7 May 2026: Local government reforms, unemployment, recovered water
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Local Government reforms
Enquiry
Reporter had a further question for the Mayor regarding this week’s local government reforms announcement:
What councils has the Mayor spoken to about proposals as they need multiples to be considered?
Response
From Mayor Tapsell:
“I’ve had informal discussions with Mayors & CEs in the Bay of Plenty plus we had an urgent online meeting last night with Bay of Plenty Mayors and Regional Council Chair.
“I’ve also had an online meeting with Waikato Regional Council this morning and there will likely be an upcoming discussion with the Waikato Mayoral Forum, because we’re part of the Waikato. However I have given initial indication it would be unlikely for us to lean towards the wider Waikato region.”
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Media: Radio NZ
Topic: Unemployment statistics
Enquiry
I’m looking at Stats NZ statistics about unemployment out today. It says Auckland, Wellington, and the Bay of Plenty are lagging behind in employment, compared to other regions.
Looking at the Bay of Plenty it shows a 7.1 per cent unemployment rate in the March quarter, compared to 5.7 per cent in December 2025.
I’m keen to chat to the mayor about the reasons for that in the next couple of hours. What industries might be particularly hard hit, how is tourism going, that sort of thing?
Response
Mayor Tapsell was interviewed last night. View the resulting story at THIS LINK
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Media: Aukaha News
Topic: Recovered water project
Enquiry
I am emailing to ask if I may interview a councillor who has knowledge of the council's plan to discharge effluent water (allegedly) into the Rotoruanui a Kahumatamomoe waters?
I recently interviewed an environmental manager for Te Arawa Lakes Trust who shared their perspective on the matter. Would we be able to hear the council's perspective as well? In particular, for balance on the matter.
Response
We provided the following background:
Treated wastewater from the city wastewater treatment plant is currently discharged in Whakarewarewa Forest via an irrigation system.
The consent for this expires soon and the council needs to find another long-term solution for what to do with the recovered water (ie the treated wastewater that comes from the plant once it has been through the treatment process).
A working group has been established to consider this. The group is assessing proposals that have come forward and will make a recommendation to the Council for elected members’ consideration and decision-making.
You can find more information here: Recovered Water Project - Rotorua Lakes Council
We are also upgrading the treatment plant which will result in our wastewater being treated to an even higher standard than it is currently.
More about this project can be found at the following link on Council’s website: Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade - Rotorua Lakes Council
