29 Aug 2025: Maori Wards campaign, geothermal tomo

Media: Aukaha News

Topic: Maori Wards post by Hobson's Pledge

Enquiry

Aukaha News requested an interview with Mayor Tapsell regarding Hobson’s Pledge using her image and comments on their social media platforms without her permission to promote their “Vote No to Māori Wards” campaign.

Response

During the interview Mayor Tapsell explained she was quite shocked to learn her image and comments were being used by this group, they had not asked her permission to use either her image or her quotes in this way, nor had she been given a heads up that they were going to. She explained the use of her photo and comments on their platforms was misleading as her comments were made two years ago and were specific to Rotorua’s representation arrangements. While she didn’t support Māori Wards for Rotorua at that time due to Rotorua already achieving good Māori representation on Council without wards, she has been open that Māori Wards can be positive for other locations around New Zealand, and feels the binding referendum removes the ability for local communities to have a local voice in who and how they undertake council elections. She highlighted that she flagged the use of the original photo with NZME (who owns the image), and reached out to Hobson’s Pledge directly to ask them to remove the post. (Note – they have now removed the original post but reposted the same content with a different photo of the Mayor). Here is a link to the interview.

*Mayor Tapsell was also to be interviewed today by NewstalkZB about this matter and provided comment about this matter directly to the Local Democracy Reporter

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Geothermal tomo at Whakarewarewa Village

Enquiry

I am following up on the recent closure of Wāhiao Drive due to the geothermal sinkhole last Sunday, which has affected access to Whakarewarewa Village.

If possible, I would love some comment from council for our story as I understand you have been working with the Whakarewarewa Village over the past week.

• Can you describe what happened and the extent of the sinkhole? Can you describe how big it was, what it looked like etc.
• What safety assessments have been carried out so far, and what risks remain?
• What repair plans are in place and what is the expected timeline for reopening Wāhiao Drive?
• How is council supporting residents, visitors, and the Whakarewarewa Village tourism operators while access is disrupted?
• Is anyone from Geoness involved? Have they done an assessment or given a report?

If possible, I would also appreciate any photos or video footage of the sinkhole and the repair work being carried out to accompany our story.

Please feel free to provide any other information you believe may be helpful.

Response

As the Road Controlling Authority, Rotorua Lakes Council is working closely with Whakarewarewa Village representative and GNS was also called to the site, following the tomo that appeared on Sunday afternoon. An initial inspection was carried out by opening the top of the tomo for a visual check.

For safety reasons, the area has been fenced off to prevent pedestrian and vehicle access, and Wāhiao Drive will remain closed until further notice.

Rotorua Lakes Council will continue to work alongside Whakarewarewa representatives to keep the site safe and secure. We will monitor the area regularly while exploring possible options for a long-term solution.

The tomo is likely the result of heavy rain combined with geothermal activity in the area.

For GNS-related questions, we’ll refer you directly to them for comment.

For questions about access disruption to tourism operators, we suggest contacting Whakarewarewa Village representatives, as they are best placed to respond.