5 May 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Subdivisions
Inquiry
I got hold of Paul Sumner yesterday arvo about his new subdivision for Pukehangi Rd. He's very excited to get the go ahead from the council and said it's going to be great for Rotorua.
We are running this story in tomorrow's paper. Is it possible to get a few comments and facts from the council to go with it?
Can the mayor or someone appropriate give a few comments on the following
1. This subdivision will have nearly 90 sections. Why is this good news for Rotorua?
2. Do we still need more?
3. Anything else you want to add.
Can the council please answer the following
1. How many recent subdivisions have been given consent in Rotorua (and are yet to be developed/worked on)?
2. Where and what are these?
3. How many subdivisions are in the process of getting consent?
4. Where and what are these? (unsure if you're allowed to divulge this but answering number 3 would be helpful at least)
Response
Kia ora, see below response regarding subdivisions:
The Pukehangi announcement signals we're now getting into sizeable subdivisions. It's good news, following last month's announcement of 24 new sections opening up at Baxendale and will start to make a difference, giving other developers and investors the confidence to proceed as well.
We know we have growth pressures and a housing shortage so we do need more and there is the substantial potential for further residential development in Rotorua.
There is more to come but it can't happen overnight. The timing is up to the landowners and developers who decide when the conditions and time are right time for them, subject to any constraints that might apply.
Council's consenting team is seeing a lot of interest in developing and says confidence to proceed is increasing, with strong interest in both residential and rural residential sectors. A number of multi-lot subdivisions have been approved during the past six months which developers will announce when they're ready.
Staff are also processing an increasing number of smaller infill subdivisions in residential areas and lifestyle lot subdivisions in rural areas.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Lions tour influx
Inquiry
I am doing a story on the influx of visitors (expected to more than 21,000 people) to be in Rotorua for the Maori All Blacks V Lions during the game weekend of June 17/18.
- What plans have the RLC got set in place to cope with this massive influx? ie traffic, roading, crowd control.
- Are there learnings taken from the 2005 Lions game weekend?
- Are the RLC in contact with local businesses etc to keep them informed of plans and events during the weekend? i.e Big Brekkie
- The upgrade of the old City Focus, now Manawa, has been delayed due to the flooding as contractors taking on emergency work in Edgecumbe. Has there been any update on when this will start?
Further question:
- Has council organised any kind of 'fan base' or street closures for the influx? I know Reg Hennessy was wanting to have part of Tutanekai, outside his pub, closed?
Response
When the Lions were in New Zealand in 2005 Rotorua hosted the opening match. The Maori All Blacks vs Lions match next month is a week before the first test so we expect more visitors to be in town this time because the tests are the focus for those following the tour. It will be a great opportunity to showcase our city and show the spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality) Rotorua is famous for.
Because we host a lot of events in Rotorua we're well equipped to cater for inflows of visitors. We already have good relationships with service providers and emergency services and have been talking to them to ensure everyone's prepared.
Parking, transport, accommodation and food services will all be stretched but measures will be put in place to lessen the impact on day to day services. A free bus for ticket holders will be available to transport fans from the inner city to the Stadium and plenty of parking will be available on the day.
The public can stay informed online at www.rotoruanz.com/dhlnzlionstour2017 and local businesses are also encouraged to check what's happening and take the opportunity to get involved. Any questions can be directed to the Major Events team at Council.
Updates about events, transport, road closures will be posted on the website and Council's Facebook page.
One of the major events planned for the night before the game (Friday 16 June) is the Matariki All Stars Parade. Free art workshops are open now for anyone who wants to make their own creations to carry during the parade. For details of the workshops go to the Matariki All Star Parade Facebook page.
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Media: Rotorua Review
Topic: Clarification - Health hub
Inquiry
Just wanted to ask a clarification question in the wake of the library health hub presentation yesterday.
JP mentioned 5 items (interactive Fenton St agreement, etc etc) that external funding was being sought for. He also mentioned 3 grants had been approved totalling $200,000.
Does this mean external funding exists for 3 of the 5 projects? If so, can any light be shed on which ones may be progressed and how that decision will be made?
Response
Strategy and Partnership Group Manager Jean-Paul Gaston spoke directly to Rotorua Review.