Catherine Stewart Tauranga City Councillor

Elected members agreed to major events funding of $7.725m during 10 years in the 2015-2025 Long Term Plan to attract new events to Tauranga.

Staff are requesting an extra $371,000 in the Annual Plan to expand the events department. Elected members were advised that some 5000 people attended The Hairy Maclary statues' opening at a cost of $32,000. Staff mentioned a budget of $15,000 to $30,000 for the upcoming opening of the Greerton Library and another $15,000 to $30,000 for the opening day for the CBD Waterfront steps, once completed.

While events are an important part of any city, most take place without any ratepayer subsidy and are often carried out with the support of volunteers. While it is good to celebrate milestones in our city, it is the degree and way in which we go about it that sometimes raises concerns.

In 2014/2015 I can tell you 287 events occurred. This went up to 329 events in 2016 and the plan is to hold up to 500 events in 2017.