8 Oct 2025: homeless, liquor licence hearing
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Homeless in the CBD
Enquiry
I'm doing a story today on how things are going in the CBD now in terms of the homeless.
I notice there are still a lot of them sleeping in doorways on Amohia St/Pukuatua St.
Can the council please advise the following? (Questions have also been sent to the police)
- How has the general behaviour of the homeless been in the CBD in the past month?
- Has the council still been active in trespassing the homeless in the past month from the streets? If so, how many, from where, and why?
- Has there been an improvement in behaviour, or is it still about the same?
- Feel free to add anything else you think is relevant.
Response
From Mayor Tania Tapsell:
As Mayor I've brought together and led a coordinated approach to not only deal with the urgent issues but importantly address this with changes that will make a difference in the long-term.
This has meant government agencies who provide social and health services and local Police who help when criminal behaviour occurs have all been working together. This ensures everyone in our inner city can be safe and those who need it are invited to access services available.
Council has consistently been focused on improving safety and supporting those who work in the inner city and we will continue to do so.
From Group Manager – Destination Development, Jean-Paul Gaston:
Council staff continue to take an encourage and educate first approach, enforcing bylaws only when necessary. Trespass notices are used as a last resort, and we work closely with police to address criminal behaviour swiftly. We're also partnering with other agencies to explore sustainable solutions to homelessness. MSD has recently introduced a direct referral pathway, enabling our Safe City Teams to connect individuals with case managers for housing, health, and financial support, with about seven referrals made to date. We also value our ongoing collaboration with the Rotorua Business Chamber, jointly hosting CBD business meetings to share updates and strengthen community engagement.
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Liquor licensing hearing
Enquiry
Just seeing what this is about today and if it is potentially of interest to our readers?
Response
We provided the following information:
Regarding today’s hearing, you’ll note it relates to a special licence which is generally for some kind of event but with the hearing about to start, we aren’t able to access info regarding what that might be sorry.
It’s not for us to decide what might be of interest to your readers but you’ll be aware that the hearing is open to the public.
For your future reference, if you want to keep an eye on what types of applications are being made, keep an eye on the following page on RLC website for applications that are still open to objections:
Alcohol Licensing Application Notices - Rotorua Lakes Council
And on the following page you’ll find info re decisions of the District Licensing Committee:
District Licensing Committee - Rotorua Lakes Council
*NOTE: we subsequently let the reporter know the application was for a televised event.
