12 August 2026: reforms decisions, crashes, council art, fluoridation
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Local government reforms decisions
Enquiry
I have a few questions for the mayor and the chief executive about Head Start plans, specifically around what the agreement was, when it was in place and why it fell through.
Please find questions below.
A response by 1pm tomorrow would be great if at all possible?
For Mayor Tania Tapsell
- What was Rotorua's understanding of the agreement between the Bay of Plenty mayors?
- What changed between that agreement and Rotorua ultimately not being part of the coordinated proposal?
- Does Rotorua still support the three-authority model as a solution for the Bay of Plenty?
- Is that something Rotorua would be prepared to pursue outside the Head Start process?
- What would need to happen for that model to become viable?
- Do you think the Government's timeframe made it impossible to properly develop a Bay-wide solution?
- You previously mentioned the possibility of an extension, has that been pursued?
For Chief Executive Andrew Moraes
- What exactly had the Bay of Plenty councils agreed to before the final week?
- Was the intention to submit three separate proposals supported by a shared letter?
- When did Rotorua become aware that the shared arrangement was no longer going ahead?
- What prevented Rotorua from being part of the final three-authority arrangement?
- Does anything in the Head Start process prevent the three-authority model being explored outside this process?
- What work would Rotorua need to do before it could seriously consider the model?
Response
From Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell:
What was Rotorua's understanding of the agreement between the Bay of Plenty mayors?
We're fortunate that the Mayoral Forum between Bay of Plenty Mayors has good relationships, respect and we collectively advocate and act in the best interests of our region. As we've seen across the country this has been a difficult and at times dysfunctional conversation as we consider potential mergers. What I'm really proud of is that we understood and agreed that we have three very clear and distinct sub-regions and after consulting with our individual Councils understood that this was the best and most likely proposal to succeed.
What changed between that agreement and Rotorua ultimately not being part of the coordinated proposal?
When WBOP Council lost by one vote to go into Head Start it meant that we no longer had agreement across the region. It's very disappointing as we had a principle not to force anyone into Head Start, but we've now ended up in a position where both Rotorua and Tauranga are no longer eligible and being forced into backstop. I understand and support Eastern Bay Councils continuing as ultimately that's the best decision as they get to determine and be part of their own future form.
Does Rotorua still support the three-authority model as a solution for the Bay of Plenty?
Absolutely, it makes sense not only to us but clearly through the community engagement we've undertaken to date.
Is that something Rotorua would be prepared to pursue outside the Head Start process?
Head Start was the only option available to determine our own future which is why I'm genuinely gutted that we're on the edge of losing this opportunity if we're not granted an extension of time to resolve concerns Councillors had.
What would need to happen for that model to become viable?
It is still viable and realistically Tauranga and WBOP were the most logical across our whole region to be merged from a geography and infrastructure perspective. Where this fell apart was the short time frames to confirm it's actually better, and my Rotorua Councillors holding the line on not forcing unwilling Councils to merge.
Do you think the Government's timeframe made it impossible to properly develop a Bay-wide solution?
For the BOP our solution was quite obvious of three unitary authorities, the government had also been clear that if accepted into Head Start we'd have until next year to undertake detailed design of mergers and proper community consultation. So no, it was probably quite simple, but I understand given the significance of change and how slow Councils normally operate that Councillors were nervous of the uncertainty.
You previously mentioned the possibility of an extension, has that been pursued?
Yes, I have requested an extension of four weeks. Rotorua Council had already decided to pursue Head Start, on the final day when we were set to confirm our proposal document only it was a shock to have it narrowly voted down due to concerns for WBOP who voted no the day prior. This leaves us in a position of agreeing to be in Head Start but not having the final proposal approved to submit. The Minister has our draft proposal and we're waiting to see if we get the extension to confirm and submit the proposal properly.
From Rotorua Lakes Council Chief Executive Andrew Moraes:
What exactly had the Bay of Plenty councils agreed to before the final week?
Staff were preparing documents on the basis of three proposals for approval by the relevant councils, based on three unitaries across the region – western (Tauranga City and Western Bay), central (Rotorua) and eastern (Whakatane, Kawerau and Opotiki).
As I advised elected members, no arrangement could be finalised or confirmed without the approval of other named councils.
Was the intention to submit three separate proposals supported by a shared letter?
Yes, that was my understanding and was documented as such in the 29 July Council paper and discussed at that meeting.
Subsequent to the 29 July meeting I received further confirmation from MCERT that to be eligible for a Head Start proposal, Rotorua would need to be included in a proposal with other councils.
