22 June 2021
Media: Newstalk ZB
Topic: MIQ toilet stops
Enquiry
I saw this line in an independent review into our managed isolation and quarantine hotels that's just been released.
"En route toilet stops are proving to be an issue for the long coach journeys as local councils are not welcoming the transit stop."
I assume this is to the MIQ in Hamilton and Rotorua from Auckland and was wondering if your council was one of the ones concerned about the toilet stops? It's a logistical problem I didn't think about!
Response
Reporter was advised there were no known issues with this in Rotorua and that she’d be best to contact the Managed Isolation & Quarantine comms team for more specifics about the review.
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Rotorua CBD plans
Enquiry
Looking into the CBD - can the council please provide attributable comment on:
Is the council considering pedestrianising Tūtānekai St?
How far along is this idea? Are there new plans / designs (if so can you please provide them)?
Is this part of the council's inner city revitalisation strategy - is it in line with the plans here?
Is the council meeting with businesses about this idea? What is the goal/reason for speaking with businesses about this at this time?
Response
The reporter was advised the following:
There is no proposal to pedestrianise Tutanekai St or consultation with businesses about pedestrianising Tutanekai so I’m not sure where this question has come from?
The link you’ve provided relates to the functionality review of the CBD and the options [not proposals] that resulted from that which were to be considered as part of inner city planning. An inner city plan is part of the economic development strategy framework but there are no plans/designs at this stage.
*NOTE: reporter responded that he had received a news tip and was checking to verify whether it was correct.
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: RLC organisational realignment
Enquiry
Reporter set out his terms in response to CE’s offer for an interview to discuss the realignment to ensure understanding and context re what is happening and why and the expectations etc related to the DCE roles.
Reporter said in the meantime he wanted to pursue his request yesterday for copies of the DCE job descriptions plus sought responses to additional questions in relation to these, giving a deadline of 4pm.
Reporter provided the following for “right of reply”:
A copy of a notice of motion from Cr Bentley as follows:
I wish to call for an independent review of Rotorua District Council (aka Rotorua Lakes Council)
To be moved by Cr Peter Bentley seconded by Cr Raj Kumar
Such a review to be conducted by an experienced, independent, impartial person of integrity I.e. Mr Peter Winter. Mr Winter is well qualified in this field having done similar reviews for at least 3 other Councils.
There is a lot of chatter in the public arena about this Council’s direction and if we are on the right track then an independent review will confirm this and quieten the chatter. The review could also come up with suggestions to improve our future direction.
Whatever the outcome, the review will Improve the confidence of our ratepayers.
I would like this motion to be heard at the next available full Council meeting please.
The reporter also sent the following comments for right of reply:
Victoria University human relations expert Professor Jane Bryson said if the deputy chief executives have been appointed "they would have role descriptions for what [the council] has appointed them to".
"They must have a role description."
She said it seemed "unusual" to raise salaries and change titles before finalising job descriptions, but it was hard to know without knowing the full details of the change process and "how they've gone about it".
Christopher Luxon:
“With rates set to rise on average by 9 per cent, Rotorua residents should rightly expect sound, justified decision-making and spending from their council.
“I can see why so many ratepayers are concerned that the council is appointing seven deputy CEOs – it does feel over the top.
“Before the Minister steps in, the council has a number of options, including the ability to bring in an independent review if there is growing ratepayer concern.
“As local MP Todd McClay has said, it’s very important ratepayers can have confidence in their council.”
Response
Regarding your offer of “right of reply”, see the following:
From Oonagh Hopkins, DCE Leadership and Democracy:
We have responded to Cr Bentley to let him know his notice of motion has been received but contains a couple of procedural matters we need to work through and we are awaiting a response.
Regarding your other questions, we have offered an interview with the CE to discuss these matters.
Regarding the CE’s offer for an interview, he does not expect to have terms dictated to him but I can confirm that it was intended to be on the record and it was anticipated that it would be recorded.
We will check his availability and get back to you with some options for day/time of interview.