This week Council received reports from Bay Venues Ltd, Sport Bay of Plenty, City Centre Action Group, Tauranga Mainstreet, Greerton Community Village Association and Mount Maunganui Mainstreet.

Sport Bay of Plenty reported that they will need to expand or look for larger premises in the future, such is the popularity of the different sports on offer in the Bay. Tauranga has produced some outstanding sports people who have gone on to represent New Zealand on the world stage.

Andrew Coker, the Chief Executive of Priority One, gave an update on the Tauranga City Centre Strategy. A long discussion ensued as to whether we need to 'review” the Strategy. 'Review” is probably the wrong word, but with seven new elected members I think it is timely to look at the 246 action statements and reduce them down to a handful that are relevant and that elected members support.

Amendments to the Traffic and Parking Bylaw drew interest from the local tourism operators who had some concerns regarding proposed amendments. A meeting is being held with the various agencies and operators to iron out any concerns before the cruise ship season commences on 4 October. The last cruise ship 'Insignia” is due to berth in Tauranga on 24 May 2015.

The economic benefit from cruise ship visits is huge as many of the visitors return to Tauranga after disembarking in Auckland or return to the region a few years later, for an extended holiday. With approximately 10-12 hours in Port, cruises give an overview or sampling of a country.

Tauranga ranks as one of the highest for satisfaction from cruise ship passengers.

To check out the cruise ship schedule for 2014-2016 go to:

http://www.port-tauranga.co.nz/Shipping-Information/Cruise-Schedules/