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.
![Ex-Olympic rower Mahé Drysdale set to become Tauranga’s mayor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Ex-Olympic rower Mahé Drysdale set to become Tauranga’s mayor
Progress results are out for the Tauranga local body election.
![What last-minute voters need to know about Tauranga's election](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
What last-minute voters need to know about Tauranga's election
Turnout is lagging, with less than 24 hours to go.
![Reviving a city’s heart: Tauranga’s commissioners on their big wins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Reviving a city’s heart: Tauranga’s commissioners on their big wins
The trials and triumphs of the commission's time in Tauranga.
![Taller buildings risk Mount’s ’boutique character’ – locals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Taller buildings risk Mount’s ’boutique character’ – locals
Locals disappointed the iconic status of their beach suburb wasn’t 'fiercely protected'.
![Tauranga mayoral candidates size up Govt's new housing rules](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral candidates size up Govt's new housing rules
Mayoral hopefuls give their views on how the changes fit with the growing city's needs.
![Tauranga mayoral hopefuls want to rewrite major plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral hopefuls want to rewrite major plan
The candidates fronted a public meeting in Pāpāmoa.
!['Significant mana': Hapū wants slip-damaged road to remain closed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Significant mana': Hapū wants slip-damaged road to remain closed
Slips damaged Te Puna Station Rd in October 2022.
![Tauranga mayoral race: Doug Owens says council needs renewed perspective](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral race: Doug Owens says council needs renewed perspective
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
![Tauranga mayoral race: Chudleigh Haggett’s priorities for council](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral race: Chudleigh Haggett’s priorities for council
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
![Tauranga mayoral race: Hori BOP – mascot to mayoral hopeful](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral race: Hori BOP – mascot to mayoral hopeful
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
![Minister green-lights six-storey buildings in downtown Mount Maunganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Minister green-lights six-storey buildings in downtown Mount Maunganui
The changes will allow greater development capacity, the minister says.
![Tauranga mayoral race: John Robson’s plan for affordable housing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral race: John Robson’s plan for affordable housing
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
![‘Heartbreaking’ reality of air pollution in Mount Maunganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Heartbreaking’ reality of air pollution in Mount Maunganui
'The chronic exposure [to pollutants] that is creating the harm in our community.'
![Tauranga mayoral race: How Greg Brownless would fix Tauranga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral race: How Greg Brownless would fix Tauranga
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
![Mahé Drysdale on high-density housing and cutting red tape](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Mahé Drysdale on high-density housing and cutting red tape
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
![Tauranga mayoral race: Aurel Braguta wants to reduce costs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral race: Aurel Braguta wants to reduce costs
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
![Mayoral hopeful Tina Salisbury's 'cutting-edge' vision for Tauranga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Mayoral hopeful Tina Salisbury's 'cutting-edge' vision for Tauranga
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
![Tauranga mayoral race: Q&A with Tim Maltby](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral race: Q&A with Tim Maltby
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
![Tauranga mayoral race: Q&A with Tanya Bamford-King](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral race: Q&A with Tanya Bamford-King
Local Democracy Reporting asked the 15 mayoral candidates their thoughts on four topics.
![Tauranga mayoral race: Q&A with Jos Nagels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral race: Q&A with Jos Nagels
Local Democracy Reporting asked the 15 mayoral candidates their thoughts on four topics.
![Tauranga mayoral race: Q&A with Donna Hannah](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral race: Q&A with Donna Hannah
Local Democracy Reporting asked the 15 mayoral candidates their thoughts on four topics.
![Tauranga mayoral race: Q&A with Andrew Caie](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral race: Q&A with Andrew Caie
Local Democracy Reporting asked the 15 mayoral candidates their thoughts on four topics.
![Tauranga mayoral race: Q&A with Anthony Goddard](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga mayoral race: Q&A with Anthony Goddard
Local Democracy Reporting asked the 15 mayoral candidates their thoughts on four topics.
![Western Bay’s draft rates rises ‘unaffordable’ – ratepayers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Western Bay’s draft rates rises ‘unaffordable’ – ratepayers
Mayor says council has done its best to keep increases as low as possible.
![Speed limits to be lowered around 21 Tauranga schools](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Speed limits to be lowered around 21 Tauranga schools
The 40km/h limits will apply around pick-up and drop-off times.
![Returning city land to mana whenua marks ‘exciting new relationship’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Returning city land to mana whenua marks ‘exciting new relationship’
Returning land in central Tauranga to mana whenua has resolved a long-standing grievance.
![Commuter ferry could set sail in Tauranga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Commuter ferry could set sail in Tauranga
Auckland water taxi company is prepared to build two ferries if council subsidises fares.
