3 May 2023: housing concerns, annual plan, Techweek
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Housing development
Enquiry
I am working on a story about principals in Rotorua expressing concern over there not being enough “proactive planning” to help schools deal with the increased density of housing in the city. They are calling on Rotorua Lakes Council and the Ministry of Education for more transparency early on about planned developments.
In the story, I will predominantly reference the attached submission made on Plan Change 9 - Housing for Everyone. However please see additional comments below for right of reply. I will also contact the Ministry of Education. Also, please let me know if these comments need to be directed elsewhere.
Lynmore School principal Hinei Taute told the Rotorua Daily Post issues raised in October “continued to be a concern” for principals.
Transparency about social housing planned for the area would help principals pre-empt challenges and put supports in place to help new students settle into school.
“It would be easier if we had a heads up around what we are working with, so we can get the right people power around making that transition as smooth as possible.”
Taute, who was also president of Rotorua Principals Association, said schools would need resourcing in a “timely fashion” to best support new students living in social housing.
Western Heights High School principal James Bracefield, who first initiated the conversation, said schools knowing about planned social housing developments early on would help them “make sure resources are channelled in the right areas”.
Schools could experience “roll growth quite quickly” once families moved into subdivisions and young people may require additional support.
Schools may need to increase staffing or put programmes in place to support numeracy and literacy, he said.
“Give students the best chance to accelerate their learning and succeed.”
Western Heights Primary School principal Brent Griffin said while there was an “absolute need” for social housing in the city, principals wanted to know exactly what was being planned.
“What we are asking for is there to be some transparency around what is happening within our communities so we can cater to the needs of these kids when they arrive at school.”
Griffin said work was underway on a number of public housing developments in Western Heights - including a dwelling on Clayton Rd consisting of three four-bedroom homes.
“We didn’t know that was going to be built there.”
“The likelihood is there will potentially be 10 children coming from that [development] to our school.”
Schools in low socio-economic areas - like Western Heights Primary - already had a number of children with “trauma, high academic and behavioural needs” enrolling, he said.
Right now systems were in place to cater to these students, but more support would be necessary if there was an “influx” of children with considerable need coming from public housing, he said.
“We are simply not equipped to deal with that at this particular time.”
Rotorua Intermediate principal Garry de Thierry said building houses was only “the start of the challenge” and reinforced the importance of supporting whānau to integrate into their new communities.
“As the housing developments happen - unfortunately the issues schools will face will become more and more.”
What does council make of the concerns outlined in the submission?
What process do you follow around notifying schools of new public housing in the area?
How would you respond to worries they are not being informed of these developments early on?
How does council plan to support schools as more housing is built in Rotorua?
What do you expect to see in terms of population growth as these developments are complete?
How many public housing developments are being planned/underway in Rotorua right now?
How is council working with the Ministry of Education on these issues raised?
Response
From DCE District Development Jean-Paul Gaston:
Rotorua has been steadily growing since 2013, and our housing crisis has been well documented.
Between Council, local iwi, and various Government departments, an immense amount of work has gone into responding to Rotorua’s housing crisis and planning well for future growth.
Planning for our Future Development Strategy (FDS) is currently underway and principals have been invited to participate in FDS information sessions ahead of wider community consultation on the FDS later this year.
Council also meets monthly with the Ministry of Education around our growth strategy work which we understand helps inform their capacity planning.
District growth impacts many aspects of a community and responding well requires a holistic approach to network and capacity planning from all involved ie, education, healthcare, infrastructure, among others.
Council does not notify schools of new public or market housing development unless it has a direct resource management effect on them. Developers will also have their own processes regarding engaging with stakeholders and neighbours.
Additional note to reporter:
In regards to how many public housing developments are being planned/underway in Rotorua right now? I would refer you to Kāinga Ora for that information or check out their websiteHERE.
Also, to your question around what the council makes of the concerns in the submission here is the response:
As the process for Housing for Everyone – Plan Change 9 is still underway, it is not appropriate for the council organisation to comment on submissions received. These will be considered by commissioners as part of the decision-making process. Hearings are currently scheduled for August 2023.
Finally, the process on notifying schools around public housing, Kāinga Ora has information about their Rotorua developments available on their website HERE
Kainga Ora was also contacted about this and provided the following response:
From Darren Toy, Bay of Plenty Regional Director, Kāinga Ora:
Our engagement team is in regular and ongoing contact with Rotorua principals in areas of the city where new homes are planned, as well as with the Ministry of Education, to ensure they’re across how many homes we’re building and where, and how many school age tamariki may live in them. We share our factsheets and letters about plans for new public housing with them, and will often hold community information drop-in sessions in schools themselves.
We continue this engagement as developments progress, and I am always happy to meet with principals to support planning to meet the future need for education provision for our tamariki and rangatahi.
For shared areas like green spaces or community rooms, a range of factors are considered including the size and type of housing, who might live in the homes, and existing neighbourhood parks and play areas, community halls, schools and churches. As part of this we engage with mana whenua, stakeholders and locals for their input as they know best what will suit their community.
