7 September 2023
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Geothermal mud pot in Meade Street
Enquiry
In response to our request yesterday to ensure comment from residents was based on the correct information regarding changes to the geothermal mud pot in Meade Street, the reporter this morning advised us as follows:
The information I gave the resident was accurate with the information I was provided, thanks.
For your information, I had also told the resident that Brad [Scott from GNS] was not concerned about the safety.
The concerns of the resident are that council did not tell her about the change in size - with the change in size being something that you, yourself said happened. These concerns stand.
In good faith, I will go back the resident with the new details of information you have just provided me with, and come back to you.
Subsequent from reporter:
In response, they resident said the new information was small (the size was much of a muchness) and the 10 days ago v within the las 10 days was irrelevant to her.This did not change her comments, as the issues she raised were about lack of communication.
She added:
“The council should be communicating with us”.
“No matter what ... every time they went to go check it, they should have given us [residents] an update. That’s how I feel.”
In response to the council speaking to residents there, she said the council should make more of an effort to speak to residents who were not home, “even leaving a contact card, just something”.
Response
We advised as follows:
Nothing further to add from RLC today from what was provided to you yesterday (as below) but thank you for checking and thank you for going back to the resident.
From Group Manager Community and District Development Jean-Paul Gaston:
Geothermal surface features commonly change to some degree over time, especially during periods of activity. Changes to the mud pot, most of which is on an unoccupied private section with some on council reserve land, have not increased the level of concern with regards to people’s safety at this point in time.
We will proactively contact nearby residents if we become aware of changes in the level of risk to them or their properties.
Geothermal activity on the site has reduced this week but the area remains cordoned off and we will continue to monitor the feature to help ensure public safety.
Throughout last month we have spoken to residents available while we were in the area inspecting the site and we last spoke to available residents on 30 August. We would encourage people to call Council at any time, 24/7, on 348 4199, if they have any concerns.