From the meeting - Council decisions
Council has today overturned a prior decision to sell identified reserve sites in Rotorua and make these available for housing.
A notice of motion to revoke the decision made by the previous Council was moved by Mayor Tania Tapsell and seconded by Deputy Mayor Councillor Sandra Kai Fong.
The resolution to “revoke the decision of the Council held on 25 August 2022 on the proposal for the revocation and disposal of identified reserves” was passed unanimously at today’s Council meeting.
The Notice of Motion was put forward by Mayor Tapsell prior to today’s meeting, as per Standing Orders.
Watch a video from the Mayor about this decision HERE.
You can view this part of the meeting by going to THIS LINK in the recording of the livestreamed meeting.
See more about the decision made in August HERE.
Temporary alcohol ban for reserves near CBD to become permanent
Council has voted in favour of 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 was recommended that these zones become permanent alcohol ban areas under the Rotorua District Alcohol Ban Bylaw 2018 which covers much of the CBD.
A report to Council noted there is a large amount of support for making 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 has 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 presentation that was made at today’s meeting HERE
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
Update on Housing for Everyone – Plan Change 9
Council received a verbal update on the process underway regarding a proposed District Plan Change that aims to increase housing options and supply in Rotorua.
The Plan Change 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 now moves into a “further submissions” period where people can indicate their support for or opposition to initial submissions received.
As a minimum Council is required to notify all initial submitters that they can lodge further submissions, support or opposition but as several submitters have requested significant changes to the proposal, letters have been sent to all who received information ahead of the initial submissions period.
Hearings before Commissioners will follow the “further submissions” period and it was emphasised at today’s meeting that it was important for people to engage in the process and have their say so their views can be considered as part of decision-making.
See the presentation that was made at today’s meeting HERE and go directly to this part of the livestream recording via THIS LINK