![Commission pushes on for taller buildings in Mount Maunganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Commission pushes on for taller buildings in Mount Maunganui
Commissioners reject recommendation from independent panel.
![Revealed: 13 properties council might sell to fund $306m civic project](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Revealed: 13 properties council might sell to fund $306m civic project
A 'popular' free car park in a shopping district is one of them.
![Cracks appear in new $7m coastal pathway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Cracks appear in new $7m coastal pathway
Construction of the 4m-wide path began in April 2023 and it opened in December.
![Charges coming for Tauranga boat ramps](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Charges coming for Tauranga boat ramps
The charges will come into effect from July 1.
![Western Bay households face 13.6pc rates rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Western Bay households face 13.6pc rates rise
There is a proposal to delay 12 projects.
![Minister's decision on housing intensification rules 'rational and reasonable'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Minister's decision on housing intensification rules 'rational and reasonable'
Greater housing density will go ahead in the high-growth areas of Ōmokoroa and Te Puke.
![Tauranga homeowners face 7 per cent rates rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga homeowners face 7 per cent rates rise
The confirmed median increase rates rise is lower than the 11.1 per cent signalled.
![Relief as council backs down on ‘nightmare’ fees for village](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Relief as council backs down on ‘nightmare’ fees for village
'It would’ve been extremely difficult, sort of a nightmare situation.'
![Controversial road closure leads to $5m in fines](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Controversial road closure leads to $5m in fines
Since the cul-de-sac was created in March 2022, 34,299 fines have been issued.
![From $800 to $37,000: City bid to hike field fees slated as a ‘cash grab'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
From $800 to $37,000: City bid to hike field fees slated as a ‘cash grab'
The proposed fee structure is based on a single week of training time.
!['Caretaker role': Act Party weighs in on Tauranga's commission](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Caretaker role': Act Party weighs in on Tauranga's commission
Act is joining a former mayor call for Tauranga’s commission to take caretaker role.
![Al fresco dining to cost Tauranga businesses - council](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Al fresco dining to cost Tauranga businesses - council
Street dining in Tauranga is going to cost businesses across the city.
![Western Bay pushes ahead with water fluoridation despite ruling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Western Bay pushes ahead with water fluoridation despite ruling
'Council is maintaining a watching brief on legal developments.'
![Public to get say on controversial 130-home Pongakawa development](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Public to get say on controversial 130-home Pongakawa development
The Western Bay of Plenty development is one step closer, despite opposition.
![Golf club's bid to rezone land for up to 20 houses riles neighbours](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Golf club's bid to rezone land for up to 20 houses riles neighbours
The club's lawyer says it has "very conscientiously consulted" about its housing proposal.
!['He’s very withdrawn': Teen bullied over facial growth waiting months for removal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'He’s very withdrawn': Teen bullied over facial growth waiting months for removal
Man's son was suffering emotionally and missing school.
![Tauranga needs more homes but housing intensification 'difficult'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga needs more homes but housing intensification 'difficult'
City council has its say as hearings on intensification plans get under way.
![Four new bridge options unveiled, permanent solution still months away](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Four new bridge options unveiled, permanent solution still months away
About 30 Western Bay of Plenty properties on No 4 Rd were affected after the washout.
![Tauranga Art Gallery eyes tourists for funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga Art Gallery eyes tourists for funding
Gallery admission is free with a donation encouraged, but that could change.
![Congestion fee will avert economic catastrophe, says NZTA](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Congestion fee will avert economic catastrophe, says NZTA
Tauranga City Council weighs variable road pricing.
![Speedway “thrilled” it could stay at Baypark](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Speedway “thrilled” it could stay at Baypark
The commission will decide whether to adopt the revised plans for all three reserves.
![Calls for injunction after Ministry denies council fluoridation exemption](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Calls for injunction after Ministry denies council fluoridation exemption
The ministry issued a directive to fluoridate the Athenree and Wharawhara water supplies.
!['Unfunded mandate': Council seeking fluoride exemption](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Unfunded mandate': Council seeking fluoride exemption
Ministry of Health has directed the council to fluoridate two of its eight water supplies.
![A 'good win' if Tauranga’s racecourse stays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
A 'good win' if Tauranga’s racecourse stays
Racecourse could stay put provided the land isn’t needed for a new hospital.
!['Could have been avoided': Residents react to Waihī Beach floods](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Could have been avoided': Residents react to Waihī Beach floods
'You’ve got your rain, your lightning, and your thunder. And I thought, wow, this is it.'
![Waihi Beach floods: What went wrong?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Waihi Beach floods: What went wrong?
Flash floods ripped through the seaside town of Waihī Beach on May 29.
