3 July 2025: Waikawau Hannahs Bay project stopped

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Council decision to halt Waikawau Hannahs Bay Reserve project

Enquiry

I’m working on a story for the Rotorua Daily Post regarding the motion passed at the Rotorua Lakes Council meeting on June 25, which paused $10 million worth of funding for the Waikawau Hannahs Bay Reserve project. I’m hoping to get some comments from the council in response to statements made by members of the project committee.

1. Committee members said they were shocked that some councillors claimed to be unaware of the amount of funding already allocated or planned for the Waikawau Reserve project, despite it being included in the Long-Term Plan for several years and consultation having taken place. Can the council clarify how information about this funding was communicated to councillors prior to the meeting, and how it is possible that some were unaware of the allocated funds?
2. What role did Robert Lee play in representing the committee, and how did he communicate the work being done and funding allocated for the reserve to other council members?
3. Committee members said the decision to put the project on hold came as late notice, particularly considering that consultation on relocating the wharf took place as recently as last month. What is the council’s response to this? How will the council improve communication with the Waikawau Reserve Committee and the public regarding significant project changes in the future?
4. Committee members estimated that a considerable amount of money (approximately $1 million or more) has already been spent on the reserve over the past four years. Can the council confirm how much has been spent to date, and what will happen to the work already completed now that the project is paused?
5. Committee members also described pausing the project as a waste of funds, as much of the work will need to be redone. How does the council respond to this concern?
6. The committee highlighted that the proposed upgrades aimed to improve child safety by reducing vehicle access near the playground area. They noted that vehicles currently travel right past where children play, raising concerns about the risk of accidents if the project does not proceed. What is the council’s response to these safety concerns now that the upgrade is on hold?
7. During the meeting, councillors indicated that the Waikawau Reserve project is not currently a priority. The committee questioned whether parks and reserves are still considered part of the council’s core business. Can the council please confirm if parks and reserves projects like this remain a priority, and if not, why? What changes have occurred in council strategy?
8. Does the council have a timeline or criteria for when the Waikawau Reserve project might be reconsidered or resumed? What factors will influence that decision?

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions. If there’s anything else you would like to add, please feel free to do so.

Response

The following information was provided by the council organisation:

We noted (in italics) aspects the reporter would need to speak with elected members about:

Committee members said they were shocked that some councillors claimed to be unaware of the amount of funding already allocated or planned for the Waikawau Reserve project, despite it being included in the Long-Term Plan for several years and consultation having taken place. Can the council clarify how information about this funding was communicated to councillors prior to the meeting, and how it is possible that some were unaware of the allocated funds?

The funding was included in the approved 2023-24 Long-term Plan.

*Regarding elected members’ awareness, you would need to ask them.

What role did Robert Lee play in representing the committee, and how did he communicate the work being done and funding allocated for the reserve to other council members?

Cr Lee is the nominated elected member representative on the committee.

*You will need to speak to Cr Lee about his communications to other council members.

Committee members said the decision to put the project on hold came as late notice, particularly considering that consultation on relocating the wharf took place as recently as last month. What is the council’s response to this? How will the council improve communication with the Waikawau Reserve Committee and the public regarding significant project changes in the future?

The decision resulted from a Notice of Motion from an elected member rather than a staff report. The Committee was informed on 18 June when the Notice of Motion was publicly notified and council staff continue to work with the committee.

Committee members estimated that a considerable amount of money (approximately $1 million or more) has already been spent on the reserve over the past four years. Can the council confirm how much has been spent to date, and what will happen to the work already completed now that the project is paused?

Project costs to date:

1. Wetland creation - $1,011,285
2. Reserve redevelopment - $62,360

Work already completed will remain in place and the reserve will be maintained as part of regular reserve maintenance programmes.

Committee members also described pausing the project as a waste of funds, as much of the work will need to be redone. How does the council respond to this concern?

A significant amount of work in the reserve is already complete and concept designs for further development will not be wasted if the project is reconsidered in future.

The committee highlighted that the proposed upgrades aimed to improve child safety by reducing vehicle access near the playground area. They noted that vehicles currently travel right past where children play, raising concerns about the risk of accidents if the project does not proceed. What is the council’s response to these safety concerns now that the upgrade is on hold?

Council staff will continue to work with the committee to find ways to address safety concerns.

During the meeting, councillors indicated that the Waikawau Reserve project is not currently a priority. The committee questioned whether parks and reserves are still considered part of the council’s core business. Can the council please confirm if parks and reserves projects like this remain a priority, and if not, why? What changes have occurred in council strategy?

*This is a question for elected members who determine council priorities through annual and long-term plan decisions.

Does the council have a timeline or criteria for when the Waikawau Reserve project might be reconsidered or resumed? What factors will influence that decision?

We do not have a timeline. It will be for elected members to determine their criteria for reconsidering or resuming the project.

*NOTE: we subsequently, when the article was published, corrected reference to the long-term plan which is the 2024-34 Long-term Plan (not the 2023-24 Long-term Plan)