Official Information Request - 8 August 2018

Attachment:

Long-term Plan pages 39 and 239

Follow up Response:

Sent: Friday, 7 September 2018 11:19 a.m.

Subject: TRIM: LGOIMA request - average rates

I refer to your follow up email referring to a graph provided to a reporter and requesting a copy of that graph. The graph provided did not reflect the information you requested in your original email. It showed the spread of rates at that point in time. That information has now changed as the graph was created using a rates model which was subsequently amended following the Long-term Plan decisions. An updated graph has not been created.

However, for your information I have attached pages 39 and 239 from the Long-term Plan which shows the average % increase by property category.

As per the Act, we are obliged to advise that you may contact the Ombudsman at the address below if you have any concerns with the response provided by Council, by writing to:

The Office of the Ombudsman

PO Box 10 152

WELLINGTON 6143

Alternatively, you may email info@ombudsman.parliament.nz or use the online complaints form available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/make-a-complaint.

Regards

Jean-Paul GastonGroup Manager, Strategy

P: 07 351 8302 | M: 0276554415

E: Jean-Paul.Gaston@rotorualc.nz | W: rotorualakescouncil.nz

A: 1061 Haupapa St, Private Bag 3029, Rotorua Mail Centre, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand

Response:

I refer to your email of 8 August 2018 requesting:

1. Can Council provide data or information in the form of a graph or another format that identifies the average increase of rates for Rotorua district as being 5.7%

2. Can Council confirm which suburbs, streets or Rotorua areas are below the average increase of 5.7%

To provide this information would require a significant amount of data gathering and analysis, estimated at approximately 8 hours of staff time. Council is entitled to charge for this time and, as per the Ministry of Justice charging guidelines, our normal practice is to charge $38 per half hour or part thereof. Therefore to complete your request would incur a cost of $608 (excluding GST) This charge would need to be paid before the information is compiled. Please let me know by Monday 10 September if you wish to proceed on this basis.

As per the Act, we are obliged to advise that you may contact the Ombudsman at the address below if you have any concerns with the response provided by Council, by writing to:

The Office of the Ombudsman

PO Box 10 152

WELLINGTON 6143

Alternatively, you may email info@ombudsman.parliament.nz or use the online complaints form available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/make-a-complaint.

Regards