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RNZ News
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Rotorua Lakes Council takes back control of parking services
The current parking system has had its detractors among users. Photo: LDR / Mathew Nash One-hour-free parking everywhere and a three-hour limit in the core CBD are among ideas on the table as Rotorua begins a parking overhaul. Rotorua Lakes Council has begun the process of bringing many of the city's parking services in-house by July 2026. This after a decision not to renew its contract with current provider i-Park. It marks the end of the fully outsourced parking model introduced in mid-2018, which has been a source of frustration for some residents, business owners and community leaders. On Wednesday, the council's Community and District Development Committee adopted a hybrid service delivery model. This followed a public-excluded decision on 28 May not to extend the existing arrangement. From next year, the council will directly employ parking wardens and take over responsibility for customer service and financial administration. The council's Community and District Development Committee adopted a new hybrid model of service delivery in Wednesday's meeting. Photo: LDR / Mathew Nash Meanwhile, infrastructure and technology, such as pay machines and software, will remain outsourced after procurement by tender. The adopted report highlights the desire for a "simplified" approach to parking. This could potentially include one-hour-free parking citywide, fewer meters and maximum three-hour parking limits in the core CBD, with longer stays allowed in the off-street parking building and CBD fringe. The operational details of the new model would be mapped out over the next 12 months, including as part of Annual Plan consultations. The move brings Rotorua in line with other councils, including six visited as part of a review into best-practice approaches to parking. Concerns were raised by some councillors around the validity of the comparison of the six sites in question - Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, Tauranga and Wellington - to Rotorua. Councillor Gregg Brown wanted to ensure the new parking system served to improve "CBD vibrancy". "We don't want this to be a handbrake to that and there are potentially other models out there that need to be taken on board." One such model he alluded to was Taupō's. Councillor Robert Lee sought and was given assurance Taupō's system and model would be evaluated as part of any ongoing process. Councillor Fisher Wang acknowledged that this decision was a matter of process but insisted on the importance of taking this step now. "From my perspective it's to make sure we do things right now so that later on, when it comes to any following decisions, we have a smooth process of transfer," Wang said. "Clearly, we see that the current system has its issues, and we want to make sure we do a good job in finding the best system that works for our unique requirements." The sun is setting on the current Rotorua CBD parking model. Photo: LDR / Mathew Nash Rotorua's current parking system has been managed entirely by private provider i-Park for the past seven years. The technology-driven approach, including app-based payments and automated enforcement, has drawn complaints over usability, unfair fines and a lack of transparency. In early 2020, CBD business leaders met with the council to discuss their concerns, while locals were left frustrated later in the year with the cost of implementing the new model. As recently as May, issues with the i-Park app delayed charges and led to some drivers being charged a month's worth of fees at one time. A spokesperson for i-Park said its partnership with Rotorua Lakes Council had been "broadly positive" but they respected the move and remained open to future involvement. "When we began, Rotorua had parking infrastructure that no longer reflected modern standards or community expectations. We're proud to have delivered a significant transformation, introducing up-to-date technology and professional operations in line with the scope and direction provided by [the] council." A transition plan is being worked on to ensure continuity of service and to minimise disruption for the public. "Our contract includes clear provisions for an orderly transition, and we are fully committed to supporting this process. We'll work closely with [the] council and our priority is a seamless and professional handover that serves the best interests of Rotorua's residents, businesses, and visitors." The council aims to go live with the new system from 1 July, 2026. The election in October meant the new council would be responsible for final decisions around contract awards, parking fees and bylaw updates. Community consultation will take place, while wider public engagement will occur through the 2026/27 Annual Plan process, where final fees and layout decisions will be confirmed. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Indianapolis Star
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
June is Pride Month. Here's how Indy's LGBTQ+ community is celebrating 🌈
Parades awash in colorful rainbows, concerts and friendly meetups will mark Pride Month, an annual celebration of identity for the LGBTQ+ community every June. In Central Indiana, the Indy Pride festival kicks off soon with more events planned throughout the month. Both Carmel and Irvington will hold similar celebrations near the end of June. The festivities are happening during a time of increased public hostility toward the Trans community, which includes continuing political backlash from state and federal officials in the Trump Administration. Data from the ACLU shows more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were filed this year alone — nine of which in Indiana. Despite the stormy rhetoric, here's how Indianapolis is showing its Pride. Story continues after photo gallery. June 14, 2025, is the date of this year's Indy Pride parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until noon, beginning at 748 Massachusetts Avenue. The route travels southwest along Mass Ave then turns north on Delaware Avenue, finishing at Michigan Street. Map courtesy of Indy Pride. Indy Pride is partnering with iPark, according to officials, to offer parking for parade attendees. Additional parking locations can be viewed online at Indy Pride is hosting a Celebration on the Circle Pride Festival from noon to 5 p.m. at Monument Circle. The event will include local art and food vendors, a community zone with local organizations and drag performances. The Word of Mouth music concert takes place at the American Legion Mall, 700 N. Pennsylvania St, from 2-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15. Tickets to the Indy Pride Word of Mouth concert series range from $35 to more than $800, depending on what package you select. They include the following: You can purchase tickets to the Indy Pride Word of Mouth concert at More about Pride Month: Consider these novels for an LGBTQ+ Pride Month reading list. Officials with Indy Pride announced dozens of musical artists would perform at this year's Indy Pride concert series. Saturday's headliners include British singer-songwriter Natasha Bedingfield ("Unwritten"), Coco & Breezy and Aluna. Sunday features Tinashe, Big Wild and Snow Wife. Here's the full schedule: Pride Month is celebrated in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a days-long series of protests against police raids at a New York City gay bar that led to shift in LGBTQ+ activism across the country. More about Indy Pride: 'The laws are the laws:' Indy Pride organizers balance event safety, community concerns. IndyStar public safety reporter Ryan Murphy contributed to this article.
