30 November 2023
Media: Radio NZ
Topic: Dangerous building notice issued to Spa Lodge
Enquiry
Thanks for the mayor’s interview [on Morning Report]
After hearing that, people will be wondering about these other 11 backpackers. And wondering about the checks on them.
On this public safety matter, I request 2 updates today:
- One as soon as possible and hopefully this morning to report at midday, on what building checks are being made today – all relevant public safety details.
- How many,
- Of what – pls specify what if any fire risks are being assessed
- Which agencies are doing the checks,
- Why, with what aim?
- RNZ requests to know if all or any of the buildings being checked today are associated in any way – and what way – with Spa Lodge
- Post-the-checks, so this afternoon, the outcome of the checks including
- Any dangerous building notices issued and to what building and why
- Any other intervention/s by council, including any penalties
- Advise if any agency other than council is taking further action, so we know which agency to check with
- What happens next
In addition and of less urgency:
- The mayor mentioned possibly 11 properties needing checking. Pls advise on the schedule of checks, and the urgency given public safety/fire risks
- Re Spa Lodge, will does RLC intend to hold the owners accountable beyond the dangerous bldg. notice?
Pls provide as soon as possible:
- A copy of the FENZ Nov 22 report (LDR has one but I don’t)
- All RLC or mayors recent statements on the above
We will be requesting under LGOIMA a record of correspondence on Spa Lodge and any of the other 11, b/w RLC and MSD and FENZ, but not in this email.
If RLC considers it cannot identify any of these properties at all, pls make that clear, and why that is.
RNZ appreciates your help
Response
We provided the following information and comment:
As discussed over the phone, I have attached the FENZ report that was given to the Local Democracy Reporter under LGOIMA. Note: Identifying details of third parties have been redacted as per section 7(2)(a) of the Act.
Also are links to all comments made by Rotorua Lakes Council and Mayor Tapsell on Spa Lodge:
24 November 2023 - Rotorua Lakes Council
27 November 2023 - Rotorua Lakes Council
Just to clarify in Question 3 you stated the Mayor mentioned possibly 11 properties needed checking/inspections. This is incorrect the Mayor actually said there were about 11 backpackers in Rotorua providing tenancies.
From Rotorua Lakes Council, Group Manager Community and District Development – Jean Paul Gaston:
Following a Dangerous Building Notice issued to Spa Lodge on November 22, staff from Rotorua Lakes Council and FENZ conducted inspections today of three other properties managed by the same operator.
The purpose of the inspections was to confirm fire safety requirements and evacuation plans were up to date.
Staff are now preparing a report on these inspections and will then determine if any further steps need to be taken, based on a risk-based assessment.
Note to reporter: Council is yet to decide if further actions will be taken regarding Spa Lodge.