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A message from Mayor Mahé with |
As our elected council marks one-year on the job, we’ve been reflecting on a year of collaboration, big decisions and progress in tackling our city’s biggest challenges.
Despite the challenges Tauranga faces, I believe the council’s collaborative approach has been working well since we were sworn in in August last year.
Our goal is to be the best city in New Zealand and by working constructively as a council and with central government, key community stakeholders, and the people of Tauranga, we’re putting the building blocks in place for smart, affordable progress.
Energised, optimistic
While Tauranga faces complex issues – such as housing shortages, traffic congestion, and the need for better community facilities – I’m energised and optimistic about the direction the city is heading.
The recent announcement that the Western Bay of Plenty is one of three areas the Government has chosen to negotiate a city or regional deal with is a positive sign.
Securing a regional deal would be a game changer for our sub-region. It will mean we have an agreed set of priorities and funding commitments in place with the Government, providing the certainty needed to make crucial investment decisions that will drive confidence in our local and national economies.
New homes and jobs
Key projects already under way include Tauriko West enabling works, the initial step towards a significant SH29 upgrade. That will pave the way for significant housing development – circa 4000 new homes in the medium-term – and additional industrial land, which is expected to lead to enable up to 3000 new jobs, as well as improving road access across the city and to and from the port.
Work is also progressing well on the Pāpāmoa East Interchange (PEI) on the Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL) motorway, which will see the eastbound off-ramp opened by the end of August, nine months early. When completed in early-2026, the PEI will deliver improved access for Pāpāmoa residents to and from the rest of the city and facilitate further residential, commercial and community facility development in the city’s east.
A catalyst
Also making good progress are the civic precinct and waterfront developments, designed to reinvigorate the city centre. Council’s investment in the city centre has been a catalyst for more than $1 billion of private development and combined, these projects will see a significant increase in the number of people living, working, learning and visiting the city centre.
Investments on this scale do have an impact on rates, but we’re working hard to cut Tauranga City Council’s operating costs to keep rates increases to manageable levels. This will be an ongoing priority for us over the rest of this term, and our attention will be firmly fixed on ensuring that every council project and service delivers great value for money for the people of Tauranga.