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Official Information Request - 4 April 2019 (Lakefront Development)

Date:
Categories:
Official Information Requests

Sent: Tuesday, 14 May 2019 3:42 p.m.

Subject: LGOIMA request - Lakefront development

I refer to your email of 4 April and clarification email of 11 April regarding the Lakefront development, and reply below:

1.

Cr Hunt has publicly stated that the project has a strong business case. May I please have a copy of the business plan, dated, plus any appendices, presented to Council or one of its 'committees of the whole'?

2.

a) Was the business plan presented to full Council for full discussion prior to the application being lodged with the PGF?

b) If so, what were the dates?

c) May I please have the link to the agenda and minutes of any such meetings? See attached documents

The Lakefront project was identified as a Big Move project as part of the Vision 2030 refresh, post the 1016 election.

The Lakefront project, to be supported by match funding from Government, was included in the Long-term Plan discussion document for public consultation. The decision to proceed with the project, subject to match funding, was subsequently included in the Long-term Plan.

The Lakefront project was also included in consultation on the Spatial Plan discussion document and draft Spatial Plan consultation document.

On 29 June 2018 the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development, Fletcher Tabuteau, announced a grant of $811,625 to complete the full PGF application.

3.

a) Who prepared the PGF funding application?

Group Manager Strategy and Strategy team

b) May I please have a copy of the application to the PGF, plus any appendices?

Attached

4.

What was the timeframe (dates) between all councillors and the public being informed of the result of the funding application?

The PGF application was submitted on 1 August. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development, Fletcher Tabuteau, announced the success of the Lakefront Redevelopment application on 24 September. Approximately 2 weeks before the public announcement Councillors were notified (in confidence) of the decision. This news was embargoed until 24 September.

5.

a) Who provided the data for the estimated returns on this investment to Council and the PGF?

NZ Institute of Economic Research

b) Were these figures available to full Council prior to the application being lodged?

No

6.

Cr Hunt has publicly stated the project has "strong community desire".

a) What businesses and sections of the community were canvassed and included in data in the business plan and application to the PGF?

b) May I please have a list of those businesses and communities that were canvassed or which provided estimates of benefits as this list must be significant and verifiable?

Refer to PGF application and Long-term Plan submissions attached

7.

a) When and for how long did a consultation process occur?

The Lakefront development project has been ongoing since approximately 2006. The most recent consultation occurred during the development of the Spatial Plan and the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 (attached).

b) Was there any publicised and open public consultation?

Yes - during the Spatial Plan discussion document, draft Spatial Plan consultation document and Long-term Plan 2018-2028 consultation processes

c) Were public submissions able to be made?

Yes - during the Spatial Plan discussion document, draft Spatial Plan consultation document and Long-term Plan 2018-2028 consultation processes

Consultation was also undertaken on the Lakefront Reserve Management Plan. Submissions were received under the provisions of the Reserves Act 1974.

8.

a) Given a contractor is yet to be appointed, how can council administrators be sure of the $40 million project cost?

Refer to Appendix 2 of the PGF application (attached)

b) Will there be a public tender process?

Yes

c) Will there be a 'critical path' detailed in the project contract?

Unsure of what you mean by 'critical path'

d) Is there a buffer amount to cover the inevitable cost overrun?

Refer to Appendix 2 of the PGF application (attached)

9.

Why was the/an application not made for regional growth funding towards the repair of the museum given the completion of this project will have real and accurately measured financial returns for ratepayers?

The Lakefront and Whakarewarewa Forest projects were well developed at the time the new fund was announced. This resulted in an initial grant of $811,625 to properly complete a full application to the fund.

Assessing the work needed for the Museum is still ongoing. Concept design was undertaken February-November 2018, followed by developed design November 2018-February 2019. Currently detailed design is underway and it is proposed to have this completed around June 2019.

For reference please see the link to the PGF objectives -

www.growregions.govt.nz/get-funding/projects-we-can-fund/

Find the supporting documents at the bottom of page

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 GastonManahautū Rautaki |Group Manager, Strategy
Waea: 07 351 8302 | Waea pūkoro: 0276554415
Īmera: Jean-Paul.Gaston@rotorualc.nz | Ipurangi: rotorualakescouncil.nz
Taunga: 1061 Haupapa St, Private Bag 3029, Rotorua Mail Centre, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand

Lakefront development

Museum

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