24 July 2025: alleyway closure, homeless

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Old Quarry Road alleyway closure

Enquiry

Have been given a tip about an alleyway on Old Quarry Road (approx location 24-26) having been gated off. Believe this is a popular thoroughfare for kids going to Western Heights High or Selwyn School.

Was wondering if this is something Council are aware of and if so, could offer some advisory of why it might be gated off at all?

No specific deadline on this, just trying to figure out what's going on really but an answer by the end of the day would be amazing if possible.

Even if, at this stage, it is just confirmation that Council is aware and did close off the alleyway.

Response

We provided the following information:

The alleyway has been closed at the request of Western Heights High School for safety reasons.

The alleyway runs between Old Quarry Road and Steeles Lane.

The alleyway itself is Ministry of Education land, not council-owned, but Rotorua Lakes Council was asked to assist by removing a culvert and bridge at Steeles Lane that provided access at one end and installing gates to close access from public land at the other end.

Council erected signage in May, informing of the pending closure, which was to have occurred in June but was delayed until this month.

You’ll need to contact the school for further information.

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Media: NewstalkZB

Topic: Homelessness insights report

Enquiry

The Mayor was interviewed by NewstalkZB today regarding the homeless insights report released by the Government yesterday.

Response

Mayor Tapsell was interviewed. Listen at the following link (interview begins about 7mins 45seconds in: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/211-early-edition-with-ryan-br-25086386/episode/full-show-podcast-24-july-2025-287317556/