By ROSALEEN MACBRAYNE
TAURANGA - Put your guns back in your holsters, Tauranga Mayor Noel Pope has told critics of an economic development review board report.
Neighbouring Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Maureen Anderson attacked the council-commissioned report, saying it was driven by a right-wing, Business Roundtable ethos.
And Ian Madden, who heads Tauranga's Economic Development Agency, has challenged the review's recommendation that his operation close.
Others have said the blueprint is too broad and lacks detail.
But Mr Pope said the report was a genuine attempt to start a serious debate about local governance and the future of the region's economy and community.
"Informed, considered comment about the pros and cons of each strategy is far more valuable to the community than shooting from the hip." They "should put their guns back in their holsters."
He said it was not unexpected that local government organisations and their agencies would become defensive.
"It is important for people to understand this is a document produced by an independent group.
"It is ambitious and controversial and will naturally draw comment."
The Tauranga District Council will ask the review board to start the consultation process with stakeholders as soon as possible, said Mr Pope.
Detailed research and investigation were expected to follow.
The board, chaired by Port of Tauranga chief executive Jon Mayson, has called for the region to develop a strong brand and to aim to become New Zealand's top events centre.
Its report, released last week, criticised a lack of strong private and public sector leadership, the absence of a cohesive regional economic development plan and a well-organised tourism industry, fragmented agency and local body structures, and the want of a name to establish the area as a "must visit" destination.
Board members have urged Tauranga to follow other centres in rediscovering its waterfront, saying the city "lacks a heart, a central meeting place, a focal point."
Mayor tells critics to put away their guns
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