Tauranga City councillors are planning a workshop this week to review the last year – committee structures, what our priorities are and generally give feedback to each other.

With seven new elected members voted onto council last year, it's an opportunity to review the year and plan for the year ahead.

From my perspective, the foundation of respect between elected members this triennium has created a culture that's enabled full and frank discussions with each other on matters affecting our community.

The briefings we've had in the last two months will lead to a round of Council Long Term Plan meetings during November and December.

Last week elected members attended a Smartgrowth workshop. Representatives from Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Tauranga City Council, a developers' forum and iwi were in attendance.

Smartgrowth needs to be flexible to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities. Tauranga is experiencing a growth spurt and we need to be able to accommodate this, with minimal impact on our ratepayers.

Latest figures regarding growth in dwellings: