Future of city to be decided

The Rotorua Lakes Council building Photo/Ben Fraser

The future of Rotorua and Te Arawa will be mapped out today as councillors decide on the polarising Te Arawa Partnership Proposal.

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 council.

It follows a lengthy submissions process involving 1873 written submissions and around 200 oral submissions during a five day hearing.

The meeting will be live-streamed with video screens set up in committee rooms to cater for the masses of people expected to be present for the decisive meeting.

A hikoi from Tamatekapua in Ohinemutu will arrive at the Rotorua Lakes Council in time for the meeting to start with around 200 people expected to take part.

Organiser Kingi Biddle said there would be a haka from the Arawa St and Fenton St roundabout.

"It's a monumental day and the community wanted to do something to reflect how monumental it is," Mr Biddle said.

"Many of our people have put in submissions.

"This will bring Te Arawa together to punctuate how special the day is.

"But it's not just Te Arawa iwi, it's for anyone who supports this partnership."

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 the Rotorua Pro-Democracy Society.

The Te Arawa Partnership was first presented to council in December.

"There has been a significant amount of information for councillors to digest and consider ahead of their deliberations," said Rotorua Lakes Council Strategy and Partnerships group manager Jean-Paul Gaston.

"We have been impressed with the number and quality of submissions received.

"Given the high public interest in this matter, we expect there will be a large number of people in attendance at tomorrow's meeting when councillors will deliberate and make their decision."

The meeting will be live-streamed on the council website 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.

? Visit www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz for live commentary and analysis of the meeting.