News Release
Tuesday 20 November 2012
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TXTing introduced for contacting Rotorua District Council

ROTORUA 20.11.12: Rotorua District Council has introduced TXTing as another communication channel for the local community to use when contacting the council

The new service enables residents and visitors to TXT the council on 4343, then enter ‘RDC’, followed by their message if they notice any issues, damage or other problems around the district that need the council’s attention.

RDC acting Customer Centre manager Valeta Duncan said TXTs go through to the council’s Customer Centre and are immediately directed to the appropriate council section for action.

“We have so many beautiful parks, streetscapes, reserves and other facilities in Rotorua and we want to make it as easy as possible for the public to let us know if there is a problem that needs our early attention.

“People can already get in touch with us via post, email, fax, telephone and via our website rdc.govt.nz, or by calling in to visit us at the RDC Civic Centre. So TXTing is an inevitable next step in providing an alternative means of communication for our residents. It’s also quick and very cost effective.”

Meanwhile, signs encouraging locals and visitors to use the new TXT service have been erected at Government Gardens, Kuirau Park, Rotorua Lakefront, Hannah’s Bay Reserve, Ranolf Street skate park, and Park Road and Wrigley Road youth spaces.

RDC parks operations manager Walter Miller said the council needed extra eyes and ears in high-use areas to help maintain the city’s parks and reserves in good condition.

“Often park users will see a problem that our normal maintenance programme may not get to see straight away, such as vandalism, blocked toilets, or something broken.

“Most people these days have cell phones. So it’s helpful if they can TXT us so we can deal with the issue immediately and avoid problems escalating, including things like broken glass around our playgrounds. If parents see the sign and TXT the council on 4343, then put RDC before their message, we can send someone over straight away to deal with the problem.”

However Rotorua District Council says if a problem requires urgent attention and it is after business hours, people should telephone the council on the regular council number 07 348 4199 rather than TXTing.

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