27 June 2025: Tarawera sewerage scheme
Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Funding for Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Enquiry
After receiving today’s joint release from MP Todd McClay, Mayor Tapsell and BOPRC Chair Leeder, reporter contacted us with the following request:
We are seeking a response to the below questions regarding this afternoon's announcement about the Tarawera sewerage scheme.
- How will Rotorua Lakes Council fund the $2.685m?
- What will the financial impact of this be for general ratepayers and Tarawera ratepayers?
- What will Tarawera ratepayers end up paying to connect to the scheme?
- What is the overall cost of the scheme at this point?
We would appreciate a response as soon as possible, please.
Subsequent from reporter:
Based on the Powerpoint, the cost of the scheme is now expected to be $30,640,600 - is that right? Checking as the last figure we had from council was $32.3m.
If the cost has come down, can you briefly explain why?
Response
We provided the following information:
We provided a link to our wrap-up from today’s meeting: Council finalises funding for Tarawera Sewerage Scheme - Rotorua Lakes Council
Regarding the subsequent query relating to total cost of the scheme we provided the following explanation:
Yes, that figure from the powerpoint is correct.
The previous figure included the costs associated with delays due to protest action at Rotokakahi which, Council decided in May, would be excluded and will be absorbed by the council rather than being passed on to Tarawera property owners.
