11 June 2021
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Visitor accommodation availability in Rotorua
Enquiry
Questions for RLC
I'm writing a story after concerns have been raised by a local accommodation provider (Kerris Browne) that Rotorua doesn't have enough beds to cater for our visitors as a result of homeless people being put in our motels.
I've sought comment from Andrew Wilson already about this who has answered from a tourism point of view.
However, one of sources has just made comment that's critical of the council itself and I'd like to put these comments to you to see if you'd like to respond.
Velocity Valley managing director Simon Short said the Rotorua Lakes Council needed to stop allowing the motels to be used in this way.
"The second the stop doing that and make a plan, the better. I'm worried there's no end date. They need to say 'we will change things by this date'."
He said in his opinion the Government taskforce that worked with agencies locally didn't find a solution.
"All they came back with was better contracts for motels. There was nothing in there about future proofing all these rooms being taken up."
He said Tourism New Zealand's marketing team were recently in Rotorua revealing its domestic marketing campaign and many of industry leaders put their hands up and told them it was a great idea but said "what's the point, we have got nowhere to put anyone?".
Questions for Rotorua Economic Development (RED)
I'm writing a story based on a Facebook post from a long-standing Air BnB operator in Rotorua, Kerris Browne, and was wanting to get some comment from Andrew Wilson please.
She is saying there's not enough beds in Rotorua anymore at long weekends because the motels are taken up with homeless people.
Reg Hennessy is also quoted in today's paper saying it was a busy weekend, but upsetting to hear so many people couldn't find accommodation and went elsewhere
- How many motels in Rotorua are offering emergency or transitional housing accommodation
- Do you have figures on how many beds that means are no longer available for tourist/visitor accommodation
- Is Destination Rotorua concerned the city doesn't have enough beds for those big long weekends and events weekends
- What flow on effect to the activities/attractions/bars/cafes/restaurants and shops does this have?
- What is the plan to rectify this?
- Has the visitor industry expressed their concerns about this to Destination Rotorua formally before?
Feel free to mention anything else you think is relevant.
Clarifying question 5. What is the plan to rectify this?
What is the plan, if there is any, to rectify the fact that Rotorua does not have enough beds for visitors during busy event weekends and long weekends?
Previously, before the homeless stayed in motels, there were more beds available yet Rotorua was still booked out during these pressure times.
Now, we are booked out well in advance, meaning people who would have still come here and booked closer to the time, can't.
Therefore, tourist attractions, cafes, restaurants and shops miss out on having those visitors in Rotorua.
Does Destination Rotorua have a plan to rectify this? If it's not part of your mandate, fine.
Responses
RLC response
From Jean-Paul Gaston - Deputy Chief Executive District Development:
It’s positive to see large numbers of visitors coming to our city but we are hearing the frustrations from our community and want to assure people that council is actively working alongside iwi and the Government to deliver solutions that work for Rotorua.
We have always said we need long-term solutions to address the housing crisis and the work currently underway is a good starting point. We are not prepared to see people turned out onto the street. These initial actions that will help to provide suitable accommodation for those vulnerable people who need it most, while alleviating some of the issues that have arisen from the mixed-use motels and ad hoc arrangements we have seen in the past year.
The relevant Government agencies are in the process of contracting local providers and we understand that work is progressing well. Council staff are engaged to ensure that any consenting processes happen as efficiently as possible.
From Ministry of Social Development (approached with the same request)
Please attribute to Mike Bryant, Regional Commissioner Bay of Plenty:
While Rotorua moteliers providing emergency housing are free to decide who they let their units to, we are grateful that so many have chosen to open their doors to people in housing distress. We value the assistance they provide to us and our clients.
Ensuring there is emergency housing to meet the demand in Rotorua is a priority. As Rotorua has a housing shortage, some people are staying in motels longer.
We are committed to supporting our clients to find long term, sustainable housing. We also focus on supporting as many New Zealanders as possible back into work while ensuring they receive their full benefit entitlements.
Meanwhile, Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities is working to deliver around 190 additional public houses in Rotorua by 2024 under the Public Housing Plan.
Kāinga Ora is also intensifying its efforts in Rotorua to identify opportunities for building new housing to provide more permanent homes.
RED response
You can attribute the following statement which addresses Q’s 3-6, to Andrew Wilson, Interim Chief Executive Rotorua Economic Development
Rotorua has always been a popular destination during long weekends and around major events. As a destination we’re fortunate to be attracting large sporting events that bring people to our district, and we’ve always run at peak capacity during these periods. This year is no different. It will be some time until we see the same number of international visitors that we saw pre-COVID so it’s great to see domestic visitors filling those gaps.
We are constantly engaged with the visitor industry to ensure their voices are heard amongst relevant central government agencies. Part of this involves making sure we have the right accommodation that matches the visitors needs so we’re working closely with Rotorua Lakes Council, central government, Te Arawa and private investors to ensure the accommodation offerings continue to develop and meet the needs of future visitors.
Information provided:
- How many motels in Rotorua are offering emergency or transitional housing accommodation? We don’t know the exact number because some are providing shared usage so numbers vary
- Do you have figures on how many beds that means are no longer available for tourist/visitor accommodation? Statistics New Zealand used to provide a monthly Commercial Accommodation Monitor, which was discontinued in September 2019: https://www.stats.govt.nz/topics/accommodation. You can compare this by using MBIE’s Accommodation Data Program (ADP) https://freshinfo.shinyapps.io/ADPReporting/ Note: Units means – daily capacity in terms of short-term accom units including those temporarily closed e.g hotel tooms, motel units, dorm beds, camping sites etc
This link is a great tool from MBIE where you can compare occupancy / bed availability to previous months etc.