25 May 2022
Media: NewstalkZB
Topic: Council's legal action against emergency housing motels
Enquiry
A producer for Heather du Plessis-Allan’s afternoon show requested an interview with Mayor Chadwick to discuss the regulatory action being taken with respect to 9 tourist accommodation operators in Rotorua providing emergency housing (see HERE)
Response
Mayor Chadwick declined the interview, explaining that she does not think an interview is appropriate at this time as the matter is now before the court.
However, she provided the statement she has provided other media in recent days regarding this matter (see below).
From Mayor Chadwick:
I know that staff always attempt to engage with those concerned – as they have in this case – prior to any decision to take regulatory action and that action like this is always a last resort.
Rotorua Lakes Council has been working closely with central government to get an end-to-end support system in place for people needing emergency accommodation and that is now in place.
The council organisation also has an obligation to ensure people are in accommodation that is safe and fit-for-purpose.
The following information was also provided:
Council has filed applications in the Environment Court seeking enforcement orders against 9 tourist accommodation operators providing emergency housing to require compliance with the Rotorua District Plan.
The applications were lodged with the court on 16 May.
This follows previous attempts to request that these operators engage with Rotorua Lakes Council to ensure that if they want to continue providing emergency housing they are compliant with the relevant regulations and requirements.
The action is part of a compliance process to ensure the safety and appropriateness of any facilities providing emergency accommodation.
Across the next two weeks other operators providing non-contracted emergency housing will receive an initial invitation to engage with Council in order to ensure that if they want to continue providing emergency housing they are compliant with the relevant regulations and requirements.
You’ll find more info HERE on Council’s website.