1 July 2025: Tarawera sewerage scheme, Lakeland Queen
Media: Whakaata Maori
Topic: Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Enquiry
Reporter requested an interview with Mayor Tania Tapsell regarding the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme.
The reporter sent the following questions that they wanted to include:
- What’s happening right now with the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme? Where are things at?
- How has it been for you as mayor to deal with the backlash, protests, and public reaction?
- What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions about the whole project?
- Do you think the council will take any lessons from this to help prevent similar issues in future projects?
- Anything else?
Response
The interview was done via Zoom today with the questions provided covered off, as well as some additional follow-up questions.
Mayor Tapsell provided an update on where the project is currently at (Stage 1 complete, Stage 2 underway), reinforced the importance and aim of the project, highlighted the significant planning, consultation, and engagement that’s gone into the project to date + action council has taken to address concerns.
The Mayor addressed some of the issues we, and all councils, face with misinformation being spread online, and discussed her personal experience with some of the threats and abuse she received as a result of this misinformation.
At this stage Whakaata Māori aim to air the story on Saturday morning.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Lakeland Queen
Enquiry
I'm doing a little story this morning on the plans for the Lakeland Queen to be back on the water by the end of the year, under Damon Hagaman's new ownership.
I know there's been a lengthy and involved history, but I was keen to keep it simple (if possible) for readers about what's happening now.
Can you please confirm what the council's involvement is? Excuse my ignorance, but does it need consent to use the jetty/lake? Has that consent been granted yet?
Response
We provided the following information:
The Council’s involvement has been to ensure the Lakeland Queen’s wharf, as it is attached to a reserve, is structurally safe for operations. Council also needs to permit the relocation of a ticket selling kiosk on the Lakefront Reserve.
There is some more work required on the wharf by the owner which needs to be approved by Bay of Plenty Regional Council. If/when these and any other approvals have been obtained and any required work done, permitting for the ticketing kiosk can be progressed.
NOTE TO REPORTER: not sure if you wanted info regarding council involvement previously (with the previous owner) – see link below for information previously provided to you guys which includes a comprehensive list of assistance RLC provided over several years + other background info: 14 December 2023 - Rotorua Lakes Council
