21 Aug 2024: Tarawera sewerage scheme, illegal dumping, speed limits

Media: Maori TV

Topic: Tarawera sewerage scheme

Enquiry

We will be running a Story tomorrow (Weds 21st Aug) on Whakaata Māori and would like a response from the Council on this scheme.

Questions:

1) Were Mana Whenua consulted before piping was to take place in the current area?

2) Was research done to ensure the area was not wāhi tapu or on Iwi land?

3) Can Mana Whenua be reassured that there will be no leaks or damages that could affect the taiao, lakes and streams?

4) Mana whenua believes they have offered up alternatives to pipe, but this has fallen on deaf ears, why?

5) Why have the fences and cameras been installed?

An on-camera interview at the Council would be great, if not, a written response would suffice.

Response

We politely declined the interview and provided the following statement fromGeneral Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Stavros Michael:

The purpose of the Tarawera scheme is to protect the health of the community and the lake. Without the scheme, untreated human wastewater will continue to leach through septic tanks and groundwater into Lake Tarawera which is unacceptable to all parties.

The scheme is the result of extensive community consideration over many years, including discussion with and input from, iwi and hapū. Arriving at the preferred option followed careful consideration of all technical, cultural, financial and planning factors.

The Cultural Impact Assessments and Archaeological Report recommended the road corridor to be used for the main pipelines as the risk of disturbing archaeological sites within the existing road reserves is very low. There are archaeological monitoring protocols in place. Council has entered into and is bound by legal commitments and we cannot now re-design or re-route the project, changing decisions made some four years ago which would come at a significant cost to the Tarawera and wider community.

We understand some do not support the pipeline running along Tarawera Road and we acknowledge and respect people’s right to peaceful protest. However, the safety of contractors, road users, the protection of public assets and avoiding costly delays is paramount.

Work on the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme was paused in January following protest obstruction, interference with the work site and safety concerns raised by the contractor. Contractors have re-established at the site this week (week commencing 19 August) to continue works on the road corridor that Council is legally permitted to install water, stormwater and wastewater pipelines within. There are access points to Lake Rotokakahi and Department of Conservation land on either side of the road reserve past the temporary fence.

Rotorua Lakes Council’s injunction application was adjourned indefinitely. The indefinite adjournment of the injunction application means it can be renewed on an urgent basis if needed in future.

We also clarified the following which appear in the Rotokākahi Board of Control’s media release:

“This injunction was denied, with Judge Stephen Clark stating that “There is currently no ongoing concerning behaviour.”

The injunction was not denied, it was adjourned indefinitely. The indefinite adjournment of the injunction application means it can be renewed on an urgent basis if needed in future.

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Media: TVNZ - Te Karere

Topic: Illegal dumping on Mountain Road

Enquiry

We are reaching out from Te Karere News, TV1, regarding a story we are airing today at 4 pm about the dumping of rubbish on Mountain Road , which has resulted in a $24,000 fence installation cost to ratepayers.

We request permission to use any photos taken by the council or its representatives related to this issue. Specifically, we would like to use images of:

- The rubbish dumping on Mountain Road

- The installation of the fence

- Any relevant council staff or officials

Response

The permissions sought were given and we asked that they mention in their story that this was a collaboration between Rotorua Lakes Council and Skyline Rotorua.

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Media: TVNZ - current affairs unit

Topic: Government reversing speed limits

Enquiry

I’m a producer with TVNZ’s in-depth current affairs unit. We’re working on a story looking at the government reversing what they call “blanket” speed limits.

Their draft rule states that: “certain speed limits reduced since 1 January 2020 will be reversed by 1 July 2025” and all road controlling authorities (RCAs) will need to identify roads in the scope of reversal as soon as practicable.

As an RCA, can you tell me at this stage:

• How many speed limit changes will need to be reversed? [even an approximate number would be really helpful]
• And if possible, an estimated cost to do so?

Response

We provided the following information:

Re how many speed limit changes will need to be reversed:

RLC has identified one road in the Rotorua district (Tarawera Road) where this could apply.

Re estimated cost for change:

$2000