18 May 2022
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Allocation of public housing
Enquiry
I've gone back to Housing Minister Megan Woods regarding this story I wrote 6 weeks ago to see how she was getting on with talking to her advisers about getting the Kainga Ora policy changed to ensure only Rotorua people got the new Rotorua homes that are being built, given the strong local feelings and your strong comments that it was "absolutely" your expectation. (See link for reference at the bottom).
She has responded with the following:
“I am still seeking advice on this issue, and priority placement is being investigated as part of the emergency housing system review, that is currently underway.”
Can you please comment on whether that is good enough given our new houses are due to be ready in the middle of the year (particularly Ranolf/Malfroy). Time is ticking on and as the current policy stands, it is possible out of towners who are deemed more in need of housing will get Rotorua homes.
Would be great if you could get something to me asap as I have a couple of stories to do today, so can't have everything coming at the end of the day. Could you manage 1pm?
Response
From Mayor Chadwick:
“I urge the Minister to make this a very high priority and I would hope that this signals an upcoming policy change.
“It continues to be my expectation that homes being built in Rotorua are for Rotorua people who need housing, and that locals are given preference through public housing allocation settings.”
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Anonymous letter drop in Owhata about reserves proposal
Enquiry
I'm working on a story about an anonymous letter drop in Ōwhata regarding the council's reserves proposal. (See letterattached).
An Ōwhata resident, Anna Steele, received the letter and believes if the council had not discussed the proposal in a closed-door forum it could have avoided the "misinformation" and "fear" she sees in it. See her comments below - provided to the council and mayor for the right of reply.
I would like to invite the council to point out what elements of the letter are incorrect - the anonymous letter is provided.
Justin Adams has also provided some comments about closed-door council meetings which are not specifically about RLC but I have provided them in case the council does wish to respond to them.
Could the council please also clarify the council's procedure for deciding if a forum is to be held in public-excluded? Or is it just not discussed but always presumed workshops are to be held in a confidential setting?
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COMMENTS
Anna Steele, an Ōwhata resident, said she received an anonymous letter last month.
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Steele, who is a member of Evolve Rotorua, said the letter included “unfounded claims” and was concerned “secretive council processes” led to a “void of information” which was filled with “misinformation and fear”.
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Steele, an accountant, said the anonymous letter would lead to “unease and more hatred of people that need more aroha and safe homes”.
She said it could have been “handled better” by the council holding workshops in public, which would have helped residents “understand the process”.
“The community needs to be part of the process and that can’t happen with all of the hui [forums] in secret.”
She said earlier consultation would have provided “transparency” about the proposal which would help stop the spread of misinformation and people “whipping up fear about what the proposal means”.
Steele said it would be a shame if a fear of “poor people living next door” meant houses didn’t get built.
“More housing does not mean bad housing. Excellent planning would result in a mixture of quality, well-designed public and private housing added to our neighbourhood which would benefit all people in Ōwhata.”
Steele said “transparency in the process – including when and how there is going to be public consultation – is important”.
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Local man Justin Adams had previously spoken out about the council’s closed-door workshops.
On Wednesday, he said councils discussing important issues in secret eroded the public’s trust in the institution and its motives.
“It makes you more suspicious of what is happening and more likely to believe something untoward is happening than what the reality could be.
“Your faith in the system starts to reduce the more and more in secret there is.”
Response
FromDCE District Leadership and Democracy, Oonagh Hopkins:
“Council forums for elected members are part of due diligence prior to finalising and presenting formal proposals for decision-making and/or consultation, to ensure it is a viable proposal.
“This is the case for any proposal that is put before elected members for consideration.
“Council has forums for a raft of reasons, such as to respect the sensitivity and confidential nature of some information. Forums allow elected members to discuss ideas and options, and provide direction on matters that may then become proposals for us to consider and take to the community. In no way are these decision-making forums.
“Unfortunately what has created anxiety in the community was the premature leaking of misinformation before due diligence had been completed and a viable proposal finalised to put to elected members for consideration.
“As disappointing as some of the information in this letter is, we can’t stop people from creating and sharing misinformation.
“Next week, the full Council will consider recommendations from the Strategy, Policy & Finance Committee, which includes seeking community feedback on this proposal prior to any decisions being made.
“If the recommendations are passed by Council, the proposal will proceed to consultation, and feedback from the community will be used to make decisions about whether to proceed, and if so, how. If the proposal proceeds further, there would be further opportunity to have input through the revocation status process.
“We encourage the community to visit our website to find the most recent and accurate information about this proposal. Next week’s Council meeting will also be livestreamed via council’s YouTube channel and members of the public are welcome to watch the proceedings and listen to elected members discuss the proposal.”
Felix, for your information, below is the information about Coulter Road Reserve that was included in the report that went to the SP&F Committee last week:
- There are CPTED issues due to poorly designed open space with no road frontage and minimal visibility into the reserve.
- Reports of vandalism from the Kōhanga Reo located on the reserve and ongoing antisocial behaviour.
- Reserve includes an aging playground that is nearing the end of its life.
- Disposal of part of the reserve for housing would improve passive surveillance, safety and use of the reserve.
- Kōhanga Reo that leases part of the reserve (not proposed for disposal) is supportive in principle of the proposal.
- Disposal of this site would enable investment into park facilities including the aging play equipment and a redundant tennis court.
It is important to note that as has been made public, the Kōhanga would not be impacted by the reserves proposal, there will be no removal of surrounding homes, and the reserves that have been identified in this proposal are not gifted land.
You can find further information about the proposal HERE.