5 June 2025: homeless, weather, community tidy up, unitary authorities
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Homelessness
Enquiry
I'm doing a story around the homeless that are congregating outside the Sallies on Amohia St.
I've been down to talk to them this morning and it appears from those I've spoken to they don't want to go into emergency housing motels as most have been there and done that, the rules are too strict or they've been kicked out for whatever reason.
They get hot drinks from Sallies and hot meals delivered each night.
I have spoken to a nearby business that says their presence is impacting their income severely. They say they are urinating in doorways and on cars and their behaviour can be disgusting (drinking and smoking drugs).
Is the council looking to do anything to remove them? Are they breaching a bylaw by sleeping on the footpath?
Response
From Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell –
“No one should have to sleep on footpaths, but we’re aware that this is becoming an increasing issue in our Rotorua CBD, especially around the Salvation Army building.
“This week, I’ve met with representatives from Government agencies, who are focused on social issues and safety, to discuss a coordinated and urgent approach to address this. I’ve also asked the Salvation Army for a meeting as soon as possible.
“We're fortunate that housing, social support, and financial assistance is available to those who need it in our country and community. But I acknowledge this is a complex and concerning issue, for both those experiencing rough sleeping or homelessness and also for local businesses and residents.
“Council, through our Inner-City Guardians, do our best to connect and encourage people to take up the many services that are available to help them and will continue to do so.
“But long-lasting change will only be achieved through a coordinated response from all support agencies funded to address these issues, as well as people choosing to take up the help that’s available to them.”
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Weather event
Enquiry
I was wanting to do a quick check with both councils to see what has been happening overnight with the weather, if there's been any incidents or trees down etc, surface flooding, any rivers/lakes being monitored or anything like that.
What is your council doing in this weather event, what will it do and what does it expect?
Any advice to anyone?
Response
We noted that the weather event was over and there were no current watches or warnings in place for the Rotorua district.
We provided a link to the weather update on RLC’s website and said any further updates would be added to this: Weather update - Rotorua Lakes Council
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Community tidy-up
Enquiry
Rotorua Daily Post is doing a follow up story regarding the community drive to tidy up Rotorua that happened last Saturday. I understand the council helped out and wanted to see if you were keen to comment on your experience with the clean-up and the impact that motivated locals like Neville Raethel can have.
Response
From RLC Waste Minimisation Officer Meghan Cooper:
We really appreciate the help of amazing people like Neville and the many amazing volunteers who help keep on top of litter around our city. We support Neville’s message that every bit helps, even just a couple of pieces picked up during a walk down the street. It can help deter further littering and prevent these materials from making their way into our waterways and lakes.
Council picked up the collections Neville and his volunteers pulled together around Linton Park and some other public areas around Rotorua in total we disposed of 820kg. I understand a number of Neville’s volunteers have also taken rubbish to the landfill directly from the clean-up.
In terms of our support, we supplied some clean-up packs with gloves, bags, health and safety reference information. We also donated a few supermarket vouchers as spot prizes as well.
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Media: TVNZ - Breakfast Show
Topic: Unitary authorities
Enquiry
We are keen to have Mayor Tania Tapsell on the show tomorrow morning to discuss the idea of creating a unitary authority with the neighbouring councils.
The slot we have is 6:05am tomorrow morning and it would be shared with Porirua Mayor Anita Baker who will be discussing a similar idea down here in Wellington.
Response
The requester was thanked for the opportunity and the request was politely declined, noting this was due to the matter being in the very early stages of being looked into with not enough detail to comment on at this stage.
We indicated that if this progresses further, Mayor Tapsell would be happy to consider an interview at a later date if appropriate.
