In previous alert levels, Council's Civil Defence Emergency Management team has supported local, regional and national Civil Defence efforts with its operations focussing on recovery and welfare functions. Civil Defence has not been activated during the current Alert Level 2 but is monitoring the situation.
Council has agreed to align Rotorua Lakes Council's COVID-19 response to the Government's strategy to "stamp it out, cushion the impact and position for recovery". The framework for Rotorua's Build Back Better economic recovery plan was approved by Council on Friday 3 April. Read more about that decision HERE
The Ministry of Health is the agency leading the national response to COVID-19.
You can find information about COVID-19 and how to keep yourself and others safe at the Ministry of Health's dedicated website to COVID-19
If you would like to speak to someone on the phone about COVID-19 health advice and information, contact the Ministry of Health's Healthline team (free) on 0800 358 5453 or +64 9 358 5453 for international numbers.
***For information that is relevant to the Bay of Plenty and Lakes District Health Board areas, visit the BOP Health COVID-19 Response website.
Yes. Council's Customer Centre is open to the public however we encourage people to continue to use online and phone services as much as possible.
To ensure the safety of the community and our staff, physical distancing, contact tracing and increased cleaning measures will be in place. Please be aware that this may add extra time to your visit. We appreciate your patience and kindness at this time.
The Government directive for staff is to continue working from home where possible. During Alert Level 2 duty officers for planning, building, finance and licensing will continue to conduct business, including vetting appointments, online. If you would like to book an appointment please phone 07 348 4199.
Council buildings and venues are open in Alert Level 2. All locations will be following Level 2 safety guidelines including physical distancing, increased cleaning and contact tracing.
Inner city activity during Alert Levels 4 and 3 has been significantly quieter than usual due to the business and social restrictions that have been in place, as well as the change in seasons. In Alert Level 2, we are not expecting this activity to pick up with social distancing in public places remaining a key part of the COVID-19 response. To match demand, we have reduced the number of security patrollers in our inner city but will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our presence as required.
No, please continue to put your wheelie bins out at the kerbside (by 7.30am) on your regular collection day. Assisted collection will also continue.
Please contact Rotorua Lakes Council's Customer Centre on 07 348 4199 between 8am and 5pm. A Customer Advisor will provide you with rubbish disposal instructions.
If you have any questions about the kerbside collection, call 07 3484 199 to speak to one of Councils friendly operators.
Will the contents of my recycling bin be recycled under Alert Level 2?
Yes, kerbside recycling will continue.
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Why should I continue to only put recyclables in my recycling bin?
Putting rubbish in your recycling bin can contaminate an entire truckload of recycling. Contaminated items can't be recycled, meaning it could all end up going to landfill.
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I have a white sticker on my recycling bin. What does it mean?
Staff from Smart Environmental and volunteers are currently performing random bin audits to create awareness of correct recycling practices. Any yellow lid bins containing rubbish, green waste or dirty recyclables will receive a sticker that notifies the resident that their bin poses contamination risk to recycling. Any overfilled bins will also be stickered as bin lid must be completely closed to prevent littering or items spilling out during collection.
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Why are bin audits necessary?
Bin audits help council learn about how residents use the kerbside collection, how it can divert refuse from landfill to minimise waste, and highlights ways to improve the recycling and rubbish collection.
Council is focusing on ways to limit contaminated recycling from being collected by our recycling trucks. Bin audits are one way of educating the Rotorua community around what they can and can't put in their bins and how to use the service correctly.
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Do other councils conduct bin audits?
Yes, many other councils around the country use bin audits and have been conducting them since their recycling services started.
Auckland Council have said their bin audits have reduced the amount of contaminated material in their kerbside recycling collection and have also helped to change peoples' recycling habits. Read an article about this here.
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What will happen if my recycling bin is audited?
If your recycling bin has been audited and there were no problems with the items in your bin, it will be collected as normal. If there were non-recyclables in your recycling bin, staff will leave a sticker on the bin to indicate what was problematic and how you can fix it. Your bin will be collected as usual, but you must remedy the issue for subsequent collections.
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What should I do if my recycling bin is audited and it is stickered?
