1 Dec 2025: Warriors game, council fleet, Tarawera sewerage scheme

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Potential for NZWarriors game in Rotorua

Enquiry

I am doing a story on the potential for the Warriors to one day return to Rotorua, either for a trial game or, even more ambitiously, a regular season game.

With no plans for next year, it will be seven years since they last played here, something which was once a regular fixture.

Was wondering if I could get some comment on the following questions, if possible, from the mayor's perspective, on attracting a major event like this.

• I believe you are a Wahs fan Tania, so what would it mean to have the Warriors back playing in Rotorua, especially given their growth over the past five years?
• Would hosting the One NZ Warriors in Rotorua for a fixture be something you'd like the city to pursue as a major event and what impact could it have on the city?
• Have there been any conversations around bringing the Warriors back to Rotorua for a game in the near future?
• A recent visit as part of the Warriors Foundation was hugely popular, do you think that demonstrates the clamour from locals for something like this?
• What are the potential barriers toward bringing the Warriors back to Rotorua for a game?
• Is the Rotorua International Stadium fit for purpose for such an event?
• Does the success of the 2023 All-Stars game give you hope that a Warriors fixture should be possible?

Just a note, I also shared some of these questions with Rotorua NZ.

Response

Mayor Tapsell provided the following comments:

I believe you are a Wahs fan Tania, so what would it mean to have the Warriors back playing in Rotorua, especially given their growth over the past five years?

Rotorua is one of the most active communities in our country, with most people participating in some form of physical activity. We know that interest in Rugby League has grown in Rotorua which has been on the back of strategic efforts to make Rotorua a hub for major tournaments and community development. One of my favourite moments as Mayor was hosting the NRL All Stars tournament in Rotorua and seeing our local kids being inspired by their idols playing here, it would be a dream come true to host the Wahs.

Would hosting the One NZ Warriors in Rotorua for a fixture be something you'd like the city to pursue as a major event and what impact could it have on the city?

It would be an honour to host a One NZ Warriors game because there are many players and supporters in Rotorua and our wider region that would love the opportunity to see a game live. It’s been so good seeing the development of the NZ Warriors Women so we’d love to have them here to play too.

Have there been any conversations around bringing the Warriors back to Rotorua for a game in the near future?

Yes I laid down the challenge to the Wahs during their recent visit that we’d love to have them back for a game. There will be a lot of conversations to be had to make this happen and we’re excited to be starting these. Council is focused on smart spending and investment so will also be weighing up the cost of hosting such a game, alongside the significant economic and social benefits it would bring (refer to RotoruaNZ response).

A recent visit as part of the Warriors Foundation was hugely popular, do you think that demonstrates the clamour from locals for something like this?

Absolutely, there was so much excitement and talk in town about them being here. We were really grateful that players were so generous with their time talking and training with students. These are the lifechanging moments that I’m sure will inspire our next generation to reach their full potential.

What are the potential barriers toward bringing the Warriors back to Rotorua for a game?

Without a doubt it comes down to commercial negotiations and the cost of those, all of this happens well in advance so we’ll be aiming for 2027 if successful.

Is the Rotorua International Stadium fit for purpose for such an event?

(refer to RotoruaNZ response).

Does the success of the 2023 All-Stars game give you hope that a Warriors fixture should be possible?

(See RotoruaNZ response, and also my earlier response).

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Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Council fleet vehicles

Enquiry

*NOTE: the following questions are additional to previous questions relating to RLC fleet vehicles and policies relating to the use of these

I am just following up on this with a few final questions if possible.

Is increasing the number of cars that are hybrid or EV in the fleet in question something being considered as part of RLC's climate commitments?

What are RLC doing, in terms of vehicles and transport, as part of their climate commitments?

How does council maintain high driving standards and an understanding of not only the road laws of NZ but council's own regulations and requirements?

Response

We provided the following information:

Rotorua Lakes Council is actively looking at using more hybrid and electric vehicles as part of its climate commitments. We consider fuel and operational efficiency whenever we replace a council vehicle.

As part of its climate commitments, as well as increasing the fleet to include electric and hybrid vehicles to make our fleet cleaner and more efficient, we have also replaced some fleet cars with e-bikes and an e-scooter for staff use to encourage non-car transport for short trips wherever possible.

Only licensed drivers are permitted to drive fleet vehicles and we carry out pre-use safety checks such as tyres, lights and registration. Our vehicles are maintained and serviced regularly to make sure our fleet is safe and compliant

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Media: Aukaha News

Topic: Tarawera sewerage scheme-related court case

Enquiry

Tēnā koutou e Te Kaunihera o Ngā Roto o Rotorua

Ko Te Kawa Paora tēnei o Aukaha News

We’re currently following the matter in the Rotorua High Court between the Rotokākahi Board of Control and Rotorua lakes council

We’re reaching ask if the council would to comment on this subject?

Response

We informed the reporter that as this matter is now before the court it would not be appropriate to comment at this time.