Official Information Request - MIQ facility

Sent: Tuesday, 5 October 2021 5:04 pm
Subject: LGOIMA request - correspondence to Chris Hipkins regarding additional MIQ facility

I refer to your LGOIMA request of 5 October 2021 for:

• Any correspondence from Rotorua Lakes Council to the office of Chris Hipkins regarding proposals for an additional MIQ facility.
• Any correspondence from Mayor Steve Chadwick to the office of Chris Hipkins regarding proposals for an additional MIQ facility.

Council does not hold any correspondence between Council and/or the Mayor and Minister Hipkins. Council supported Ngāti Whakaue in their lobbying of government over concern at having another MIQ hotel in Rotorua. This support was through attendance at meetings with government department officials and Ngāti Whakaue representatives. The Mayor also had conversations with politicians.

The chairs of the main Ngāti Whakaue entities in Rotorua wrote to the Prime Minister outlining their concerns.

Her Worship the Mayor subsequently received a letter from Andrew Milne, Associate Deputy Secretary MIQ, confirming that Minister Hipkins has decided not to proceed with an additional MIQ facility in Rotorua. A copy of this letter is attached.

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

Publication of responses to LGOIMA requests

Please note: Our LGOIMA responses may be published on the Rotorua Lakes Council website after they have been responded to, with requesters’ personal details withheld. If you have any concerns about this please contact the Council on info@rotorualc.nz .

Regards