If your recycling bin has been stickered for contamination, please remove the non-recyclable items from the bin and use good recycling practices in the next recycling collection. Your bin will then be collected in next recycling run. Alternatively, you can bring clean recycling to the recycling centre.
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My red bin has been stickered. What does that mean?
A white sticker on your red wheelie bin lid indicates that your bin was overfilled with rubbish and the lid was not closed. An overfull bin creates spillage and windblown litter. The bin lid must be closed completely. These stickers are aimed at creating awareness in the Rotorua community and it would not affect refuse collection. Any stickered red bins will not be collected.
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Are bin audits against the privacy act?
No, once the wheelie bin is on the berm, it's in the public domain. The audit is about checking the recycling bins to make sure they do not contain dirty or contaminated materials, household rubbish, or incorrect items. The audit means residents who are not using the service correctly are given notification to correct the issue before their next rubbish collection.
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What common items are considered contamination in recycling?
The five most common types of contaminants in recycling bins are:
- Soft plastics (e.g., plastic bags, cling wrap, bubble wraps, foils)
- Batteries (e.g., alkaline, lithium, coin)
- Polystyrene (e.g., packaging, containers)
- Gas canisters
- Wood (any kind)
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Where can I find information about what can and can't go into my recycling and rubbish wheelie bins?
You can find information about how to use the kerbside wheelie bin service here.
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Will the Rotorua Recycling Centre be open during Alert Level 2?
Yes, the Rotorua Recycling Centre (24 Te Ngae Road) is open to the public from 7.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, and will be accepting most household recycling materials.
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What are the changes to the Recycling Centre during Alert Level 2?
- Only two vehicles will be allowed on site at a time.
- A maximum of two people per vehicle will be allowed to unload recycling materials
- Everyone who enters the Recycling Centre must fill out the contact tracing register for (even if they don't exit the vehicle).
- All customers and staff must practice two-metre social distancing.
- The Recycling Centre is currently accepting plastics 1-7, paper and cardboard, tin/aluminium, and glass. They are not accepting appliances or e-waste, as the centres where these items are processed are not currently taking these items. (Appliances and e-waste can be taken to the landfill.)
- Wait times will be longer due to these changes and we ask for your patience
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How can I help to reduce queues and wait times at the Recycling Centre?
- Sorting your recycling (plastics, paper and cardboard, tin/aluminium) before your visit to the Recycling Centre will reduce the amount of time you need to spend on site.
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Is the Rotorua landfill open to the public?
Yes. Both businesses and the public can access the landfill under Alert Level 2. The appropriate precautions will be in place to ensure the landfill can operate safely for staff and customers.
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Will the Rotorua Landfill be open at normal hours?
Yes. Regular operating hours are 7.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Saturday,
9.30am – 4.30pm Sunday and Public Holidays.
Note: Vehicles are not permitted to go into the landfill from 4:25pm.
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How will the landfill kiosk operate safely?
Apart from accepting cashless payment, kiosks will have Perspex screens in the windows The EFTPOS machine will be cleaned before and after every payment using antibacterial spray or wipes. A camera has been installed at the kiosk to record the registration number of the vehicles for contact tracing, if needed.
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How will landfill staff operate around customers safely?
Operational staff will practice two metre social distancing at all times. Both the green waste drop-off area and refuse transfer shed will have defined separated zones for commercial operators and for the general public. These areas will be spaced apart to ensure customers have a minimum of two metre distance between each other during unloading.
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Will there be physical distancing measures in place at the landfill?
While there may be more than one person in the vehicle, only one person is permitted to exit the vehicle onsite to unload. This is to ensure that that there is enough room for correct physical distancing between people (2 metres), and helps to limit different 'bubbles' making contact with each other.
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Will someone be able to help me unload my rubbish at the landfill?
No. To ensure the landfill is operating safely under Alert Level 2 guidelines staff will be practicing physical distancing and only one person will be permitted to exit their car to dispose of their waste.
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Can I pay in cash at the landfill kiosk?
No, cash payment will not be accepted. Only payWave/EFTPOS and Account transactions will be accepted.
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Will it take longer to get into the landfill?
Due to contact tracing and physical distancing measures, as well as added measures to ensure the safety of customers and staff, there may be extra wait times for customers at the landfill. We thank you for your patience and kindess at this time.
