11 June 2025: homeless, Night Market cancellation
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Homeless
Enquiry
May I ask if any information from today's public excluded update on homelessness in the CBD is able to be released to me after the meeting?
Can I please ask for the specific reason this needed to be held in public excluded?
Response
The reporter was informed that the Chair moved the Homeless report into public excluded due to an obligation of confidence and to avoid any damage to the public interest, because the information provided to Council was in confidence and it is in the public interest that RLC does not publicly supply the information as this time. Also, we would endeavour to give her more information on what was discussed in confidential if possible.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Homeless
Enquiry
I understand police moved the homeless on from Amohia St this morning.
Can someone please reply all with answers to the following by 2pm if possible please?
- Who removed them?
- Why?
- Where have they gone?
- How did they respond?
- What bylaw were they breaking?
- Was anyone fined?
There is criticism on a social media post (see attached) on Rotorua Notice Board that this is sad and heartless. What do you say to that?
Response
From Rotorua Mayor, Tania Tapsell:
“We have heard how concerning the illegal, offensive, and anti-social behaviour from those sleeping rough has been. This has created unacceptable safety concerns for others and impacted businesses. We’ve taken action to resolve this issue. The footpath is not an appropriate place to sleep and we’ll continue doing our best to connect those sleeping rough with the many services that are available to them.”
From Group Manager Destination Development Jean Paul Gaston:
This morning’s joint operation with NZ Police (led by council) was carried out smoothly.
The presence of rough sleepers outside the Salvation Army has become an increasing concern in recent weeks. We’ve received a growing number of complaints and queries about anti-social behaviour at the site, including reports of intimidation.
We acknowledge that homelessness in the city is a complex issue. Council has been working with various agencies to encourage those gathering at the site to accept support and explore opportunities for stable accommodation. However, there comes a point where anti-social behaviour and intimidation — and their impact on the public’s sense of safety in the CBD — must be addressed. We worked closely with Police to ensure this morning’s operation was conducted respectfully and effectively.”
Mayor Tania Tapsell also met with CBD business owners last week at a City Safety Meeting. Business owners expressed concern about the ongoing impact of anti-social behaviour in the area and urged the Council to take action.
Council and Police will be visiting other locations around the city this week. Council is encouraging Government and social service agencies to continue working together to find solutions and provide meaningful support for those experiencing homelessness.
Note to reporter: Council staff did not remove anyone from town. Trespass notices were issued to those sleeping on Amohia Street. Neither Council staff nor Police placed any items on the ground—these were left behind by their owners. Since then, staff have collected the belongings and are safely storing them for the owners to retrieve.
Here are the Bylaws Council was operating under (it must be noted no items have been seized at this point in time)
Rotorua District Council General Bylaw 2017
202 Public Safety and Nuisances
202.1 –Exceptwith the prior permission of the Council or an authorised officer a person shall not on any public place:
Leaving belongings in doorways/alcoves
(a) Place, leave or carry litter or any material or thing or substance which is likely to be hazardous or injurious to any person, or likely to create a nuisance;
Begging
(g) Solicit any subscription, collection or donation, preach or undertake any busking
Consuming synthetics (Drugs – also criminal)
(k) Consume, inject or inhale ant mind-alternating substance or offer to sell or sell such substance to any person.
Sleeping in doorways, Leaving belonging in doorways/alcoves
203 Obstructing Public Places
A person shall not:
(a) Obstruct the entrance to or exits from a public place
(b) Place or leave any material or thing, including signage, on a public place that could obstruct the public right of passage without the permission of an authorised officer and then only in accordance with such conditions as may be imposed
Seizing Property
Local Government Act 2002
164 Seizure of property not on private land
(1) An enforcement officer may seize and impound property that is not on private land if -
(a) the property is materially involved in the commission of an offence; and
(b) it is reasonable in the circumstances to seize and impound the property; and
(c) before seizing and impounding the property, the enforcement officer -
(i) directed (orally or in writing) the person committing the offence to stop committing the offence; and
(ii) has advised (orally or in writing) the person committing the offence that, if he or she does not stop committing the offence, the enforcement officer has power to seize and impound the property; and
(iii) provided the person with a reasonable opportunity to stop committing the offence.
(2) If the property is not in the possession of a person at the time, the enforcement officer does not have to comply with subsection (1)(c).
(3) As soon as practicable after seizing and impounding property, an enforcement officer must give a notice in the prescribed form -
(a) to the person in possession of the property; or
(b) if not applicable, to any ascertainable owner or person with an interest.
(4) 'Offence' means a breach of this Act or a bylaw.
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Homeless
Enquiry
In addition to mine and my colleague Kelly Makiha's earlier requests relating to homelessness in Rotorua, may I please offer the below for response:
One Amohia St rough sleeper spoke with the Rotorua Daily Post in the afternoon, describing how police “came in and moved everybody” from outside the Salvation Army at about 7am.
Adrianne Renata said police put all their belongings they hadn’t picked up into bins and took away trolleys being used to carry them.
She herself walked away when it was happening to not be trespassed.
Renata said those staying there had received a warning at dinner the day before that police would be coming by at 7am.
Another woman with her wondered where they would sleep tonight.
Renata said her head was in a spin.
“I feel like we’re being moved around like cattle ... like, ‘oh, you need to go and graze in another garden’.”
She understood two were arrested but did not believe any homeless individuals displayed any aggression.
If a comment in response to this is to be provided, please let me know and that it be sent no later than 4pm thank you, and much appreciated.
Response
From a Council Spokesperson:
Thank you for the opportunity to add further comment but we politely decline as we are satisfied with our response.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Night Market cancellation
Enquiry
We have seen the attached FB post (attached) about the night market being cancelled this week, and are interested in a response to the below questions:
- Is the incident referred to in the post the hit-and-run last Thursday?
- If so, what does the Rotorua night market have to do with this incident? Was the person hit someone who was at the market that night?
- What will the council's review involve and how long is this expected to take?
Please feel free to add anything further of importance or relevance - our deadline is 3pm today, please.
Response
From a Council Spokesperson:
Yes, we are referring to that incident. As it occurred near the night market area, we have a health and safety duty to ensure the safety of vendors and the public. As our investigation is still underway, we’re not in a position to provide further comment at this stage.
