Rotorua Council Prepares for Fuel Costs Impact on Services & Residents

Rotorua Lakes Council is assessing potential impacts to essential services, including rubbish collection, as rising fuel costs continue to strain budgets, Mayor Tania Tapsell confirmed this week.

The issue was raised during a council meeting last week, with officials expressing concern about maintaining core functions should fuel prices continue to climb. Tapsell acknowledged the financial pressure on households and businesses in the region.

“We recognise many people are already feeling the pressure of rising fuel prices, adding to an already high cost of living, and we appreciate how difficult this is,” she said.

Tapsell emphasized the need to accelerate local resilience efforts, pointing to ongoing projects aimed at reducing reliance on traditional fuels. These include investigations into geothermal and biogas development, bolstered by a recently announced NZ$50 million fund from Resources Minister Shane Jones, and the upcoming implementation of a Food Organic and Green Organic (FOGO) waste service.

Responsibility for ensuring the national fuel supply rests with the Cabinet, Tapsell stated, but local councils are proactively examining their own fuel consumption, and costs. Discussions with other local government leaders and central government officials have highlighted the importance of establishing clear contingency plans, including prioritizing fuel for essential services and public transportation.

Council chief executive Andrew Moraes said the organization is taking a “data-driven approach” to the situation, analyzing current fuel costs against those from the previous year to inform decision-making. He indicated that a response framework is being developed to guide the council’s actions should conditions worsen.

“Essential services would be prioritised, with the community to be updated if any impacts emerged,” Moraes said.

Moraes also highlighted the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the technology and processes implemented during lockdowns and periods of reduced service will enable the workforce to remain flexible.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is also implementing its business continuity plans, according to chief executive Fiona McTavish. “Essential services are being prioritised, and we will continue to act in accordance with any national direction received,” she said.

Public transport services in the Bay of Plenty, including the Rotorua City Ride bus service, are currently unaffected, with operations continuing as normal. Any changes to service levels will be communicated to the public through established channels, McTavish added.

The regional council is also pursuing longer-term solutions, including investments in electric and hybrid vehicles and the promotion of alternative commuting options like carpooling. Flexible working arrangements are being utilized where possible to reduce overall travel demand.