2 Oct 2025: playgrounds, local election, quake-prone buildings
Media: NZME
Topic: Playground equipment standards
Enquiry
I'm reaching out to see if Rotorua Lakes Council wishes to comment on this report from the Ministry for Regulation regarding playground equipment standards.
It states "We believe that the specific issue the submitter has raised relates to a commercial decision by Rotorua Lakes Council in their procurement practices and does not stem from any regulatory barriers. We contacted the Rotorua Lakes Council and spoke to their Recreation and Open Spaces Manager whose experiences with playground regulation have been incorporated into this briefing."
In addition, the Minister for Regulation has said: “No problem is too big or too small for the Ministry for Regulation. I’m pleased that while they tackle big red tape, they also offer fast fixes to problems like a council that was wrongly keeping their playground closed.”
Response
From Group Manager – Community Experience, Alex Wilson:
We support the Ministry’s assessment of this case. Following a vandalism event at the Rotorua lakefront playground in April 2024, the slide was unsafe for use and had to be isolated from the rest of the playground with hazard tape. Welding repairs were attempted, but only lasted a few weeks. Discussions with the supplier confirmed a replacement was required. Due to supply chain challenges from Germany, the delivery of the slide took longer than expected. To keep everyone safe, only the area around the broken slide was fenced off, while the rest of the playground remained open for use.
We clarified with the reporter that the slide has been replaced.
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Media: The Heat FM
Topic: Local elections
Enquiry
The Heat FM requested an interview with council CE Andrew Moraes to encourage people to vote. The interview was today.
Response
A link to Andrew Moraes’ interview with The Heat FM
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Media: Newsroom
Topic: Proposed changes to earthquake-prone buildings system
Enquiry
Regarding the Government’s proposed re-focussing of the earthquake-prone building system:
Where Rotorua buildings *are* still subject to earthquake strengthening requirements, would you (if re-elected) be minded to give them the 15 year extension provided in the law changes, to get their house in order?
Response
Mayor Tapsell provided the following response:
The safety of people will always be our top priority but we need to carefully consider what we're trying to achieve with the practical cost of remediation work.
Many private and public buildings were shut down and considered unusable due to the previous building standards.
I'm sure these changes will be welcomed by building owners who have been unable to afford the costly work required. The 15 year extension provision will be beneficial, especially when safety risk is already low.
