31 May 2021
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: New Rotorua tourism venture
Enquiry
Reporter sought comment from the Mayor and Deputy Mayor as follows:
We've just spotted this so sorry this is a quick turnaround request if you're able to manage?
Can I please get some . . . on this before 2pm today?
- Is it pleasing to see people willing to invest in Rotorua, especially at this time?
- How will this add value to the mountain biking hub?
- Feel free to add in anything else you think is relevant.
Response
Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson provided the following response:
1. "It’s great to see people willing to invest in the Rotorua visitor offering at this time and I believe it’s a smart commercial move given our experience since the pandemic began to be felt here. This development follows several other business investments that have gained impetus from the Whakarewarewa Forest redevelopment project joint funded by the Provincial Growth Fund and Rotorua Lakes Council in partnership with CNI Iwi Holdings. It’s good to see more jobs being created, and I am confident there will be more commercial developments around the forest in the future.
2. The attraction will add to the Mountain Bike Hub as destination for outdoor adventure seekers, and no doubt with similar businesses located there, they will leverage off each other.
3. Just as an observation, along with the already popular Canopy Tours, Redwoods Treewalk and Nightlights, and the proposed Zipline at Okere Falls, which I understand is now consented, Rotorua is fast becoming a globally renowned destination for people who like hanging about above ground in nature! We are lucky we have the special environments to support those experiences and much work is going into preserving and enhancing that environment."
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Blue Baths closure
Enquiry
What caused the concerns about the structural integrity of the building? Who raised the concerns?
What kind of testing has been done?
If public are outside the building are they safe from possible collapse or other health and safety concerns?
Is the leaseholder still required to pay rent while the building is closed? If not, how much rent has been foregone so far?
How much have these investigations cost the council to date?
In broad terms what is the council discussing with the leaseholder?
When does the council expect the Blue Baths to open - or is it closed indefinitely?
Subsequent following response to initial request:
So the council cannot confirm if it is or isn't safe for a member of the public to stand outside the building currently?
Does the building have unreinforced masonry?
Response
As we said last week, we are still in discussions with the lease holder and will provide more information about what’s happening at the Blue Baths once these discussions have concluded. The building has been closed to the public for safety reasons and we are working through options about how to best secure the site going forward.
Response to subsequent request:
There is no immediate risk to people standing nearby the building. Council is working through our options to best secure the site and ensure the surrounding area is safe.
There is no current evidence of unreinforced masonry.