16 March 2022
Media: TVNZ (OneNews)
Topic: Today's Government announcements relating to border re-opening
Enquiry
Sam Kelway requested an on camera interview with Mayor Chadwick to talk about today’s border announcement [see HERE]
Response
Mayor Chadwick was interview and covered off the points below:
• This is exciting news and our city is absolutely ready to welcome international visitors
• Knew we would have international tourism returning at some point but it’s great to have the certainty now.
• Having a date will enable tourism operators and the hospitality industry to begin their planning.
• Ready to show the manaakitanga that our district is so well known for.
• Plenty of space for visitors and fabulous places to visit while they are here – lakefront, forest etc
• This city has never needed something more. We need the benefits of having tourists back in our city – support for industry, vibrancy in the city, economic movement (money), jobs for our people.
• Also offers more certainty for events and conferences. Those planning will be able to bank on having international attendees.
• Coincides with Australian school holidays – added bonus.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Today's border announcement
Enquiry
I'm sure you've heard the news that New Zealand will begin welcoming Australian tourists back three months ahead of schedule with borders opening up to Aussie citizens on April 12.
In light of that announcement yesterday, I was hoping to get comment from the mayor or deputy mayor in response to these questions:
- Do you anticipate there will be a lot of tourists returning to Rotorua from Australia?
- What impact do you think the return of Australian tourists will have in Rotorua?
- Do you think the tourism industry is coming to the end of the long, dark Covid tunnel?
If possible, I'd appreciate it if you could get back to me before 3pm as this story is set to run in the paper tomorrow.
Just in case you need a bit more background:
Response
Reporter was directed to the statement from Mayor Chadwick and Rotorua Economic Development CE Andrew Wilson
Response from Rotorua Economic Development:
From Rotorua Economic Development CE, Andrew Wilson:
Do you anticipate there will be a lot of tourists returning to Rotorua from Australia?
Our previous experience with the Australian bubble during 2021 suggests we will see Australian tourists returning to Rotorua quickly. Based on historical patterns this is likely to be a steady stream before volumes pick up later in the year.
What impact do you think the return of Australian tourists will have in Rotorua?
The return of Australian tourists will have a massive positive impact, as many of our businesses were heavily reliant on international visitors. In some cases, up to 95% of people coming through the doors were from overseas and Australia has always been our largest source of international visitors.
Do you think the tourism industry is coming to the end of the long, dark Covid tunnel?
For many of our tourism, accommodation and hospitality businesses the return of Australian tourists provides a welcome boost as we head into the winter season, and is certainly the light at the end of the tunnel.
Are tourism operators ready for this change in the Government's plans?
Our operators are absolutely ready! Over the past two years many have taken the opportunity to invest and update their experiences and they can’t wait to welcome back international visitors.
Given the MIQ timeline, do you think Rotorua's accommodation providers are ready to benefit from the return of Australian visitors? What will this change mean to them?
The accommodation sector is definitely ready to benefit from the return of Australian visitors, the return of the MIQ rooms over the coming months lines up well with anticipated volumes.
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Media: Stuff
Topic: Today's border announcement
Enquiry
Short notice I know but wanted to ask if there is any chance of some reaction from Mayor Steve to the tourism/border announcement that's just been made?
Nub of it being: The Government will open the New Zealand border to vaccinated Australian tourists from 11.59pm on April 12.
Tourists from visa-waiver countries like the United States and UK will be able to arrive from 11.59pm on May 1.
Response
Reporter was directed to the statement from Mayor Chadwick and Rotorua Economic Development CE Andrew Wilson
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Rotorua's inclusion in housing supply legislation (RMA (Housing Supply and other Matters) Amendment Act
Enquiry
Tell me in real terms what will happen between now and when some of the new rules come into place from August 2022 and what district plan changes are needed and the timeframe?
What housing project/s in the district will be able to be fast-tracked due to this announcement and how many extra houses are expected to be delivered from those projects?
Are there any added costs for ratepayers in relation to these changes or does it mean reduced costs?
Response
From District Development DCE Jean-Paul Gaston
Council is working on a Housing Plan Change which will incorporate the new Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) but will also consider new heights and density rules for other parts of the district.
That Plan Change needs to be notified in August 2022 in line with the direction of the Government’s National Policy Statement on Urban Development.
Alongside that work, Council is in the planning stages of a Future Development Strategy which takes a long-term view of how and where development happens in Rotorua, and what is needed to support that development such as infrastructure and community assets.
The MDRS will enable property owners in residential 1 and 2 zones to add further homes to their current sections. The changes will significantly improve the opportunity for infill housing and development across the city. This will provide more housing choices and more affordable housing options.
This change will not add costs to ratepayers.
The new standards will mean many housing developments will not require a resource consent. This will help to reduce the time it takes to get a home built and the cost of consenting