The Te Ngae Waste Management Transfer station at 6 Hamiora Place (corner of Te Ngae Road and Hamiora Place) is open to the public at Alert Level 2.
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Will I be able to dispose of my green waste at the Rotorua Landfill?
Yes. Green waste disposal will be open. The Waste Management transfer station on Te Ngae Road is also accepting green waste.
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Parking services
Will there be changes to parking services?
Council's parking
services will continue throughout Alert Level 2 with i-Park instructed to
continue as normal to help ensure adequate availability of parking spaces for
users. Please remember to pay for your parking to avoid being ticketed. Free P60 parks remain down most of Tutanekai Street and on the outskirts of the CBD. This information will be updated in response to any further potential change in alert levels.
The PrestoPark app provides an additional and contactless way to pay for parking in Rotorua’s inner city. The app is available for Apple users here and for Android users here. Or you can search for it in your app store by its name, PrestoPark.
The Pukuatua Street Parking Building is also begin operating with its upgraded technology and layout. To find out about the building's new parking options visit http://www.i-park.co.nz/rotorua.html.
Continue to pay for parking infringements as normal. You can check the status of your infringement on the i-park portal HERE. If your ticket is still payable, please pay with urgency to avoid it escalating. If it is not payable, please contact Council to discuss making it available to pay if possible.
To pay or dispute an infringement visit http://www.i-park.co.nz/rotorua.html.
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Animal Control
Will Animal Control services be available?
Full Animal Control services will continue. We encourage dog owners to make use of the online dog registration services to minimise the number of people coming into Council buildings. To register your dog online go to www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/dogsonline .
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Will the pound be open to the public?
The Rotorua Pound is operating with normal hours - Monday to Friday, 2pm - 4:30pm.
Physical distancing and contact tracing measures will be in place on-site.
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Parks and Recreation
Key recreation information:
- Public toilets are open during Alert Level 2
- All playgrounds and sports facilities are open
- Carparks are open
- Get national information about recreation during Alert Level 2 HERE
Please ensure that you follow follow good hygiene practices and physical distancing measures such as washing hands, social distancing and staying home if you feel sick.
Will carparks be open?
Yes carparks are open during Alert Level 2.
Will recreation areas be open?
Yes. In accordance with Alert Level 2 guidelines, all Council public spaces and recreation areas will be open. We encourage users to follow good hygiene practices and physical distancing measures while they are out and about.
What people need to know if they want to use public spaces:
- Maintain a 2 metre distance from people you don't know
- Wash your hands before and after, or use hand sanitiser
- Keep to small groups
- Contact trace where possible – keep note of who you see
- Sanitise shared equipment
Will playgrounds be open?
Yes, playgrounds are open during Alert Level 2. Wash hands or use sanitiser before and after using play equipment. If playgrounds are crowded, move to another area.
There are no central Government requirements available for playground cleaning. However, we will follow Local Government New Zealand recommendations as they are shared with us. Signage will be installed to encourage personal hygiene and physical distancing practices.
Will public toilets be open?
Yes, public toilets are open during Alert Level 2. Either soap or sanitiser has been installed in all public toilets and cleaning frequencies will be adjusted accordingly.
We encourage users to follow good hygiene practices and physical distancing measures while they are using these public spaces.
If toilets need cleaning, or hand washing products need to be replenished, please contact Council on 07 348 4199.
Information for businesses
Businesses can stay open to the public if following public health guidance including physical distancing and record keeping. Alternative ways of working are encouraged where possible.
If you want to know more about how to operate a business safely under Alert Level 2 click HERE
Rotorua Lakes Council staff will be working to support business operators as they open. If you have questions or concerns about your responsibility as a business owner contact Council on 07 348 4199.
Noise Control
Who can I call about noise control issues?
Noise control services continue as normal. If you need to report a noise control issue please phone 07 348 4199 at the time that it is happening.
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Public Transport
Are the buses still running?
Full bus services will continue as normal. If you need to use public transport follow the tips below:
- Try to take public transport at off-peak times.
- Avoid sitting or standing next to someone you don’t know.
- Follow the physical distancing instructions from your transport operators.
