25 January 2023
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Visions of a Helping Hand
Enquiry
I'm working on an article based on the Visions of a Helping Hand Charitable Trust report for the year ending March 2022.
The gist of it is for that year:
• Visions provided services for 2,809 families and 3,284 children
• Total revenue was $12,377,806 compared to $3,839,235 at the end of March 2021
• Visions has said they expect funding levels and staffing levels will reflect a decrease in referrals and demand for services in future reporting periods.
With the above in mind, I was hoping you'd have some time to give context on the Rotorua Housing Accord, specifically:
• What are some specific milestones you are hoping for in 2023 with regards to housing?
• Are you happy with the progress the Rotorua Housing Accord has spurred on so far?
• If there are any other questions you feel I should be asking, please don't hesitate to let me know.
Response
From Mayor Tapsell:
Since day one as Mayor of Rotorua I have been advocating for an exit strategy from emergency housing. The Rotorua Housing Accord will help us deliver this.
There is monumental amounts of taxpayer money going into motels that are not adequate. I’m pleased we’re working towards ending this.
While the Accord was signed just over a month ago, progress to date provides reassurance that we can deliver on reducing the use of emergency housing in Rotorua to near zero as soon as possible.
Month on month we are seeing a consistent reduction in the number of motels being used for emergency housing as well as less people having to live in motels. Antisocial issues along Fenton Street and in the CBD have reduced.
This aligns with the aim of the Accord to deliver better housing and social outcomes for Rotorua.
This coming year my focus will be on ensuring more transparency and better reporting on housing to the community so residents can have confidence in our future.
Improving planning and consenting to provide enough housing options in Rotorua, and ensuring homes are healthy and fit for purpose are also priorities of our new Council.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Kotahi +1 initiative
Enquiry
This enquiry followed a news release (see HERE) about the Kotahi +1 initiative being run for the NRL All Stars games at Rotorua Stadium in February.
Am keen on writing something up for tomorrow's paper about the council initiative Kotahi +1 and wondered if someone could please help me with some questions? I do have the presser.
- What is the total contribution from the sponsors?
- How many tamariki attended in 2019? Whānau?
- Does it cost council anything? (details if yes)
- Where does the name of the initiative come from?
- How are the children chosen?
- How many of their whānau can go?
- How are the tickets allocated?
Response
From DCE Community Wellbeing, Anaru Pewhairang
Total contribution from the sponsors: $62,345
How many tamariki attended in 2019? Whānau? 3,200 in total
Does it cost council anything? (details if yes) No cost to council, we coordinate the programme between schools and sponsors.
Where does the name of the initiative come from? Initially the concept for the programme was to get sponsors to purchase tickets for their staff and match that with tickets for tamariki i.e. 1+1, however as it evolved sponsors preferred to select school classes, however the original name has remained.
How are the children chosen? how the tickets are allocated? We aimed to approach all Rotorua district Decile 1 and 2 schools, all local kura kaupapa and all rumaki units within primary schools. Then we worked with schools and sponsors for final ticket amounts.
How many of their whānau can go? Of the 3,503 people going as part of the Kotahi + 1 programme, there are 2,849 tamariki, 420 school staff and 234 whānau.
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Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Music at the Band Rotunda
Enquiry
Just popping through questions for Music at the Band Rotunda
- How many years has this event been running? How much of a break did it have to take due to Covid, and how does it feel to have it back for 2023?
- What sorts of music will feature in this year's performances? Why is it great to showcase local artists/musicians of different genres?
- Why do you encourage the community to head along?
- Is there a line-up available?
- Is there anything you would like to add?
Response
From Performing Arts Director, Janelle Bish
This will be the fifteenth year of the beloved annual event, Music at the Band Rotunda. Since starting in 2009 the event has only been cancelled once in 2022 following the move to the Red Traffic Light System for COVID-19. We are delighted to be back for 2023 with some of our favourite entertainers and some new ones as well.
There is the usual eclectic mix including jazz, rock, blues and also some solo acts and some exciting vocal artists bringing vibe and soul.
As well as offering a relaxing music-filled afternoon in our beautiful Government Gardens, the event gives local performers the chance to showcase their skills. Gather up friends and whānau and head down to the Rotunda every Sunday afternoon this February and March!
The line up sees many of our regular Band Rotunda favourties return, as well as some brand new break-through talent from Rotorua that we’re excited to see availing of these opportunities to gig to new audiences.
Schedule was sent through to report