7 Oct 2025: quake-prone buildings, local election, council nursery

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: proposed new earthquake-prone building system

Enquiry

Have some questions on how the earthquake-prone building system changes might have a knock-on impact for Rotorua’s council buildings and the wider district in general.

• Can you provide a number of buildings in the district currently deemed earthquake prone?
• How many buildings were left to be assessed under the previous guidelines and what happens next with those?

Questions specific to Rotorua Museum and the Blue Baths?

• With the % New Building Standard no longer the identifying marker for earthquake prone buildings does Rotorua Museum and the Blue Baths now meet guidelines?

For reference:

EPBs will be identified as:

• Unreinforced masonry buildings with unsecured façades and walls facing public areas or above neighbouring properties will automatically be deemed EPBs because of their risk profile, with no further assessment required.

• Concrete buildings of three storeys or more will be assessed for EPB status using a new targeted retrofit methodology focused on the critical vulnerabilities that can lead to collapse.

• Any investigation into how this might impact ongoing construction at Rotorua Museum?
• If the Blue Baths was considered earthquake safe under the new guidelines would Council consider renovating and reopening them either independently or as a lease arrangement?
• If savings were present, could money be re-directed toward the current Museum exhibition shortfall?

Appreciate this is a lot of information to process so hopefully a deadline of Tuesday, 1pm fits. Let me know if not.

Response

From a Council Spokesperson:

We’re closely following the Government’s announcement and are encouraged by the Minister’s positive direction regarding earthquake-prone buildings. If the proposed changes go ahead, they could offer greater clarity and help reduce costs and delays for property owners.

At this stage, the rules are still under consultation and haven’t been finalised. Until they are confirmed, we’re unable to say which of our buildings might be affected or how. Once the new rules are in place, we’ll carefully review our situation and make informed decisions based on the updated guidelines.

Note to reporter: Regarding your question of providing the number of buildings in the district currently deemed earthquake proof. You can find this information on this link; Register of earthquake-prone buildings (EPB Register)

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Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Election candidate use of RLC assets

Enquiry

Following a previous related enquiry regarding candidate use of RLC videos, the reporter had the below follow-up questions:

• Have RLC had to issue any other warnings about any electoral breaches or candidates using copyrighted material during this election?
• Cr Lee has since uploaded the video to another platform, will RLC be seeking to have him take that down as well?

Response

We provided the following information:

Have RLC had to issue any other warnings about any electoral breaches or candidates using copyrighted material during this election?

7 warnings have been issued about breaches relating to signage, two for use and copyright breaches relating to council assets (videos), one about a voucher offer to encourage voting.

Cr Lee has since uploaded the video to another platform, will RLC be seeking to have him take that down as well?

This was brought to the council’s attention through the complaints process and a request to remove it from the Rumble platform has been sent to Mr Lee.

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Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Decisions on council nursery

Enquiry

Just working on a follow-up question around the nursery.

Was hoping for some answers to the following questions:

• Was, the nursery decision process specifically presented to elected councillors to consider in chambers?
• If not, why was the nursery decision process specifically not presented to elected councillors to consider in chambers?
• How did council decide on what decisions related to the Infracore reorganisation would be presented to elected councillors and what can be decided by council staff?

Response

From Chief Executive, Andrew Moraes:

Was, the nursery decision process specifically presented to elected councillors to consider in chambers?

No. Decisions about staffing and organisational structure are operational and are the responsibility of the CE. Refer to section 42 of the LGA 2002.

Elected members have a governance role and set the direction and the CE ensures the organisation is fit-for-purpose to deliver on this.

Elected members supported and were aware of the work being done to ensure an effective reintegration of services formerly provided by InfraCore.

Reviewing and, if required, refining our work programmes and services is ongoing because our organisation needs to remain flexible and adaptable to change to meet the needs of our communities and deliver on the direction set by our elected members.

If not, why was the nursery decision process specifically not presented to elected councillors to consider in chambers?

As directed by elected members, we have been identifying efficiencies across the organisation.

We have reported to elected members on the progress of the reintegration of services that InfraCore provided.

When it comes to employment matters, we must also always ensure due and fair process, and working with and supporting affected staff before decisions and announcements are made is the priority.

How did council decide on what decisions related to the Infracore reorganisation would be presented to elected councillors and what can be decided by council staff?

The Mayor and Councillors set the direction and then management of the organisation is part of the role of the CE – this is the case for every council, as set out in the Local Government Act.