14 August 2026: Slips, council procurement policies

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Slips on Dansey Rd

Enquiry

Is council aware of slips on Dansey Rd overnight and is work planned to clear these today? Is the road open?

Response

We provided the following information:

The council was made aware of a small slip overnight and road maintenance contractors attended during the night and made it safe.

Traffic management is in place and clean-up work is underway today.

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Media: Stuff

Topic: Council procurement policies

Enquiry

Hi, I am writing an article examining council procurement policies for products and services made in New Zealand, as opposed to those imported and sold. For example, the Rotorua Lakes Council purchased container-mounted shelters.

Central government procurement rules were updated in December, introducing a mandatory economic benefit to New Zealand test and an expectation that lower-value contracts go to capable local suppliers.

My questions are:

What is the council’s policy for purchasing locally, rather than importing?

Why did the council buy container mounted shelters from a supplier that sourced them overseas rather than from a New Zealand manufacturer?

Did the council ask New Zealand-owned company, Smart Shelters, to bid for the shelter contract? If not, why not?

What was the purchase value of the imported shelters?

What are the shelters being used for?

Response

We provided the following information:

We’ve looked into this for you and Rotorua Lakes Council has not purchased any container-mounted shelters but our waste contractor Smart Environmental has as part of the services they provide.

They are using them at our city recycling centre and for storage of waste collection bins.

You would need to speak with Smart Environmental about its procurement policies.

NOTE: Reporter indicated he would contact Smart Environmental