24 July 2026: Prince's Gate arch, services for homeless
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Prince's Gate arch
Enquiry
I've had a look at the webpage you've linked - could I please confirm whether deconstruction is still planned to go ahead in two to three months given this website statement?
Next steps
Confirm deconstruction requirements and appoint a contractor to undertake this if it is confirmed as necessary.
Response
Two to three months remains the current expected timeframe at this stage. However, if that changes after a further assessment that is planned to confirm the extent of works required to address the public safety risk, an update will be provided.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Services for homeless
Enquiry
I paste below the response I received yesterday from Visions of a Helping Hand Trust following up on what was happening with the CBD's laundry and showering service, which was due to close at the end of June given Visions' funding woes.
Can you please give me a comment around how you feel about this service continuing in the CBD given your stance around the behaviour of some homeless in the CBD, also given the Government has now introduced the "moving on orders" legislation.
Under the new arrangement with Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue, the service is operating under reduced hours, just over two hours a day, four days a week. Beforehand it was five days a week 9am to midday.
I'll also paste below my story I wrote a couple of months ago announcing it was set to close, which raises some of the issues.
Can you please respond with comment by mid to late morning if possible? Let's know if that' doable, otherwise I can take a call if it's quicker and easier for you.
Thank you.
RESPONSE FROM VISIONS AND TE TAUMATA THIS WEEK
Following our announcement that Mana Aroha was facing closure due to a lack of sustainable funding, we are pleased to confirm that the service will now continue to operate for a further 12-months.
After considering the importance of Mana Aroha to the Rotorua community, Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue Iho Ake has generously committed funding towards the operational costs of the service for the next year. We are extremely grateful for their support, which recognises the important role Mana Aroha plays in providing essential hygiene facilities, practical assistance, and a place of dignity and connection for some of our community's most vulnerable people.
Te Taumata has acknowledged in its own statement which we also provide to you below.
Mana Aroha has been operating for more than six years without dedicated external funding, and this contribution provides much-needed certainty for the coming year. During this period, VOHH will continue to work alongside partners to identify sustainable funding options beyond the current commitment.
To ensure the service remains financially sustainable, Mana Aroha will operate on a reduced schedule of four days per week being Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am – 11:15am allowing us to continue delivering the service within the available funding.
VOHH sincerely appreciate Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue's investment in this kaupapa and their commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our community.
Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue – Statement
Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue acknowledges our long-standing relationship with Visions of a Helping Hand, supporting those most vulnerable in our community.
Across Aotearoa, more people are sleeping rough, despite the basic right that every person deserves a place of warmth, safety, and dignity.
In our city, Mana Aroha provides essential care, the ability to shower, wash clothes, and restore dignity.
We are proud to support the continuation of this service for another year, while continuing to work with others in our community towards long-term housing solutions for our people.
Response
From Rotorua Mayor, Tania Tapsell:
"Rotorua has made great progress recently to improve safety in our inner city and turn around a perception of homelessness.
"Some locals feel homelessness has been associated with antisocial behaviour and disruption for neighbouring workers and businesses. I reassure our community that illegal and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.
"If issues come up, we’ll continue to support a safe and welcoming city centre and will also encourage providers to explore more suitable long-term options that meet people’s needs while better aligning with our wider vision for the inner city.”
