Monday 25 May 2015

Decision time for councillors on Te Arawa partnership model

Rotorua councillors will make a decision about a new Te Arawa Partnership model at an extraordinary Council meeting tomorrow [Tuesday 26 May].

Councillors will consider a report which analyses submissions and recommends a new model that supports the aim to develop a more effective partnership between Te Arawa and Rotorua Lakes Council (the operating name of Rotorua District Council).

The report for Council’s consideration summarises key submission themes, including further analysis of the four options proposed in the Statement of Proposal which went out for consultation. The report also looks at an alternative model of engagement which was proposed by a group of submitters.

The report will provide councillors with guidance to help them in their deliberations and decision-making on a proposal presented to Council by Te Arawa last December and put out to public consultation and submissions. Te Arawa requested that its proposed model go out to consultation.

“There has been a significant amount of information for councillors to digest and consider ahead of their deliberations tomorrow,” Council’s Group Manager, Strategy and Partnerships, Jean-Paul Gaston says.

A total of 1873 submissions and four petitions were received with more than 200 people speaking to their submission during five days of hearings.

“We have been impressed with the number and quality of submissions received,” Mr Gaston says.

“Given the high public interest in this matter, we expect there will be a large number of people in attendance attomorrow’s meeting when councillors will deliberate and make their decision.”

The meeting will be live-streamed on Council’s website [rotorualakescouncil.nz] from the Council Chamber and video screens will be installed in nearby committee rooms which will be set up to take any overflow of attendees.

[ENDS]

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