23 June 2025: homeless, emergency housing
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Homeless
Enquiry
It'll be no surprise that there appears to still be many rough sleepers sleeping in the doorways of the Salvation Army despite the action taken by the council nearly two weeks ago. They aren't necessarily on Amohia St but there is still a strong presence on Pukuatua St.
Can I please get an update from the council and mayor Tania Tapsell (if it needs to be separate).
- How many trespass orders have now been issued? The last I heard from the council team, there had been 10 issued on June 11 and 12. When were the latest ones issued?
- Is the operation ongoing? Will the council be sending staff there regularly to keep issuing trespass notices?
- Has anyone been arrested for trespassing? (I can of course ask police this but I assume the council would be informed)?
- Where have the others moved on to, if you're aware?
- Is the council continuing to receive complaints from business owners in the CBD?
Response
From Rotorua Mayor, Tania Tapsell
No one should be sleeping on a footpath, I’m aware there has been continuous efforts to connect those sleeping rough in our CBD with support services. We’re fortunate there is housing and financial support available in our country.
As I’ve said previously, illegal, offensive, and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated here. We need to encourage and support people to make better choices, rather than enable the wrong behaviours.
This is an ongoing response and we continue to hear both concerns and ideas for solutions from our community.
There is no doubt this is having a massive impact on our reputation as a top tourism destination, and I’ve connected with many hard-working local businesses and can appreciate the harm it’s causing them and their wellbeing. We’ll continue taking action to ensure our CBD is a safe and enjoyable place to visit and do business.
There is a need for an urgent and immediate response, such as trespass notices which will continue to be issued. And there is also need for a long-term sustainable solution to the complex issue of homelessness, and to support those at risk of it as well. I’ve been in discussions with relevant Government Ministers and their agencies to create locally led action for Rotorua.
*NOTE: Relevant RLC staff were tied up with other matters and unable to provide a response today
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Media: The Hui
Topic: Emergency housing
Enquiry
With Contracted Emergency Housing motels in Rotorua winding up this month, The Hui are looking at a story on the situation in your city and the current issues facing Rotorua and the solutions and plans you have.
We would like the opportunity to have an interview with [Mayor Tapsell] as part of this kaupapa and are planning to be in Rotorua on Monday 23 June.
Response
The interview covered homelessness, emergency housing motels and housing/homelessness + development solutions.
We understand it will be aired in a couple of weeks.
