11 Oct 2023: housing accord and backpackers and hostels

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Housing Accord and backpackers/hostels

Enquiry

I am just following up on something [Mayor] Tania [Tapsell] said the other day about the housing accord and minister woods agreeing to include backpackers and hostels into it.

Can I please get a little info as to what this looks like and means?

Is there anything specific that prompted their inclusion?

Why do these accom types need to be included?

What would it mean if they are? (For them, for people in them, for council and for the people of Rotorua?)

How successful does the mayor see the accord as being so far? (Can this please be exemplified?)

When would they be included?

How many accommodation providers does this include?
Have they been contacted and what do discussions look like?

Any other comment/info?

Response

From Mayor Tapsell:

In September I met directly with Minister Woods and representatives from HUD and MSD to discuss the issues Rotorua is still experiencing with emergency housing motels and crime.

I raised the concern that we’re seeing the use of backpackers and hostels for longer term tenancies which are unlikely to be meeting landlord requirements and are therefore unsafe and an inappropriate use of the building. We agreed that we’ll address this within the Rotorua Housing Accord which is a positive step forward.

There are about 14 facilities (motels/backpackers/hostels) we believe may be providing tenancies which I am concerned about. Council staff are working with them to confirm how they are operating, and if they’re compliant with their existing consents, or if a change of use is required.

The Accord has been successful in reducing the amount of motels and households in emergency housing and this remains a priority for us. We can't get complacent so will need to review the Accord and how we can best achieve positive outcomes for our locals with the new Government following the election.

*NOTE: We understand the reporter also made enquiries with Minister Woods’ office