12 Feb 2025: Feed the People event and protest, Mai Rotorua card
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Feed the People event and protest
Enquiry
Reporter shared the below media release and asked the following questions:
- Is the council aware of this eveget [sic]?
- Did the council give permission for Kuirau Oark [sic] to be used?
- Will the council have any staff there, including guardians?
- Do you have any other comment about the intention of this event?
She also approached Mayor Tapsell for comment.
Feed The People (FTP) launched in response to Police harassment of Rotorua unhoused population
In response to Operation Trolley, a three day Police operation in Rotorua which saw unhoused people harassed and arrested for using supermarket trolleys to carry their possessions, local business owner Kaya Sparke has launched Operation Feed the People (FTP).
“You can’t arrest your way out of poverty, but that didn’t stop Rotorua Police dedicating three entire days and countless precious resources to harass and arrest unhoused people for being in possession of shopping trolleys” says FTP Vegan Eats owner Kaya Sparke.
“Targeting the most marginalised members of our community will not only make their situations worse but by criminalising them we further impede their pathway to jobs and stable housing. Which in turn keeps unhoused people in the public eye longer - something Rotorua locals claim to want to stop.
“Rotorua MP Todd Mcclay jumped at the chance to defend the operation and congratulate Police for their efforts, it seems gen z aren’t the only ones affected by trends, “tough on crime” rhetoric is all the buzz with our current government.
But Todd and other local politicians will be the ones with egg on their face when they realise this situation will continue so long as they remain committed to policies that punch down instead of lifting people up. Harassing 32 people for using a shopping trolley to store their possessions does nothing to improve Rotorua."
“When politicians encourage policies that make unhoused people criminals it’s up to the people to speak up and support those in need.
“This is why I have launched Operation FTP to provide a one night activation to protest this careless use of taxpayer dollars, where unhoused whanaū and anyone in need can get a free feed and feel the love of the wider Rotorua community.
“I’ve had an unexpectedly massive response to Operation FTP since launching which shows there is more support for kaupapa which uplifts rather than punches down.
“Hatred and fear breed at a distance but love and empathy can weed it out when we come together,” says Kaya Sparke.
Everyone is welcome to attend the activation at Kuirau Park in Rotorua on Thursday 13 February from 4 - 8pm. The exact location will be announced on @ftpveganeats on instagram and Facebook on the night.
Kaya stated that koha was welcome from those who can afford it but she more strongly encouraged people to come down and enjoy community and connection. Kaya promises her best playlist and tasty kai. This event is being 100% operated and organised by Kaya Sparke and receives no external funding.
Response
From RLC organisation:
FTP Vegan Eats approached council earlier this week requesting permission to park their food caravan at Kuirau Park for a one-off event to give free meals to people in need.
They were informed a permit would be required but that council did not support issuing such a permit as there are already well established meal distribution initiatives in the city. We encouraged them to instead connect with one of those organisations.
The request made no mention of it being a protest.
There are no plans for council staff to attend the event.
From Mayor Tapsell:
There's a saying if you haven't done anything wrong you have nothing to worry about, and that's exactly the case in this situation.
It's important for the safety of our community that those who choose to commit crime are caught and there are consequences.
These people had stolen private property, in this case trolleys, and many locals are grateful for the actions of Police. Especially since trolleys being abandoned was becoming such an issue and costing both Council and businesses a lot to clean up.
Although organisers of the event are being unnecessarily critical, it is very kind of them to be giving back and supporting those in need. FTP has delicious food which I'm sure will be much appreciated by those in need. I encourage the organisers to seek the correct permits from council if planning to run the event in one of our reserves.
Rotorua is a generous and caring community so I also acknowledge the many volunteers who have been supporting those in need over the past few challenging years such as Love Soup Rotorua.
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Media: Radio NZ
Topic: Mai Rotorua card
Enquiry
I’m interested in talking to someone about the history of the Mai card, just on background as I’m thinking of pitching a story about how it’s a good example of providing different prices to locals for popular tourist attractions. Can I call you about it or is there someone else who would be best?
Response
The reporter was referred to RotoruaNZ and has been contacted by the CCO.
