Councillor suggests crowdfunding solution to fix Mauao base track

Tauranga City councillor Leanne Brown has proposed a crowdfunding initiative to fix Mauao's base track by Christmas. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Tauranga City councillor Leanne Brown has proposed a crowdfunding initiative to help fix Mauao's base track before Christmas.

Ms Brown high-fived Steve Morris when councillors agreed with her idea to investigate a six-month crowdfunding campaign for repairs on Mauao's base track.

The base track at the Pilot Bay end remains closed to public after a slip occurred during severe weather earlier this year.

Ms Brown made the "ad hoc" crowdfunding proposal to source funding from public, central government, Tauranga City Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council at Thursday's council meeting.

It would mean setting up a fundraising page at www.givealittle.co.nz or a 'text-to-donate' option, said Ms Brown. "It is a short-term solution to fix where the track is damaged."

She said it could cost $2.2m for a long-term fix.

"We do not have that kind of money. We have some money in the budget to do the temporary fix for people to be able to walk around the track.

"The ultimate goal is to have it opened again by Christmas ... but in terms of the longer-term solution we are going to be faced with a bigger cost."

Ms Brown said a crowdfunding option meant ratepayers would not have to cough up more money to fix the base track. She said it could cost $40 per household each year to help fund a long-term solution at a $2.2m cost.

"We just have to be very poignant about how we spend our money," she said.

"This is a good opportunity for people who are really passionate about Mauao to put some money towards Mauao.

"It is our iconic landmark and has so much historical and cultural significance."

Ms Brown's initiative was well-received by councillors who were all in favour of her "creative" and "innovative" crowdfunding proposal.

"I think it is important to think outside the square," said Ms Brown. "We have got nothing to lose if we try."

She said this was the first time this council had put forward a crowdfunding option.

Mount Maunganui/Papamoa ward councillors Ms Brown and Mr Morris high-fived at the end of the meeting.

"Councillor Steve Morris and I are very passionate about the Mount and Papamoa area," she said.

"It was very satisfying to know we were not driving it just because we were ward councillors and that they have as much value and community pride when it comes to the future of Mauao.

"I am absolutely thrilled that it had the support of all the councillors."

Ms Brown said she would put up $100 towards the campaign and had challenged fellow councillors to do the same. She would set up a Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram account once the "go-ahead" is given.

At the council meeting, Mr Morris said there was no greater asset to the city than Mauao.

"The crowdfunding campaign is ambitious but it is something we need to do.

"I think we need to think outside the square and tap into people's passion. It is worth a try and I think that we should try."

Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless also supported the crowdfunding initiative. "Mauao is not only a local treasure but a national treasure."

Tauranga City Council parks and recreation manager Mark Smith said a section of the base track near Pilot Bay was still closed for public safety and to prevent walkers further damaging the track.

"We will be able to share more information on the timeline for a temporary access solution within the next couple of weeks."

Mr Smith said a long-term fix was still some months away.

"We are still looking at options for reinstating the track, and are looking at multiple sources of funding."