Local Democracy Reporter - Bay of Plenty
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
'We won't be funding it': Roads for 8000-home development debated
The development in Te Tumu is set to house 15,500 people when completed.
Speedway deal: Proposal to sell Baypark stand for $1, extend lease
The council is mulling plans to extend speedway operations at Baypark until 2039.
Tauranga council cuts $9.85m in costs to shave 2.1% off rates rise
Recycling bins in public spaces are among services cut to achieve this.
'Amazing community asset': Pool saved from closure with $5.71m boost
The Ōtūmoetai Pool will remain open and receive funding for upgrades.
'Huge impact': Subdivision residents concerned about traffic from development
About 200 homes are planned, with access through Rowesdale Drive in Ōhauiti.
'Woefully inadequate': Sportsground has six toilets for 4000 people
A request for funding to ease toilet troubles at netball courts prompts debate.
Protesters tell council to 'stop the spend' as they face 12% rates hike
About 250 people attended a rally in Tauranga on Sunday.
'Won the battle': How a community pool could be saved from closure
Tauranga City Council will review options for the Ōtūmoetai Pool in June.
'Just not sustainable': Rally planned to protest 12% rates increase
Organisers say the proposed 12% rates increase is unsustainable.
Tauranga Mayor finally buys home in city - why he isn't moving in yet
Mahé Drysdale's new home in Pāpāmoa is rented out for now.
‘Addicted to spending’: Ratepayers fight ‘wicked’ 12% rates rise
The mayor says the council has already found millions of dollars in savings.
Three-year flood map legal dispute ends in 'win' for landowners
Landowners can override council maps with a 'simple' stormwater assessment.
Inside a council's new offices – and why it's paying $91.9m to lease, not own
Chief executive says owning and managing such a building is not 'core business'.
New councillor aims to prove value of Māori ward
Hemi Rolleston won the byelection with 543 votes, filling the seat his nephew couldn't.
'Real problems': Expansion of paid parking worries businesses
Business owners fear more paid parking will deter customers and burden staff.
'Won't let them down': Tauranga byelection winner announced
Hemi Rolleston looks set to fill the seat vacated by his nephew due to illness.
Tauranga's $13.98m Marine Precinct sale goes through after court ruling
It comes two weeks after a judge dismissed an interim injunction that halted the sale.
'Dirty cash grab': Councillor blasts congestion charging proposal
Councillors concerned about impact of congestion charges on residents' stretched finances.
Uncle leads byelection race to become Māori ward councillor
Hemi Rolleston looks set to fill the seat vacated by his nephew due to illness.
'Life has just stopped': 'Forgotten five' battle council over slip damage
Owners of three homes have not been able to return since they were evacuated in 2022.
'Phenomenal' outcome: Five community boards to remain in Western Bay
The Local Government Commission overruled the proposed reduction.
Council signs $91m, 15-year lease for new office building
It is also putting about $33.5 million into the interior fit-out of the building.
'Claims are weak': Court dismisses bid to halt marine precinct sale
An injunction stopping the sale of Tauranga's Marine Precinct is no longer in force.
‘Unfair’: Mount businesses struggle with proposed street dining fees
Businesses say the plan is 'flawed' and 'bizarre' at a time when eateries are hard-hit.
Tauranga byelection: Q&As with the five candidates
Voting for Tauranga's new Māori ward councillor begins on Monday.
Strokes of inspiration? Mayors Mahé and James hit the water
Households could save up to $5000 if councils collaborate on water services.
‘Island in the wilderness’: Proposed boundary shift sparks concern
Residents say the proposed boundaries ignore local geographic ties.
Big changes for art gallery and its supporters
Renovations are part of the $306m Te Manawataki o Te Papa project.
‘We will make better decisions’: Mayor on iwi council appointments
A pōwhiri was held for the three tangata whenua representatives.
Why Tauranga’s water service delivery options have sparked debate
Council discusses ministerial influence on Tauranga's Local Waters Done Well planning.
How much a 12% rates rise could add to Tauranga homeowners' bills
The mayor says the council found $29m in savings to get the overall rise down to 12%.
‘Tokenistic’: Councillor questions water consultation process
Mayor Denyer says consultation is tough due to government-imposed changes.
‘Step backwards’: MP’s equal voting rights bill challenged
Iwi group leaders argue the bill ignores political disadvantages faced by Māori.
LGxit: Another council legs it from LGNZ
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer highlighted LGNZ's support for elected members.
‘Eroding a democracy’: Backlash over community board changes
Western Bay council proposes three boards to improve representation and reduce rates.
‘Unique, essential’: Locals dismayed as pool hours remain unchanged
The council decided to keep the 7am opening to save on extra costs.
Councillor seeks inquiry into commission’s decisions
Mayor Mahé Drysdale said focusing on past issues won't help the council progress.
‘Low trust’: Mount Maunganui street closure sparks community tension
Mayor Mahé Drysdale said road changes aim to balance safety and accessibility.
‘Desperate need’: Calls grow for Pāpāmoa East community hub
A Pāpāmoa East centre needs to be prioritised, a reverend says.
‘Prime land’: University strikes $1.38m deal to lease public reserve for 99 years
It plans to build a marine research and education facility.
