Matt Cowley Tauranga City Councillor

There are many wonderful cities around the world, but you choose to live in Tauranga. So, take a moment to ask yourself why.

It may give you the chance to feel gratitude – I've heard it's the easiest way to feel true happiness. It may also help us to build our own identity for Tauranga, rather than letting people from outside the region set it for us. For example, ‘a city for newly-weds and nearly-deads'.

I think choosing where to live is like choosing a best friend. Each city has wonderful aspects that different people like. But your city, like your best friend, has something special that bonds you together over time.

Like all best friendships, you help them when they're in need, listen to their issues, and invite them over to your place to watch the footy. In return, your friendship may help you find a fulfilling career, discover new things to do, challenge the way you think; and most importantly, enjoy life together.

The latest Census result shows there are a lot of new people who want to make Tauranga their best friend. That means Tauranga is doing something right. We need to find out why people choose our city to live out their hopes and dreams.

In the first 100 days in office, Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby will deliver a city-wide vision that we will all aim to achieve. We need your help to identify the things that we don't want to change (for example, our environment, 30-minute drive across the city, our scenic walking tracks, or the unique character of each suburb).

We also need to identify what we do want to change (for example, improved household income, fulfilling careers, more children laughing in public spaces, having a reputation for hosting great events, or becoming the most environmentally-friendly city).

I campaigned on a proposed vision of ‘NZ's most fun and innovative city'. With fun meaning we are active and celebrate together; and innovative meaning we have fulfilling career opportunities.

But let's not focus on the text that makes up the vision statement. After all, the camel is the horse designed by a committee.

The true value of the vision will be in knowing what things we need to protect as we strive to achieve specific goals for our future.

The vision will guide our city planning as well as the council's priorities for the next few years. Please contact the elected members to share your views on what you do and do not want changed in Tauranga.

Feel free to email me your thoughts at: matt.cowley@tauranga.govt.nz Or you can call/text me on 027 6989 548, and follow me at: www.facebook.com/a.younger.voice.