4 September 2023
Media: Radio NZ
Topic: Meade Street geothermal mud pot
Enquiry
Can I please pre-record an interview to use in RNZ News about the increase in geothermal activity in Meade St Rotorua.
Some people are concerned and want to know what the Council is doing about it and whether anything will change to cater for it. Are their places safe?
And why is it happening again?
Response
From Rotorua Lakes Council spokesperson:
Council cordoned off the area around the mud pool three weeks ago and continue to monitor the area to ensure public safety.
There have been no recent reports to Council from residents about the activity that would currently be cause for additional concern. However, staff periodically check the ground heat and gas emissions at the site as a precaution. We remind everyone to avoid that area if possible.
Note: We politely declined the interview but supplied a photo of the site as of 3pm this afternoon. We also referred the reporter to Brad Scott from GNS for further comment.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Stuff
Topic: Meade Street geothermal mud pot
Enquiry
Could I please have a comment on the Meade Street geothermal activity this morning if possible thanks.
Did the mud pool become active again and why?
Nearby houses say they are affected by steam and shooting mud - is it safe?
I understand new houses were built in the area nearby after the initial activity of the pool in 2019 - so was the area ruled safe?
Do you have any photos or video you could please share?
Response
From Rotorua Lakes Council spokesperson:
Council cordoned off the area around the mud pool three weeks ago and continue to monitor the area to ensure public safety.
There have been no recent reports to Council from residents about the activity that would currently be cause for additional concern. However, staff periodically check the ground heat and gas emissions at the site as a precaution. We remind everyone to avoid that area if possible.
Note: We also referred the reporter to Brad Scott from GNS for further comment.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Meade Street geothermal mud pot
Enquiry
We are following up on the mud pool off an area of Meade St which is still active and causing concern for those living nearby.
- We understand the mud pool has gotten bigger - can council confirm this is true? What is the diameter of it now?
- We understand that the mud pool activity has not settled since it became active again last month - Can the council confirm this?
- We believe the ground is still moving as a result of the mud pool - can council say why this is happening? When will it stop? When should people evacuate due to the shaking?
- How long is the mud pool expected to be cordoned off?
- We believe the smell is really strong and constant for those living there, how long is this expected to be the case?
- Seeing as the smell is caused by a gas, does this increase the risk of rusting? What can residents do to protect their things?
- What advice does the council have for those living nearby about keeping their outdoor belongings safe? Like decks, chairs, garden equipment from flying mud and gas?
Is it safe for those living nearby? Has the council been in contact with any residents to tell them to move?
Response
From Rotorua Lakes Council spokesperson:
Council cordoned off the area around the mud pool three weeks ago and continue to monitor the area to ensure public safety.
There have been no recent reports to Council from residents about the activity that would currently be cause for additional concern. However, staff periodically check the ground heat and gas emissions at the site as a precaution. We remind everyone to avoid that area if possible.
Note: We also referred the reporter to Brad Scott from GNS for further comment.