Revealed: Who wants to be Tauranga’s new Māori ward councillor
Mikaere Sydney was elected last year but has not taken up the role due to illness.
Marine precinct sale could cause ‘irreversible harm’, court told
Tauranga City Council says it is not obliged to provide facilities for working boats.
Council cans waterfront walkway, projects 12.5% rates rise
Mayor Mahe Drysdale says the council's budget is a 'ceiling ... not a target'.
Hopes for more homes, more jobs in regional deal
Western Bay of Plenty hopes to secure one of the Government's sought-after regional deals.
Former chief executive to return to Western Bay council
A familiar face will take the Western Bay of Plenty District Council's top job.
$10.3m funding approved for Tauranga traffic chokepoint project
Plans for a tidal lane at Turret Rd can begin but construction is still two years away.
$60m BoP bridge and interchange to boost economy
Industrial development Rangiuru Business Park near Te Puke has reached a major milestone.
Guidelines set for part-sale of regional council’s port shares
Council's sale of Port of Tauranga shares to create an 'endowment fund' for the community.
‘Fear and anxiety’ for locals fed up with beach parties
Beach parties and drinking in public have Mount locals calling for a full liquor ban.
Tauranga Mayor still doesn’t live in city, 7 months after winning election
Mayor Mahé Drysdale says it's "very challenging” finding a suitable home in Tauranga.
Māori ward race gets under way
Nominations have opened for Tauranga's Te Awanui ward byelection.
Tauranga’s first Māori ward councillor resigns
He was elected in July but has not been able to take up the role due to illness.
'Massive revitalisation’: The new builds changing the face of Tauranga
Tauranga's city centre is seeing a massive revitalisation for private and public projects.
‘Selfish motivation’: Director’s passion for Tauranga’s museum journey
'I want to be part of building something completely new for a city that’s never had one.'
'I decided to do it for me': Why council boss quit
He says being in chief executive roles for 10 years “takes its toll”.
Council chief executive quits
'He has guided our council during a time of significant change.'
The NZ city with 2000 ghost homes: 'Hard problem to solve'
Despite the empty homes, the council says it's not a concern.
'Good for business': Cafe owner hails street's return to two-way traffic
Businesses say sales have dropped since the road was made one-way.
Rainbow connection: Should new crossing have had official opening?
A pride advocate is upset an opening hasn't been held for Tauranga's new rainbow crossing.
Fluoride-free water option 'waste of time', campaigner says
Tauranga City Council is still undecided about providing a fluoride-free water supply.
‘Uplifting’ Mauaoathon raises $36,000 for sick councillor
The councillor was recently transferred to Tauranga Hospital from Waikato Hospital.
Mauao to close for repair of vandalised pounamu
Tauranga's landmark Mauao will be closed so the vandalised pounamu can be repaired.
'Gutless racism': Sacred pounamu touchstone vandalised in 'despicable' act
'Illiterate reprobates' blamed as compass atop maunga in Mount Maunganui vandalised.
'Panicked voice of oppression': Council backs iwi roles despite flood of opposition
Iwi representatives will vote on council committees despite thousands of opposing emails.
‘It's time’: $128m Tauranga museum greenlit after 25 years of talks
Tauranga will have a museum by 2029 after talking about it for 25 years.
City considers installing fluoride-free water tap at the border
Supplying unfluoridated water to Tauranga locals will be discussed at a meeting on Monday.
'Too old': Local board chairman claims 'ageism' forced him to quit the role
The Waihī Beach Community Board chairman stepped down at a tense meeting.
Whānau rally for city's first Māori ward councillor struck by rare illness
Locals will climb Mauao to fundraise for Tauranga councillor Mikaere Sydney.
Tauranga's new bus service: $5 fare arrives in 2025 after trial success
Tauranga's new on-demand bus service is hugely popular but fares will rise to cover costs.
The first results are in: How satisfied is Tauranga with its new council?
And is new Mayor Mahé Drysdale happy with the report card?
Tauranga council tight-lipped after marine precinct sale halted
The council is taking legal advice as it decides next steps for the marine precinct deal.
Marine precinct sale stopped after interim injunction granted
The council has also been served with judicial review proceedings.
Community boards facing axe
Western Bay of Plenty District could have fewer councillors to vote for next election.
'Feel the wairua': $300k sculpture by Rotorua artist unveiled in Tauranga CBD
A 7-tonne sculpture by a has been unveiled in Tauranga's Red Square.
'The deal sucks': MPs seek Auditor-General inquiry into marine precinct sale
Tauranga City Council is investigating its sale of the precinct to a developer.
'Backlash': City-centre business faces drop in sales after road changes
'The business is no longer viable yet I have two years left on my lease'.
New design plans wanted for Tauranga’s $105m aquatic centre
Tauranga City Council has paused plans for the $105m Memorial Park aquatic facility
'Waste of money': Should more than $500k in unused rates have been refunded?
A majority in the community wanted the money back, but the council chose to reallocate it.
Why Tauranga's new mayor, councillors support industrial rates rises
Tauranga's industrial businesses are paying at least double in rates than residents.
'Unsupported allegations': Tauranga mayor backs staff 'targeted' on social media
Social media comments about Tauranga City Council 'unfairly targeted council staff'.