Official Information Request - Tarawera wastewater reticulation scheme

Sent: Tuesday, 18 January 2022 3:55 pm
Subject: LGOIMA request - Tarawera wastewater reticulation scheme

I refer to your online Official Information request of 16 December 2021 regarding the Tarawera wastewater (sewerage) reticulation scheme and provide the following response:

1. Please provide details showing that at least 75% of all ratepayers acknowledged receipt of the letter and returned signed acceptance, which in turn allowed the council to proceed to the design phase.
   Council has not received 75% of responses, therefore cannot provide evidence of this under section 17(e) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act ‘the information requested does not exist’.
   However, I can advise that, while a majority of respondents (67%) outright supported the scheme, a number of other responses along with other feedback from the community indicated that, while they also supported the scheme, they wanted further price certainty above what the estimate provided.
   During Council’s deliberations of the 2021-2031 Long-term Plan, Council considered and approved three key work streams for the 2021/22 year.
   Firstly, to bring the project forward for delivery in the years 2021-2024.
   Secondly, allocated funds and instructed officers to progress the detailed design and arrive at a binding construction offer for the project within the (2021/2022) year.
   Thirdly, to form a Council/community group to consider possible options for the capital repayment of net costs for a target segment of the local ratepayers that may not be able to make lump sum payments at the three year milestone of the project. In line with the Council’s Financial Strategy constraints, such repayment options would preferably be limited to around 25% of the local ratepayers.
2. Confirmation as to what grounds Trility Group have that allow them access to ratepayers property to perform assessments without the homeowners permission.
   Rotorua Lakes Council (or its authorised agent Trility) would use the ‘General Power of Entry’ provisions in accordance with Section 171 of the Local Government Act 2002.
   Before using this power, all reasonable efforts will be made to engage with the property owner to agree access. This includes (in order):
   • Communication by post requesting owner to make contact with Trility to arrange a site visit.
   • Communication by direct letter drop requesting owner to make contact with Trility to arrange a site visit.
   • Communication by email (if an email address is held on RLC file) requesting owner to make contact with Trility to arrange a site visit.
   • Distribution of the same communication via other targeted methods ie: via Tarawera Ratepayers Association email groups, newsletters and AGM presentations.
   • Targeted communication by email or telephone (if valid contact details are held by RLC) to contact owner and agree the visit.
   • Door knocking and leaving a calling card notifying the owner of intent to visit the property.
   • Notification by posted mail of intent to visit the property.

Visits are visual only and do not require access into the dwelling and will not disturb any part of the grounds. The Trility agent will carry a valid RLC warrant.

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. The Ombudsman’s Office can be contacted by calling 0800 802 602, emailing info@ombudsman.parliament.nz, online at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz, or by post to The Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143.

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