20 September 2024

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Tarawera sewerage scheme

Enquiry

Can I please ask for a little more detail [regarding Council’s statement about Tarawera sewerage scheme] as to what those risks changed from and to? It's just a little ambiguous.

May I also for a little detail on what that engagement looked like, who was involved and what came of it?

Can I also ask if there have been any incidents relating to the scheme similar to that which prompted the injunction application?

And if there have been any the details of these and whether the council has or will apply again?

Won't need this tonight so may I please have it by noon Friday, thanks.

Follow up question:
can I please also get an update to the below statement:

“We estimate legal costs associated with the injunction, as well as site security and contract progress delays will add about $200,000 to the scheme which would come at a significant cost to the Tarawera and the wider community.”

Response

From Rotorua Lakes Council spokesperson:

Since the pause on the work on 30 August,council staff have been having daily conversations with iwi and mana whenua. This has included partners Tūhourangi Tribal Authority, Te Arawa Lakes Trust as well as the Rotokākahi Board of Control.

Stage 1 of the project, the pipe installation, is 90% complete. With the increase in protest activity at the current work site, council alongside our contractors and project partners, must now consider the safety risks for both staff working at the site, people travelling through the area and those people who have based themselves at Rotokākahi. Financial risks also continue to be a consideration as delays continue to require more effort to secure the worksite.

We are not aware of any further incidents because work has paused on site, but Council does have the option of urgently applying for an injunction should those circumstances change.

Traffic management and security services remain at the worksite which does come at a significant cost – we estimate that the delays have contributed a further $400,000 to the project to date.

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Media: Radio NZ

Topic: Applications for traffic calming

Enquiry

I am seeking information please to do with applications for speed humps and other traffic calming systems.

I am asking all local councils across the country in an effort to gauge how much demand there currently is for this type of infrastructure.

I would be grateful if you would be able to help me with the following:

• How many applications does your council currently have (received or in progress) for speed humps or raised pedestrian crossings
• How many of these applications are from schools/kindergartens/ECE centres?
• How many applications for other traffic calming things do you have? A breakdown (i.e. lower speed limit, road narrowing, mini roundabout..)
• How many of these are from schools/kindergartens/ECE centres?

If it is possible to provide any extra comment on whether these applications are likely to be funded or not, that would be much appreciated.

This is in the context of the new NLTP specifically excluding funding for measures that will slow motorists down.

Response

From Council Spokesperson:

We received 25 requests for traffic calming so far this year.

Of those 25, we received one request from a school for speed humps or raise pedestrian crossing. It’s important to note that many of the request we receive are from students and parents who are concerned about traffic safety around schools, Kindergartends and ECE centres.

We don't generally receive requests for other types of traffic calming intervention (other than speed humps).

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Media: Radio NZ

Topic: Policing of gangs

Enquiry

Is it possible to please get a statement from Mayor Tania Tapsell this morning regarding her comments that Rotorua doesn't have enough officers to realistically disrupt gangs, particularly in rural areas?

Response

From Rotorua Mayor, Tania Tapsell –

“We welcome this announcement and thank the Government for taking action to address a serious issue impacting communities across the country.

“Community safety is a top priority for our council so we’re supportive of any action that aims to keep our communities safe and peaceful.

“We’ve been advocating for more Police resource in Rotorua, to deal with all aspects of crime, for some time now so it’s encouraging to see Rotorua included in this allocation announcement.

“It’s also positive to see this Government allocating resource based on where it’s most needed.

“To assist with finding solutions to youth offending, additional Youth Policing would be beneficial for Rotorua, so we hope we’re also considered for this allocation.

“Our local Police already do a very good job of keeping gang activity out of our CBD. We hope the additional police officers allocated to disrupt gang activity can help with issues in neighbourhoods and rural towns, and that resourcing in these areas is adequate to safely enforce new gang laws.

“In Rotorua, there’s been a rapid reduction in CBD crime since we actioned our joint community safety plan, and established our community safety hub, which sees Rotorua Lakes Council, Police and others working together to improve community safety. We look forward to building on this positive progress.”