A senior councillor has again lashed out at the Government over potential plans for more managed isolation facilities in Rotorua, saying ''stay away, you are not wanted''.
The comments by Merepeka Raukawa Tait, who is also a Lakes DHB member, are supported by Cr Reynold Macpherson, who accused the councilof an ''arrogant disgregard'' for residents' concerns.
The criticism came after the Government confirmed it was talking with local hotels with the intent to expand the number of managed isolation facilities.
Multiple Rotorua leaders confirmed they received an email from a Government official this week asking for feedback about new MIQ.
A copy obtained by the Rotorua Daily Post said the Government had identified hotels "that could potentially be suitable and we are now engaging with them and with key local stakeholders".
"The potential impact additional facilities could have on housing, and economic activity – including tourism - will also be part of our discussions and considerations.
"A final decision about potentially establishing any new facilities will be made by Cabinet."
The Rotorua Daily Post Weekend called several hotel chains in Rotorua but none were able or available to comment on whether they had been approached by the Government about being an MIQ facility.
Raukawa-Tait said the possibility of another MIQ facility in Rotorua was a case of Government "high handedness and not wanting to listen".
"Look at the consequences of having so many Rotorua motels used for temporary and emergency housing. These consequences were all predictable.
"The consequences for Rotorua are intended by the Government. To run down our beautiful city otherwise, they would listen. We are being set up."
Raukawa-Tait said there was considerable unease in the Rotorua community, and another MIQ facility was not wanted. She said she had also received the letter, which asked key stakeholders their views on additional MIQ facilities.
"Place another MIQ facility in the city and you are hardening community attitudes; towards the government, council and citizens against each other," she said.
"We are already paying a heavy price for piss-poor government housing policy and now our economic recovery will be seriously compromised by taking another large hotel out of circulation. Stay away, you are not wanted."
Macpherson said Rotorua's residents and ratepayers showed central government's "arrogant disregard" of their concerns.
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick. Photo / File
Mayor Steve Chadwick said the council had no say in the decision to have MIQ in Rotorua in the first instance.
"We were informed, not asked – and we have advocated very strongly these past couple of weeks, both to the Minister and MIQ officials, that we cannot sustain any more MIQ facilities in Rotorua and the reasons why."
Chadwick previously told the Rotorua Daily Post the city also needed to retain accommodation for visitors and more MIQ facilities could put a strain on the DHB.
"Rotorua has willingly played its part, taking on MIQ at the same time as trying to get our economy going again and addressing our critical housing shortage and other challenges, but I don't think it would be fair on our community to expect us to take on more.
"Imposing more MIQ facilities on our city will increase risks to community safety and health services, so that's a real concern."
In response, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said it did not have anything further to add, referring the Rotorua Daily Post Weekend to a previous statement.
MBIE previously confirmed it was in the early stages of investigating additional MIQ facilities, including in Rotorua, but no decisions had been made.
