28 February 2025
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Enquiry
Reporter received the below news release:
URGENT PROTECTION FOR ROTOKĀKAHI: WORKS PAUSED AHEAD OF ENVIRONMENT COURT HEARING
Despite the Rotorua City Council beginning works on the Tarawera Sewage System at Lake Rotokākahi, the development has now been paused for three weeks, as mana i te whenua of Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tūmatawera prepare for a crucial Environment Court hearing.
This pause is a relief for Protect Rotokākahi who have been fighting to protect their ancestral burial grounds, their whenua, Rotokākahi, and their awa Te Wairoa. "We're relieved that our ancestral lands and waters will be safeguarded for the next three weeks. Our goal is to ensure the protection of Rotokākahi in its entirety. Protecting our tūpuna burial grounds, our lake and our river is our priority”, says spokesperson Te Whatanui Skipwith.
The temporary halt on works allows the whenua and whānau to rest, while the community continues to welcome visitors to Rotokākahi - albeit with shifted needs for a front line. However, the need for vigilance remains. "When we make the call again, be ready to stand with us," urges Skipwith.
Protect Rotokākahi expresses heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support received over the past week. "Your love, solidarity, and actions have made a tangible difference to us. Thank you for sustaining us during this week", says Skipworth.
As the Environment Court hearing approaches, descendants of Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tūmatawera remain committed to protecting their ancestral heritage with the community and thousands around Aotearoa behind them. “We've witnessed an unprecedented surge in our movement's growth in the last weeks and we know that in the next few weeks it will continue to grow. The people are no longer accepting the desecration of Māori land and waters - and they will show up to protect it. This whenua must be protected - for all of us.”
We received the above and I'd like to please check with the council what the specific orders are? (And response)
When is the hearing set for?
How is this likely to impact financially? (the pause, the hearing etc)
What will happen to the site in the interim?
How much of the work had progressed since it restarted?
Response
We provided the reporter with a news release issued by Rotorua Lakes Council - Work paused while Environment Court considers application - Rotorua Lakes Council
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Media: Newstalk ZB
Topic: Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Enquiry
I'm just following up on a release that came out yesterday about the sewage works at Lake Rotokakahi from the Greens and the Rotokakahi Board of Control saying the works have been paused for three weeks as it goes to the Environment Court. Are you able to confirm if it has been paused?
Response
We provided the reporter with a news release issued by Rotorua Lakes Council - Work paused while Environment Court considers application - Rotorua Lakes Council
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Mayor ranking
Enquiry
A poll was conducted by Curia Market Research LTD for the NZ Taxpayers' Union comparing mayors from the largest cities and ranking them. I am writing an article on this research and would like some comment from you on the polls' ranking results.
Rotorua Lakes was ranked 5th, and you were 5th out of the 10 most popular mayors.
I have provided a couple of questions below for a response by 1 pm today.
Questions:
- What are your thoughts on this ranking?
- Do you think this is a fair representation of how rate payers perceive your performance - why/why not?
- Does this ranking make you want to make any changes, if so, what changes?
- What reasons do you think people are perceiving you in this way?
- Do you have any internal polling that shows something different?
Response
“It’s been a pleasant surprise to be listed as the fifth most popular Mayor in the country. Everyday I’m focused on the work we need to do to make Rotorua a better place. It’s been humbling taking a moment to reflect on how well my community feel that I’m delivering.
“Our locals know how significant the challenges we’ve overcome have been and I always appreciate the positive feedback I receive when I’m out and about in the community. It’s not often that we get polls done for councils so I’m grateful to learn that these survey responses have been positive. While its focused on my leadership, its truly a reflection of the hard and consistent work of my whole Council and our determination to ensure Rotorua becomes the best place to live and visit.”
