Big changes for Bay venues

Antique and collectables fair, Mount Maunganui sports centre. Photo/file

Tauranga City Council is recommending a number of changes to the structure and funding arrangements of some of the region's main event venues.

The main changes would see the Bay Venues operation recapitalised to a debt/equity ratio of 20:80, and the transfer of ownership of a number of community facilities already managed by Bay Venues into the Council Controlled Organisation.

This will involve Bay Venues facilities Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre and Memorial Hall; Mt Maunganui Sports Centre; Bethlehem Hall; Greerton Community Hall; Matua Hall; Tauriko Hall; Welcome Bay Hall; Arataki Community Centre; and the Papamoa Sport and Recreation Centre.

However, the changes are planned to take effect at the beginning of the new financial year and will not have any impact on external council debt or total rates requirements. Nor will they affect the ownership of Bay Venues, which would continue to be a fully owned council entity.

Mayor Stuart Crosby said: "Bay Venues provides a number of key services to the community. By continually reviewing and improving our relationship with our CCO we will get the best outcomes for everyone. The changes made today are part of this collaborative journey."

Bay Venues chairman Peter Farmer said today's decisions would allow Bay Venues to continue with its successful focus on cost reduction and developing increased revenue streams.

"The Bay Venues board is determined to provide the best possible venues and events. The people of Tauranga deserve no less," he said.