5 Sept 2025: council nursery, geothermal tomo

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Future of council nursery

Enquiry

Just a query on the Rotorua Nursery as we have had reports of it being closed down.

Answers to the following questions would be greatly appreciated. If possible, it would be good to get some comment on this today (1pm?) if possible.

• Is the Rotorua Nursery being closed to the public from October?
• If so, are any jobs being cut or restructured as a result?
• Is this related to the new waste minimisation bylaw, specifically in relation to storage of shopping trolleys?
• If so, is this a permanent solution?

Response

From Group Manager – Community Experience, Alex Wilson:

We are aware of a rumour suggesting that the nursery may close in October. We want to reassure the community that no decision has been made about the nursery. But we are looking into the viability of its operations, and any outcomes will be communicated in due course.

The storage of trolleys at the nursery is a separate matter and unrelated.

As directed by Council, we are identifying efficiencies across our operations, and with the integration of Infracore earlier this year, the nursery is one part of this process. A proposal has been presented to nursery staff, and we will not be commenting further until those discussions have been concluded.

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Geothermal tomo at Whakarewarewa

Enquiry

This is a follow-up questions to a media enquiry from August 29

If possible, could I please receive a response to my previous email by 2pm today. I am wanting to know the response process when collapse holes occur, using the August 24 Wāhiao Drive event as an example.

I have put the details of my previous email below:

I would like to clarify the specific response to the August 24 event on Wāhiao Drive. Could you please confirm the order of steps taken, such as:

• When council was first informed of the collapse hole and when contractors first inspected the site.
• What immediate actions were taken that day (e.g. closing the road, placing barriers, safety checks).
• Whether Earth Sciences NZ (formerly GNS) was called to the site. I was told by Council last Friday that GNS was contacted after the collapse hole appeared on Sunday afternoon, and that an initial inspection involved opening the collapse hole for a visual check. However, Earth Sciences NZ has told me they were not invited on site by Council. I would appreciate clarification on this point.

I understand the site is being inspected daily and no change has been observed.

This further information will assist me in accurately outlining the response process for these types of unpreventable events.

Response

From a Council Spokesperson:

Rotorua Lakes Council was notified of the tomo at approximately 3.30pm on 24 August. Council staff and roading contractors attended the site immediately, and safety barriers were installed.

On 25 August, additional fencing was put in place, and on 26 August contractors undertook further investigations, including a visual inspection by opening the top of the tomo. A decision was then made to close the road as a precautionary measure.

ESNZ/GNS is not formally involved in the investigation but was informed by Whakarewarewa Village representatives and subsequently visited the site to observe. Council’s geothermal expert has also been engaged in the assessment.

Note for clarification: our initial response incorrectly stated that the tomo was opened for inspection on Sunday. This was in fact carried out on Tuesday. We apologise for any confusion.