When did Rotorua become aware that the shared arrangement was no longer going ahead?
The decision of the Western Bay council and the eastern Bay of Plenty councils submitting their proposal independently meant a single Bay-wide submission was no longer possible. I became aware of this on Thursday and this was reflected in the paper that went to Council on Friday.
What prevented Rotorua from being part of the final three-authority arrangement?
See above.
Under the Head Start criteria we needed to be part of a joint proposal with at least one other council.
Mathew: to clarify, there was no “final” three-authority arrangement. There was a proposed Bay-wide approach based on three unitaries but, as above, this was dependent on the decisions of the various councils and decisions made meant that was ultimately not possible.
Does anything in the Head Start process prevent the three-authority model being explored outside this process?
What work would Rotorua need to do before it could seriously consider the model?
The Head Start process is closed. Anything that happens outside of that process will depend on future government policy announcements and the Government has not yet provided any detail about the “backstop” process.
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Media: Sun Media
Topic: State highway crashes
Enquiry
I am seeking comment from Rotorua Lakes Council regarding the recent series of serious crashes in the SH38/SH5 area south of Rotorua.
There have been three serious injury crashes in the area within the past three weeks, including crashes at or near the SH38/SH5 intersection and near Rainbow Road.
Could the council please comment on the following:
- Is the council concerned by the number of serious crashes in this area over a short period?
- Has the council identified any safety issues or trends in this section of road?
- Have any road safety assessments, investigations or reviews been undertaken recently in the area?
- Are any safety improvements, upgrades or intersection changes planned or being considered?
- Has the council raised concerns with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi about this section of road and, if so, what discussions have taken place?
- What advice would the council give motorists travelling through the area?
Any additional context around crash history, safety initiatives or planned works would be appreciated.
Reporter sent the following enquiry to NZTA regarding the same matter:
I am reaching out to see if I can get some comment from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi regarding the recent series of serious crashes in the SH38/SH5 area south of Rotorua.
There have been three serious injury crashes in the area within the past three weeks, including crashes at or near the SH38/SH5 intersection and near Rainbow Road.
Could NZTA please comment on the following:
• Is NZTA concerned by the number of serious crashes in this area over a short period?
• Has NZTA identified any safety issues or trends in this section of road?
• Have any road safety assessments, investigations or reviews been undertaken recently in the area?
• Are any safety improvements, upgrades or intersection changes planned or being considered?
• Has NZTA received concerns from Rotorua Lakes Council or other stakeholders about this section of road and, if so, what discussions have taken place?
• What advice would NZTA give motorists travelling through the area?
Any additional context around crash history, safety initiatives or planned works would be appreciated.
Response
From Group Manager - Infrastructure and Assets, Stavros Michael:
Is the council concerned by the number of serious crashes in this area over a short period?
Road safety is always a priority for us, and any serious crash is a cause for concern.
Has the council identified any safety issues or trends in this section of road?
As the responsible authority for state highways, NZTA Waka Kotahi is best placed to respond to this question.
Have any road safety assessments, investigations or reviews been undertaken recently in the area?
As above.
Are any safety improvements, upgrades or intersection changes planned or being considered?
As above
Has the council raised concerns with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi about this section of road and, if so, what discussions have taken place?
We have not raised concerns about this particular section, but we maintain regular engagement with NZTA Waka Kotahi on road safety issues.
What advice would the council give motorists travelling through the area?
Motorists are encouraged to follow all road safety signage, observe speed limits, and drive to the conditions.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi provided the following response:
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is saddened by today’s fatal crash on State Highway 38. Our thoughts are with those affected, and with their families and friends.
As with all serious crashes on the state highway network, a thorough investigation will be carried out, including a review of the road and the surrounding environment at the crash location.
It is too early to determine whether there are any common factors or broader safety trends.
NZTA urges all motorists travelling on state highways to take care, drive to the conditions and keep to the speed limit. Drivers should stay focused, allow a safe following distance, and take extra care at intersections.
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Council art collection
Enquiry
Reporter had the following questions for Mayor Tapsell relating to the council art collection following on from a recent enquiry submitted to the council organisation:
The collection is worth an estimated $13.66 million, but hasn't been on public display since 2016. What would you like to see happen with the collection once the museum reopens in 2028?
Council is currently spending about`$319,000 a year on insurance, storage and conservation. Do you think there are opportunities to reduce those ongoing costs while still protecting the collection?
Council says it has considered options for displaying more of the collection elsewhere, but the security and environmental requirements made that difficult. Would you like to see more of the collection made accessible to the public before 2028 if a suitable opportunity arose?