We have around 300 homes in planning or under construction in Rotorua currently. Homes Under construction or Housing Opportunities being explored are found at this webpage www.kaingaora.govt.nz/bayofplenty
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Draft 2023/24 annual plan proposals
Enquiry
Reporter sought clarification, following yesterday’s enquiry about the proposal in the draft 2023/24 Annual Plan to stop community funding grants:
Can it please be broken down for me the estimated saving of $435,000 2024/25 onwards if it is not known who would reapply for funding? Or explained?
Asking as under the proposal [in the consultation document] it states: Reduce our rates requirement funding by stopping
funding to community groups (impact in 2023/24 saving $275,000: 2024/25 onwards $435,000) and work with community groups to secure required funding from other more suitable sources.
So just wanting to know what makes up the saving from 2024/2025 onwards
Response
We provided the following explanation:
For the reporter’s understanding we clarified that: the whole amount (ie $435,000) would not be saved in the 2023/24 year as existing three-year agreements are being honoured, meaning a saving of $275,000 in 2023/24 if Council decide to stop the community fund. Any savings in subsequent years would be dependent on any future decisions that may be made.
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Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Techweek23
Enquiry
How does it feel to be close to bringing this year's Techweek to Rotorua?
Are there any new events you're really looking forward to launching, or any returning events that are popular?
Why do you think these will be fun and beneficial events/encourage locals to get involved?
Is there anything you'd like to add?
For Matt Browning, app developer from Triple scoop [who is running an app development competition as part of TechWeek]
Why did you decide to partner up with RLC and run this contest?
How many app ideas have come through for it so far?
Why do you encourage locals to get amongst Techweek?
Why do you think it is important to foster growth in the technology and innovation sectors? Why do you think it is important to get youth involved in these sectors?
Is there anything you would like to add?
Response
From Felicity Jansonius- Bidois, Kaitohu Hapori Oranga/ Community Wellbeing Advisor:
How does it feel to be close to bringing this year's Techweek to Rotorua?
It’s such a privilege to bring Techweek back to Rotorua - it’s been a huge community effort to bring it to life. I approached various businesses, organisations and individuals about coordinating an exciting range of events and opportunities for our community and was overwhelmed by the positive response. There is such an appetite to learn more and be inspired by the tech and innovation industry in our rohe (district). We have world-class talent here and are looking forward to showcasing our local talent and inspiring the community.
Are there any new events you're really looking forward to launching, or any returning events that are popular?
Tamariki and rangatahi are a key focus of Techweek 2023, and how they can harness technology to make a difference in their world. As it’s also Youth Week, we have created a range of events to target this audience but in saying that, there’s something for everyone; parents, teachers and whānau (family) can learn more about digital wellbeing and keeping safe online at a workshop hosted by Digital Natives Academy and the Parents Centre. Pre-schoolers can learn how to code with bee-bots at Rotorua Library. Rangatahi can submit their app ideas to Triple Scoop for the opportunity to bring it to life and young people can also attend an Inspiring the Future session, where tech and innovation role models will share their career and study pathways at the Careers Expo. Our community can upskill their digital literacy with tech and tea sessions. New events are still being uploaded so keep an eye on our socials to see what else is happening during the week.
Why do you think these will be fun and beneficial events/encourage locals to get involved?
Techweek is an opportunity to learn and be inspired and we encourage any and all to attend to hear our unique stories and innovation that we have in Rotorua. We hope to build momentum and see this event become a staple in our events calendar.
Is there anything you'd like to add?
We are so lucky in Rotorua that we have a tech and innovation industry that are willing to share their stories, expertise and knowledge with the community.
From Matt Browning:
Why did you decide to partner up with RLC and run this contest?
We’ve partnered with Rotorua Lakes Council to run this contest to encourage local youth to get involved in the technology and innovation sectors. The Council team have been so supportive to ensure our rangatahi have opportunities to develop their skills and explore tech and innovation. Showcasing this during the national Techweek event is the perfect timing for Rotorua to be on the national stage too.
How many app ideas have come through for it so far?
The competition has already received nearly 20 app ideas, which is a great start. We're excited to see the innovative ideas students have come up with. We're hoping to provide the winner with a valuable learning experience that will help them in their future endeavours.
Why do you encourage locals to get amongst Techweek?
Techweek is an excellent opportunity for locals to get involved and learn more about technology and innovation. With a range of events and activities taking place, there's something for everyone. It showcases the amazing things happening in these dynamic and exciting sectors in Rotorua and I would encourage everyone to come along and get involved.
Why do you think it is important to foster growth in the technology and innovation sectors? Why do you think it is important to get youth involved in these sectors?
Fostering growth in the technology and innovation sectors is crucial for economic development and progress. Technology and innovation are the driving forces behind many industries today, so it's important everyone stays at the forefront of these sectors and that we create opportunities for growth and development.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Getting youth involved in these sectors is equally important. The youth of today are our future leaders and innovators and they have ideas we haven't even thought about. By encouraging them to get involved in technology and innovation, we're preparing them for the jobs and challenges of tomorrow and allowing our own leaders to see perspectives they might not have considered. I hope that this competition will be the first of many initiatives that will help to inspire and engage young people in the technology and innovation sectors.
From Mayor Tania Tapsell:
Council has partnered with local tech legend Matt Browning to offer the opportunity for a young person to have their app built and launched. We have so much potential in Rotorua and it’s great to be supporting technology and innovation growth locally. We’re looking forward to seeing the different ideas that are pitched and supporting the winning app when it’s launched.