- Maintain good hygiene – wash your hands often, sneeze or cough into your elbow.
- Keep track of your journey, including where and when you boarded and where you're sitting.
- You must not travel if you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, awaiting a test, or if you need to self-isolate.
Any changes to services or restrictions will be shared on the Bay Bus website or on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Facebook page.
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Help and assistance
Who do I call if I have a request for assistance?
If you are in need of advice or support please use the following services:
If you are an existing Work and Income New Zealand client or a New Zealand resident needing financial support, please call Work and Income on 0800 559 009.
If you can no longer live at your home due to COVID-19 and need support to find short term temporary accommodation, please call the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment 's Temporary Accommodation Service on 0508 754 163.
If you are a foreign national in need of support and have been unable to access help from your embassy please contact Red Cross New Zealand.
If you're not sure what help is available or don't know who to contact for help, call the free government helpline on 0800 779 999.
If you have concerns about Council services phone 07 348 4199 or email info@rotorualc.nz and a friendly Customer Advisor will be able to help you.
What is happening with people who are homeless?
Council continues to support the Ministry for Social Development and the Ministry of Housing and Development in their work to encourage people to take up the emergency housing options available to them, particularly at this time.
Emergency housing that allows for self-isolation has now been arranged by the Ministry for Social Development with a local accommodation provider.
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Visiting Rotorua
Can I travel to Rotorua or another region?
Please note Auckland region is currently in Alert Level 3 - this means if you do not normally reside in Auckland you cannot travel there from outside the region.
For other regions, under Alert Level 2 you can travel for recreation and tourism. Travel safe and track your journey. According to COVID-19.govt.nz people travelling should follow these tips:
- Stay 2 metres away from people you don't know
- Don't travel if you're unwell
- Keep a record of where you go
For more information about travelling during Alert Level 2 is available HERE
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Is freedom camping still permitted in the district?
In Alert Level 2 Freedom Campers and people traveling within New Zealand are permitted to travel inter-regionally. Council-owned campgrounds and overnight parking areas are open at this stage and will be reviewed in response to changing alert levels. Signage will be available so people can use their contact tracing app to register their visit. People travelling in self-contained and non-self-contained vehicles should seek alternative accommodation.
Self-contained vehicles can be used as accommodation when parked in appropriate areas. Self-contained vehicles have a toilet, water and waste facilities. Those using self-contained vehicles to self-isolate are strongly encouraged to stay at commercial camping sites, if available.
People seeking assistance with finding temporary accommodation for self-isolation should call the Temporary Accommodation Service on 0508 754 163.
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What are the guidelines for accommodation providers?
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has provided these guidelines for anyone working in the hospitality sector during COVID-19 Alert Level 2.
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Governance
Are Council meetings still going ahead?
Council meetings will continue with their normal schedule following health recommendations and physical distancing. Council's meeting calendar will be updated as meeting dates are finalised. You can view the meeting calendar HERE.
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Building consents and inspections
Can I book a building inspection?
Yes you can book a building inspection.
Inspections will take slightly longer than usual to ensure that correct sanitation procedures are followed so please be patient and kind.
When booking an inspection you will call the usual number 07 349 5646 and you will be asked a series of questions relating to your health and recent travel. Your contact details will be collected at this time. You will also be asked about your site protocols ie site register and who will be onsite at the time of inspection.
When the inspector arrives the key question will be repeated and for tracing purposes the contact on site and their phone number will be recorded.
The inspector will use appropriate PPE and will require a two metre physical separation, both horizontally and vertically while on site. Plans must still be available on site.
In accordance with MBIE's guidance some levels of self-certification are being explored for low risk projects/inspection types or where a contractor has a proven track record. Decisions relating to this authorisation can be made by the Team Leader – Inspection after the inspection has been booked in which case you will be notified.
Information relating to working at the current alert level can be found on the CHASNZ website
What is happening with building consents?
Important note:
During COVID-19 Alert Levels, Rotorua Lakes Council is accepting electronic lodgement of building consents through email. However, email has limitations on file size capped at 200MB and some large applications have needed to be submitted over a series of emails.