Council says deaccessioning — the process of deciding whether works should remain in a collection — is ongoing. How do you think the council should approach decisions about works that may no longer fit its collection?
With the next long-term plan providing an opportunity to look at future investment and services, do you think the art collection should be part of a broader conversation about what Rotorua wants its museum and cultural assets to look like in the future?
Response
Mayor Tapsell provided the following response:
What would you like to see happen with the collection once the museum reopens in 2028?
In September the Museum building will be fixed and work will start on our world-class exhibition. I'm proud to have led this restoration on time and on budget, and the exciting part now begins as we complete the design and confirm which taonga and artwork will be on display. Councils have custom storage facilities as it's not always possible to display all pieces at once. What I hope is that these incredible pieces get to be displayed publicly, even if during temporary and changing exhibitions.
Council is currently spending about`$319,000 a year on insurance, storage and conservation. Do you think there are opportunities to reduce those ongoing costs while still protecting the collection?
Yes, as stewards of our community assets we're constantly needing to consider what the best value for our ratepayers money is. Keeping artwork in storage is a debate that has started across the country and I'm committed to reviewing how we can best protect our art and history while ensuring a return on this investment for locals.
Council says it has considered options for displaying more of the collection elsewhere, but the security and environmental requirements made that difficult. Would you like to see more of the collection made accessible to the public before 2028 if a suitable opportunity arose?
Yes of course, I don't believe it needs to be complicated. Where there is a will, there is always a way, and if artworks are owned by public entities then there should at least be a plan for them to be displayed even if only temporary. I'd love for locals and visitors to see nationally and internationally significant artwork in Rotorua and not just the big cities.
Council says deaccessioning — the process of deciding whether works should remain in a collection — is ongoing. How do you think the council should approach decisions about works that may no longer fit its collection?
We do need to be careful about setting expectations or rushing into decisions. I believe there is very real need to protect historic and cultural artifacts, especially with local connection. But any decision to pass on responsibility of looking after artworks in general should be made knowing it will still be looked after and protected by others. (Fyi Council has a deaccessioning policy and all deaccessioning requires a Council decision.)
With the next long-term plan providing an opportunity to look at future investment and services, do you think the art collection should be part of a broader conversation about what Rotorua wants its museum and cultural assets to look like in the future?
Planning for the next 10 years of investment, cost and debt is a massive process and requires us to consider all and every cost. Reviewing artwork falls into our desire to ensure that our Museum and all areas affiliated to it are operationally sustainable, meaning that there needs to be a return either social or financial to the significant investment we put into it for our community.
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Media: Radio NZ
Topic: Fluoridation
Enquiry
I am wondering about the 27 councils who are next on the Ministry of Health’s list to possibly be issued a directive to fluoridate all or part of their water supplies.
Can you please tell me:
Does your council have any plans to fluoridate?
If so, can you please tell me what the plans are and what progress is on them?
When did you last hear from the Ministry of Health about fluoridation?
What have they told you about whether your council will be issued with a directive?
What would it take for council to fluoridate the supply if directed to?
Have your mayor/councillors taken a vote or stance on fluoride - and what is that?
Happy to chat more if that helps. My deadline is Friday afternoon.
*NOTE: see reference to council water supplies in Rotorua at the following link on the MOH website which is what the reporter was referring to in terms of being ‘next on the list’ to possibly receive a directive to fluoridate: Implementation of community water fluoridation | Ministry of Health NZ (see question re ‘will further directions to fluoridate drinking water be issues?’)
Response
From Stavros Michael, Group Manager Infrastructure and Assets:
Does your council have any plans to fluoridate?
In 2022 Rotorua Lakes Council was directed by the Director General of Health to introduce fluoride into its two larger water supplies (central and eastern). The council complied with that directive. There are no current plans to fluoridate any other of our water supplies.
If so, can you please tell me what the plans are and what progress is on them?
See above
When did you last hear from the Ministry of Health about fluoridation?
When we were progressing with fluoridation of the central and eastern water supplies.
What have they told you about whether your council will be issued with a directive?
We have received no correspondence regarding any potential further directives.
What would it take for council to fluoridate the supply if directed to?
Upgrades to the relevant water treatment plants would be required to allow fluoride to be safely added to the water.
Have your mayor/councillors taken a vote or stance on fluoride - and what is that?
In March 2025 elected members passed a recommendation, by a majority vote, noting the council chief executive would comply with the directive of the Director-General of Health to start water fluoridation as legally required under the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021.
