17 June 2022
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Resource consents process for MHUD-contracted motels
Enquiry
*NOTE: this is a follow-up enquiry to questions we’ve been asked about this across the past couple of days
Good morning,
Restore Rotorua chairman Trevor Newbrook has made the following comments (pasted below) regarding the three motels that are sitting outside of the resource consent application process.
I have the council and MUH's comments already relating to why that is but I need to put his criticism back to you in case you want to make additional comments in response.
I would also like to seek comment from mayor Stevie Chadwick relating to the three motels.
Questions for Steve:
- Do you think it is okay for Tuscany Villas, Emerald Spa and Four Canoes to be left to last relating to being compliant with the District Plan?
- As mayor, as you happy for these motels to continue operating as they are now without any urgent enforcement action from the council to get compliant with the District Plan?
Trevor Newbrook's comments:
Why are Tuscany Villas, Emerald Spa and Four Canoes not part of the current Resource Consent process. These three properties have been used as Emergency Housing for over 2 years and RDC should make them apply for Resource Consent or stop operating. Restore Rotorua does not think the current situation of MHUD operating these motels illegally can continue. To suggest RDC is taking a staged approach is not acceptable, after over 2 years.
As the Mayor said, the generosity of the local people has been exhausted and it is time for the RDC to act on behalf of the Rotorua people. The government is not above the law and the Minister needs to explain why she is allowing her officials to operate outside the District Plan.
It is time for RDC, MHUD, Kiana Ora and MSD to tell the people of Rotorua what the plan is to reduce the number of Emergency Housing Motels in our city. These motels were not designed to be used as permanent accommodation and are not suitable, especially for families to be living there for long periods of time.
Emergency Housing seems to be a growing industry in Rotorua and locals have had enough. There needs to be a sinking lid policy now !! And there needs to be a stop to people coming to Rotorua from other places.
Response
The following response was provided:
Nothing further from the organisation but see below from [Mayor] Steve [Chadwick]:
I’m assured staff undertaking the regulatory work in relation to accommodation providers will get to all operators.
As we’ve always said, the ongoing use of motels is untenable and needs to end as soon as possible. We share the community’s frustration and concerns but the reality is that we first need more houses and I can assure you that Council is doing everything it can to get more homes built as quickly as possible.
The reporter also sought comment from MHUD in response to Mr Newbrook’s comments and sought occupancy data relating to these 3 motels. MHUD provided the following response:
I understand you have also approached the Minister’s office for comment and they have supplied you with information about the housing situation in Rotorua, why people and whanau need emergency accommodation and what the government is doing to address the situation. We have also supplied this to the Post on numerous occasions.
Regarding the number of people staying at the motels, I can’t supply these numbers within the timeframe as occupancy data is held by the providers and would require collation.