And members of the trust agree wholeheartedly.
"It's the price of a cup of coffee a year, to have opex for a museum," says Anne Pankhurst. "It's not going to put your rates up hundreds of dollars.
"Roads, sewage plants or water are more likely to put up your rates. I'm not for a minute suggesting we shouldn't have that amenity, it's absolutely critical for a community.
"But I would suggest that a museum, into your intellect and cultural activity, is equally as important as a road."
A former Tauranga City councillor, Ms Pankhurst says she has always supported the idea that Tauranga has a story to tell.
"I have felt very strongly for a number of years about a museum. I don't think I will ever resile from that - I won't give up," she says. "Now, that may or may not be a character flaw, but for me right now, I believe strongly in having a place that venerates our past. We only learn about our future through our past."
She says she came on board the trust to work on a history hub that would further engage public opinion on a museum.
"The Bay has a huge amount of New Zealand's defining history. Where do we tell those stories? Where are they being shown? Where are our children - who live and breathe the Bay - where are they learning about that?
"No. We get on a bus and we drive to Rotorua and learn about Te Aroha history. I just think it's sad."
Early August is the deadline, when Tauranga City councillors will meet to discuss potential museum sites.
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