!['Efficiencies' if Tauranga and Western Bay work together — mayor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Efficiencies' if Tauranga and Western Bay work together — mayor
The Future for Local Government review panel released its final report in June.
![Feedbank wanted on proposed 'people's stadium'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Feedbank wanted on proposed 'people's stadium'
The stadium has long been opposed by the sports clubs that could be left homeless.
![Waihī Beach floods: Community “worries every time it rains”](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Waihī Beach floods: Community “worries every time it rains”
Residents have vented their concerns after flash floods ripped through the seaside town.
![Celebrating a 'rare' and 'highly respected' health leader](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Celebrating a 'rare' and 'highly respected' health leader
'Māori staff still remember him, and they’ve gone on to be national leaders.'
![Govt paying councils rates would be 'step in right direction'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Govt paying councils rates would be 'step in right direction'
The Future for Local Government review panel has released its final report.
!['People are hurting': Rates rise revealed - and not all councillors agree with it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'People are hurting': Rates rise revealed - and not all councillors agree with it
However, the mayor says it is a "prudent decision".
![Chopper case: Owner of dog that bit vet reappears in court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Chopper case: Owner of dog that bit vet reappears in court
Helen Fraser was due to be sentenced after being convicted of owning a dog causing injury.
![Bay buses to be free for anyone 18 or under from next month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Bay buses to be free for anyone 18 or under from next month
Regional councillors were divided over which option to select.
![Western Bay council could put off Annual Plan adoption](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Western Bay council could put off Annual Plan adoption
The final decision will be made on June 14, when the council’s Annual Plan Committee meets
!['Horrified': Fee hikes for Tauranga’s community facilities cop flak](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Horrified': Fee hikes for Tauranga’s community facilities cop flak
Proposed fee increases for community facilities range from 6 per cent to 138 per cent.
!['We’re moving to survive': Why a retailer has left CBD after 15 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'We’re moving to survive': Why a retailer has left CBD after 15 years
'There is nobody visiting now. You’ve got to have foot traffic to make things work.'
![Free Saturday parking returns to Tauranga CBD](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Free Saturday parking returns to Tauranga CBD
The change comes into effect this weekend.
![7th Ave roadworks: 'Why are we the sacrificial lamb?'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
7th Ave roadworks: 'Why are we the sacrificial lamb?'
"If they block in front of us as well, maybe I need to shut the shop.”
![Councillor’s comments about council-Māori relationships described as 'mischievous'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Councillor’s comments about council-Māori relationships described as 'mischievous'
Murray-Benge raised her concerns about how the council was using the word ‘prioritise’.
![Turning 'paradise' into a 'parking lot': Emotions high as $220.2m stadium debated](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Turning 'paradise' into a 'parking lot': Emotions high as $220.2m stadium debated
'Can't let things get in the way of progress... This represents a really good opportunity'
![Three Waters: What the reform means for the Bay of Plenty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Three Waters: What the reform means for the Bay of Plenty
The Government has scrapped a major part of its Three Waters reforms.
![Chopper's owner loses court battle, dog could be put down](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Chopper's owner loses court battle, dog could be put down
Tauranga City Council has been successful in its appeal against a dog that attacked a vet.
![Cancelled plans for Omanawa Falls full access a 'lose-lose'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Cancelled plans for Omanawa Falls full access a 'lose-lose'
Concern rescuers will have to save people who risk their 'stupid skins' reaching base.
!['Charging like wounded bulls': Western Bay council drafts rates, fee rises](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Charging like wounded bulls': Western Bay council drafts rates, fee rises
An increase in user fees and charges is also expected.
![Public feedback wanted on proposed new fees for council pool use, hall hire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Public feedback wanted on proposed new fees for council pool use, hall hire
Tauranga City Council adopted the draft user fees for Bay Venues at a meeting on Monday.
![Revealed: Lime scooter stats in Tauranga and are they here to stay?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Revealed: Lime scooter stats in Tauranga and are they here to stay?
Scooter use was the highest at the main Mount Maunganui beach and business area.
![Setting the rates: Council picks 'engagement' over consultation for plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Setting the rates: Council picks 'engagement' over consultation for plan
Councillor 'comfortable this is a sensible approach'.
![Foiled flush: Rain blamed as sewer overflows rise in region](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Foiled flush: Rain blamed as sewer overflows rise in region
'We ask people to please only flush the three P’s'
!['We don’t want to turn these people away': Homelessness blamed for library incidents](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'We don’t want to turn these people away': Homelessness blamed for library incidents
There have been 15 incidents of antisocial behaviour at He Puna Manawa library in Tauranga
![Council ‘disappointed’ by local government review](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Council ‘disappointed’ by local government review
Commission chairwoman Anne Tolley says the review was the one chance to get it right.