka Kotahi for roading improvements to support housing development and RLC allocated $20m, $15m for stormwater to support housing development and $5m for local roading improvements.
how will this impact the city and the projections for 6000 homes needed by 2030?
This funding enables us to bring forward planned infrastructure projects that will be able to support more than 3000 homes in the western and central areas, paving the way for development that may otherwise have been delayed or potentially deemed unviable without needed infrastructure in place.
How does it impact on the emergency housing situation in the city?
Rotorua needs more housing of all types, including social housing and the infrastructure this will fund will enable more homes of all types. More social housing will reduce the need for people to be in motels.
What work does council need to do for the plans to go ahead?
Now that we have confirmation of funding, we can progress with the feasibility and detailed design work that needs to be done prior to confirming projects and before any construction can start. The focus will be on feasibility and detailed design across the next two years with contracting and delivery stepping up beyond that.
I noted it needed to complete an Intensification Plan Change - is this complete and what else needs to be done?
The Housing for Everyone Plan Change (PC9) will be notified in August. Preparations for that are underway.
Note for reporter: re what else needs to be done see response to your question re ‘what work does council need to do for the plans to go ahead?’
When is work expected to begin?
Work on feasibility and detailed design work will begin in the near future.
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Media: TodayFM
Topic: $84m Infrastructure Acceleration Fund allocation for Rotorua
Enquiry
TodayFM reporter requested pre-recorded interview with Mayor Chadwick about IAF announcement
Response
Mayor Chadwick participated in the interview which covered her reaction to the funding announcement, what this would mean for the city, and the impact on social and emergency housing.
Her comments were similar to what she stated in the news release that was issued today (see HERE)
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Damage to Boord Park cricket nets
Enquiry
We understand the cricket nets at Boord Park have been vandalised quite extensively.
Was just after a comment from council about this if possible.
Any idea how much repairs will cost?
Response
From Sport, Recreation and Environment Manager Rob Pitkethley:
The damage is to an artificial pitch covering at the nets and this has unfortunately happened before.
It’s always really disappointing when facilities that are made available for the use of our community are deliberately damaged and especially when it has been created by a local group, in this case the Rotorua Cricket Association.
We’ll work with the cricket association regarding repairs but have no idea at this stage of the cost.