11 Aug 2025: local election events, unmanaged hot pools
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Local election events
Enquiry
I was just checking in to see if Council had any plans to hold mayoral or councillor debates for this year's elections.
Also, if there are any official council events or key dates you might be able to inform me of. Just so I don't miss anything.
Response
Reporter was informed RLC was not organising any candidate debates but we were aware that the Chamber of Commerce was.
He was also given the tentative date of 22 October when the inaugural Council meeting when the elected members will sign their declarations is expected to be held. This is yet to be confirmed.
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Media: Freelance reporter for The Guardian
Topic: Hot pools in unmanaged locations
Enquiry
I'm a freelance journalist working on a piece for The Guardian about hot pools in New Zealand. I was wondering if someone from Rotorua Disctrict Council could talk to me about this, especially the wild hot springs that you don't have to pay to enter. What is good safety behaviour around these pools? What makes them so popular? I'd also be interested in the science/history of the pools, if there was someone from the Rotorua museum I could talk to? If someone was available today that would be great! Just for a phone interview sadly as I'm based in Christchurch. I don't think it would take too long.
Reporter mentioned the likes of Kerosense Creek as being of interest to The Guardian.
Response
The reporter was informed that Rotorua Lakes Council does not have a historian on staff to assist with their story but we provided the following information:
Regarding Kerosene Creek – This area is on privately owned land within Kaingaroa Forest, who allow public access.
While Council looks after some of the facilities (toilets, signage and pathways), we don’t collect information about bathing in areas like Kerosene Creek so we can’t really enlighten you about “the culture around these pools” other than noting that they are popular with both visitors and locals.
Regarding the history, including how Māori traditionally used hot pools for kai etc, we suggest you contact the operator of one of our local geothermal tourism operations who routinely share the stories about this with visitors eg Whakarewarewa Village (which is a living Māori village where use of geothermal remains a big part of everyday life).
Regarding pink and white terraces, you should speak with someone from Tuhourangi or perhaps contact The Buried Village.
Regarding why people enjoy bathing in geothermal waters, you may wish to contact Polynesian Spa or Waikite Valley Hotpools which are very popular with both visitors and locals so they would have insight into why people enjoy hot pool bathing.
You may also find some useful information at The Official tourism website for Rotorua, New Zealand. | Rotorua NZ - go to the “visit” tab on the home page where you’ll see further tabs for things like geothermal etc.
