28 July 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Pokie rules
Inquiry
Rotorua Daily Post requested to speak with Jean-Paul Gaston to gain clarification around the rules for pokie machines discussed in the Council meeting on 27 July.
Response
In response to question seeking clarification around how the 350 cap could/would be achieved, Jean-Paul (Strategy and Partnerships group manager) explained that would occur through venues closing. He reinforced that relocations would be allowed but only to and within the CBD, not within suburbs.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Begging in the inner city
Inquiry
Just a few questions I'd like to put to council, this can go to either Steve or Karen Hunt since she has the inner city in her portfolio.
- Do you think that beggars in the street have an impact on Rotorua's commercial sector?
- How would you address the seemingly increasing number of beggars in the CBD ?
- Are retailers within their rights to ask them to move along from their store front?
Response
From District Revitalisation portfolio lead Councillor Karen Hunt:
Begging isn't something we want to see happening or having an impact on business and some people find it intimidating. Unfortunately it does happen, elsewhere around the world as well as here although I've not personally been contacted by retailers or residents about it in recent times.
Council does have bylaws that constrain activities like soliciting money without authority, so retailers would be within their rights to move people on from in front of their premises.
Using the bylaws as a way to deal with the issue is a last resort. Generally if there is an issue our City Safe Guardians talk with the person involved and it's only if the issue continues and/or people feel threatened or intimated that the police will intervene or trespass notices will be considered.