14 November 2024
Media: TVNZ - Breakfast Show
Topic: Tarawera sewerage scheme
Enquiry
I am a Producer with TVNZ’s Breakfast show.
We are looking at a potential segment on the show on Friday at 0805am regarding the sewage scheme at Tarawera.
I am wondering, on background, if you can tell me at what stage the scheme is at.
I know there were protests some time ago from local iwi – what impact did this have on construction (ie any changes, any timeline changes).
Response
We provided the following background information:
Work on the pipeline under Tarawera road was paused at the end of August to ensure site safety and to address some concerns from iwi and hapū regarding information about the scheme and the section of pipe running past Lake Rotokākahi.
Following support from elected members to continue with the project, Rotorua Lakes Council renewed injunction proceedings to ensure safe on-site conditions when work resumes. The injunction application has since been granted but a date for work to resume has yet to be confirmed.
Discussions with iwi are ongoing.
There are about four weeks of work remaining to complete the pipeline, which is part of Stage 1 of the project.
Stage 1, construction of the sewerage mains network, started in May 2023 and pipework installation under Tarawera Road is 90% complete.
Work to enable the start of Stage 2, which will involve connection of all properties to the network, has started.
The purpose of the Tarawera scheme, which will connect 446 properties to a reticulated sewerage system, is to protect the health of the community, the lake and downstream catchments.
Without the scheme, wastewater will continue to leach through groundwater into Lake Tarawera which discharges to the Tarawera River which flows through to neighbouring districts and communities.
The Tarawera scheme has been the result of extensive community consideration over many years, including discussion with and input from iwi and hapū. Arriving at the preferred option followed careful consideration of all technical, environmental, cultural, financial, and planning factors.
You can find more information about the project here: Tarawera Sewerage Scheme - Rotorua Lakes Council.
*NOTE: no subsequent enquiry was received, nor confirmation the show would be doing a story on this topic
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Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Kittens dumped in bin
Enquiry
I saw [a Facebook post about kittens found dumped in a public rubbish bin at a playground at Rotoiti] and wondered if the council was aware given it looks to be a council bin?
How often are animals put into council rubbish bins, that it is aware of?
What sorts of examples?
Any comment on the situation or message to anyone doing it?
Is the council folowing up on this and how so?
Are there any cameras in the area that would have captured the kittens being dumped?
What are the consequences of dumping live (or dead) animals in public bins?
Response
We provided the following:
Re the kittens dumped in bin:
Council did not receive any reports from the public about the dumping of the kittens.
Re How often are animals put into council rubbish bins, that it is aware of?
We have no reported incidents of animals put into council rubbish bins.
Re Any comment on the situation or message to anyone doing it?
As it is an animal welfare issue we will refer you to the SPCA for comment
Re Is the council following up on this and how so?
As above.
Re What are the consequences of dumping live (or dead) animals in public bins?
For the consequences of ill-treatment of an animal I’ll refer you to the SPCA.
Our staff are busy with other mahi but I can direct you to the three pieces of legislation that you will need to look at:
For the offence look under the Health Act 1957 Section 29 (k) and for the penalties you will need to look at the General Bylaw 2017 section 1.7 (a) and the Local Government Act 2002 section 238
