On the Agenda
A notice of motion to revoke a prior decision to sell identified reserve sites for housing, an update on a housing Plan Change and a recommendation to extend Council’s alcohol ban bylaw are on the agenda for Thursday’s Council meeting.
Notice of Motion to revoke previous resolution relating to sale of reserve sites for housing
Council will consider a notice of motion put forward by Mayor Tania Tapsell to revoke a decision of the previous Council to sell identified reserve sites for housing.
A report in Thursday’s meeting agenda notes that elected members have discussed and wish to revoke the decision of 25 August 2022 which identified sites for revocation of reserve status and the sale of these for the purposes of housing.
- Go to p22 of the meeting agenda (HERE) to view the Notice of Motion
Housing for Everyone – Plan Change 9 update
Council will receive an update on next steps in the Housing for Everyone District Plan Change that aims to increase housing options and supply.
The Plan incorporates giving effect to the government’s Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS).
It also aims to:
- Enable a greater supply and variety of homes that meet the needs of Rotorua residents;
- Achieve a well-functioning urban environment and efficient use of land;
- Better enable and encourage papakāinga development;
- Ensure development is integrated with infrastructure planning and funding for open space;
- Ensure that significant risks from natural hazards are appropriately managed in relation to increased development potential.
Following community consultation, the process will now move into a “further submissions” period.
A presentation to Council on Thursday will detail key issues raised in submissions and how people or groups can now participate in the further submissions process.
Recommendation to make temporary alcohol ban for reserves near CBD permanent
Council will consider a recommendation to make a temporary alcohol ban for reserve areas near the central city permanent.
The proposal was consulted on between 12 September and 17 October this year.
A temporary ban for the areas covering the Rotorua Community Youth Centre Reserve, Marist St Michael’s Sports Park Reserve, Shambles Theatre Reserve and reserves adjacent to these areas has been in place since February 2021. This followed reports of ongoing problems in these areas with crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.
The temporary ban gave police powers to prosecute for alcohol-related offences and to move people on if misbehaving.
Following the successful trial of the temporary ban, which is due to lapse late February 2023, it is recommended that these zones should become permanent alcohol ban areas under the Rotorua District Alcohol Ban Bylaw 2018 which covers much of the CBD.
A report to Council notes there is a large amount of support for the proposal to make the current temporary ban permanent with police and the occupants of these reserve areas noting the ban has had some success in curbing previous issues and behaviours and given the police the ability to prevent other offences from occurring.
- Go to p10 of the agenda (HERE) to see the full report on this matter
- See the ‘statement of proposal’ and proposed bylaw change HERE
- See submissions received HERE
- See information consulted on HERE
- See the Rotorua District Alcohol Ban Bylaw HERE
Thursday’s Council meeting is being held in the Council Chamber in the Civic Centre, starting at 9.30am, and is open to the public to attend.
The meeting will also be livestreamed and you can watch live or later by going to Council’s YouTube Channel HERE