District councillors ready for work

Councillor Charles Sturt.

Rotorua District councillors say they are raring to get to work in 2014 and fulfil some of their election promises.

The first six months of the year will be a busy time for councillors with Annual Plan hearings and deliberations, District Plan hearings, normal council business and public consultation regarding the CBD upgrade and other important projects.

Councillor Charles Sturt said he wanted to start serious talks with local iwi and the regional council regarding the return of geothermal heating to Rotorua homes.

"I also want to follow up on the idea of a joint public/private partnership at the Aquatic Centre to upgrade the facility to offer more to residents. This could include things like a wave machine and adventure playground.

"I want to make sure our financials get back on track and on a sound footing.

"It's going to be a very busy six months and I think every one of us wants to roll up our sleeves and get on with it."

Newly elected councillor Rob Kent said the council had already made major steps in getting the financial side of things sorted out.

"We must have an efficient and cost effective council ... I can't wait to get on with it."

There are five council meetings scheduled up until the end of June along with 10 committee meetings and the start and finish of the Annual Plan process.

There is also a lot of work to be done on the city's long overdue District Plan, with hearings scheduled through until the end of August.