Elected members recently visited the Port of Tauranga. After a briefing of the Port's operations and their future projects, elected members boarded a bus and were driven around the Port on both sides of the harbour bridge.

We were fortunate to see the seventh crane being put together on the Sulphur Point-side. The crane will then be rolled forward on a Teflon-like coated base to its permanent position alongside the other cranes.

Elected members called in to see some of the museum artefacts in storage. Dean Flavell and Fiona Kean explained their work, including their involvement with the centenary of the World War 1 commemorations. During the next five years they're planning to take various exhibitions to different parts of the city.

Elected members then called in to have a look around the old Cossie Club building – some people in the community would like to see this utilised as a museum.

There has been some interest from sports-related groups, so consideration will be given as to its preferred use.

Draft annual plan adopted

The draft annual plan was adopted unanimously to go out for community consultation.

There will be an opportunity for the community to make submissions either by email, telephone or letter.

If you want to come and speak to elected members about your submission, just tick the appropriate box on your submission. Hearings are held during the day and at evenings.

A summary of the draft annual plan will be delivered to all letterboxes in the near future, via free community newspaper.

There have been some dates set aside for public engagement days, listed below, to meet with the elected members to discuss this year's draft annual plan.

Thursday, March 27, from 3pm-6pm at Greerton Village Square

Saturday, April 5, from 11am-2pm at Bayfair shopping centre

Sunday, April 6, from 9am-midday at Bethlehem markets

Thursday, April 17, from 11am-2pm at the Tauranga Waterfront

Elected members want to know what you think.