If your plans exceed 200MB in size, please email buildingadmin@rotorualc.nz stating your application is oversize. We can then send a link where you can deposit your files directly to make the process a little easier.
Building consents are still being processed. We will be accepting physical applications where permitted by COVID-19 Alert Level guidance. As council does not yet have an online lodgement system, we will be accepting building consent applications through email.
You can email your building consent application to buildingadmin@rotorualc.nz
File requirements:
- Files must be in PDF or PDF/A format
- A minimum of 300 DPI
- In colour where possible
- Email is limited to 200MB in size so multiple emails may be required for large applications. (Bundle over trusted file transfer may be possible)
Attach separate files for the following:
- Application Form 2 and vetting checklist (preferred in WORD format, if possible)
- Form 2A Memorandum from LBP – Certificate of design work
- Plans (Architectural plans to be separate from others i.e engineers, truss design)
- Specifications, Product appraisals, Product manuals, Re-site reports
- PS1, Engineering calculations, Engineered design
- Geotech Report
- Onsite Effluent Treatment Design - Schedule 5
- Fire Report
- Certificate for public use application
- Emailed applications will continue to be vetted to ensure adequate information has been provided for assessment.
Despite accepting email applications, we are aware there may be unforeseen challenges with lodgement. COVID-19 has pushed everyone into uncharted territory and continues to create challenges for our teams. Council is unable to guarantee a seamless application process but will do the best with what we have and will make adjustments where required.
We encourage those who are submitting email applications to contact us if you are unsure of the status of your application.
What is happening with RFI responses?
Our ability to process RFI responses may be limited if there is an escalation in COVID-19 Alert Levels. Hard copy consents awaiting responses to RFIs may be inaccessible by staff if this is the case.
Resource consents
Can I still lodge resource consent applications?
Yes the Planning Consents Team are continuing to process existing applications and accepting new consent applications during Alert Level 2. We will continue to accept physical applications where permitted by Covid-19 Alert Level guidance. Our preferred method of lodgement is electronic in accordance with the following requirements:
Email your resource consent application to Planning.inbox@rotorualc.nz
File requirements:
- Files must be in PDF or PDF/A format
- A minimum of 300 DPI
- In colour where possible
- Email is limited to 200MB in size so multiple emails may be required for large applications. (Bundle over trusted file transfer may be possible)
Attach separate files for the following:
- Application Form and checklist
- Application Report
- Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE)
- Individual supporting technical reports
- Plans (including survey plans)
- Affected parties
- Other supporting documents.
Guidelines for use of the Planning email address:
- For lodging of new consents only including, land use and subdivision applications, variations, objections, extension of time, s226, s348 LGA applications, s223 and s224, planning Certificates
- Correspondence to do with the processing of a consent already lodged is to be sent directly and only to the Planner processing the application i.e. for RFI's
Is there still a Duty Planning Service?
During Alert Level 2 the Duty Planning service will continue to operate, however there will be no face to face meetings during this time. The Duty Planner contact number is 07 348 4199.
Can I set up pre–application meetings?
There will be no pre-application face to face meetings at this time. We are still able to assess and provide comments on draft proposals, however this will be limited to email responses only. Zoom meetings can be arrange if required. Please contact the Duty Planner to arrange a zoom meeting with one of the Planning team.
What is happening with Resource Consent RFIs?
RFIs will continue to be processed provided that all responses are sent to the processing Planner via email.
What happens in instance of 224c Applications?
Site visits will continue to be carried out for 224 inspections where permitted by COVID-19 Alert Level restrictions. Inspections will take slightly longer than usual to ensure that correct sanitation procedures are followed so please be patient and kind.
When booking an inspection you will be asked a series of questions relating to your health and recent travel. Your contact details will be collected at this time. You will also be asked about your site protocols ie site register and who will be onsite at the time of inspection.
When the inspector arrives the key question will be repeated and for tracing purposes the contact on site and their phone number will be recorded
The inspector will use appropriate PPE and will require a 2m physical separation, both horizontally and vertically while on site. Plans must still be available on site.
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Land Information Memoranda (LIM)
Can I still request a LIM report?
Yes. Customers can order LIMs through the regular channels. Our online ‘eservices’ applications are open and this is the preferred method of application.