Local Democracy Reporter - Bay of Plenty
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Fluoride-free water option 'waste of time', campaigner says
Tauranga City Council is still undecided about providing a fluoride-free water supply.
‘Uplifting’ Mauaoathon raises $36,000 for sick councillor
The councillor was recently transferred to Tauranga Hospital from Waikato Hospital.
Mauao to close for repair of vandalised pounamu
Tauranga's landmark Mauao will be closed so the vandalised pounamu can be repaired.
'Gutless racism': Sacred pounamu touchstone vandalised in 'despicable' act
'Illiterate reprobates' blamed as compass atop maunga in Mount Maunganui vandalised.
'Panicked voice of oppression': Council backs iwi roles despite flood of opposition
Iwi representatives will vote on council committees despite thousands of opposing emails.
‘It's time’: $128m Tauranga museum greenlit after 25 years of talks
Tauranga will have a museum by 2029 after talking about it for 25 years.
City considers installing fluoride-free water tap at the border
Supplying unfluoridated water to Tauranga locals will be discussed at a meeting on Monday.
'Too old': Local board chairman claims 'ageism' forced him to quit the role
The Waihī Beach Community Board chairman stepped down at a tense meeting.
Whānau rally for city's first Māori ward councillor struck by rare illness
Locals will climb Mauao to fundraise for Tauranga councillor Mikaere Sydney.
Tauranga's new bus service: $5 fare arrives in 2025 after trial success
Tauranga's new on-demand bus service is hugely popular but fares will rise to cover costs.
The first results are in: How satisfied is Tauranga with its new council?
And is new Mayor Mahé Drysdale happy with the report card?
Tauranga council tight-lipped after marine precinct sale halted
The council is taking legal advice as it decides next steps for the marine precinct deal.
Marine precinct sale stopped after interim injunction granted
The council has also been served with judicial review proceedings.
Community boards facing axe
Western Bay of Plenty District could have fewer councillors to vote for next election.
'Feel the wairua': $300k sculpture by Rotorua artist unveiled in Tauranga CBD
A 7-tonne sculpture by a has been unveiled in Tauranga's Red Square.
'The deal sucks': MPs seek Auditor-General inquiry into marine precinct sale
Tauranga City Council is investigating its sale of the precinct to a developer.
'Backlash': City-centre business faces drop in sales after road changes
'The business is no longer viable yet I have two years left on my lease'.
New design plans wanted for Tauranga’s $105m aquatic centre
Tauranga City Council has paused plans for the $105m Memorial Park aquatic facility
'Waste of money': Should more than $500k in unused rates have been refunded?
A majority in the community wanted the money back, but the council chose to reallocate it.
Why Tauranga's new mayor, councillors support industrial rates rises
Tauranga's industrial businesses are paying at least double in rates than residents.
'Unsupported allegations': Tauranga mayor backs staff 'targeted' on social media
Social media comments about Tauranga City Council 'unfairly targeted council staff'.
'Pretty meaty actions': Hopes for air quality push
Mount industrial businesses have agreed to lower their environmental impact. Is it enough?
New $300,000 city sculpture to be revealed
A 7m sculpture inspired by nature and Māori imagery will be unveiled in Tauranga's CBD.
Tauranga marine precinct sale ‘unconscionable’, meeting told
The sale of Tauranga's marine precinct for $13.9m has angered fishing businesses.
‘Trail of broken promises’: $34m council land sale disappoints hapū
A Tauranga hapū wanted to build homes for its whanau but the land was sold to developers.
Council to review controversial road closure on 7th Ave
The council will look at options for 7th Ave, which became a cul-de-sac last May.
Iconic hot pools' opening time causing 'disharmony' – petitioner
"You could say ‘well, go to another pool’, but those are ... very uniquely different."
The NZ city with 2000 ghost homes: 'Hard problem to solve'
Despite the empty homes, the council says it's not a concern.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale votes no on fluoridation
The Olympic rowing champion says he wants more safety assurances.
Petition against rainbow crossing 'nothing short of disgusting' - Pride advocate
Petition trying to stop a rainbow pedestrian crossing in Tauranga set to be presented.
Tauranga council projects spurned for fast-tracking
Tauranga City Council is disappointed that its fast-track applications have been declined
Consent reforms needed to fix 'overkill' system – builder
Changes to the building consent system are welcomed as it is currently arduous.
Mahé Drysdale's uncle spent $56k in fruitless bid to beat nephew in election
Who spent the most on their bid for a seat at the Tauranga City Council table?
Dog owner ‘gutted’ by lack of action after Border Collie ‘ripped open’
He says his 13-year-old Border Collie, Molly, was 'ripped open' in an attack by two dogs.
City could face 'extreme' penalties after fluoride extension denied
Tauranga’s mayor is disappointed the council has been denied an extension to fluoridate.
'Grossly unfair': Proposed tolls for third Tauranga highway 'excessive'
Tauranga already has two of NZ's three toll roads.
Council ‘got it wrong’ with controversial road closure, meeting told
More than $5 million in fines have been issued since the controversial closure.
‘We’re not a charity’: No pay for councillor on medical leave
Tauranga’s first Māori ward councillor has not yet been able to take up his role.
‘Devastated’: Tauranga ferry proposal shelved
The regional council declines a bid for money to help pay for Mount to Tauranga service.
Western Bay council shakeup: Proposal looks to reduce councillors at the table
The mayor would still be elected at large.
Plan for new flyover on busy Mount Maunganui road
“Critical” plans to reduce congestion at a major bottleneck in Mt Maunganui are underway.
Rainbow crossing for Tauranga a ‘symbol of diversity and belonging’
Tauranga will get a rainbow pedestrian crossing after a six-year campaign.
$1.9b for transport: Where it will be spent in Bay of Plenty
Cash boost part of $32.9b National Land Transport Programme for 2024-2027.
‘Paddling the waka together’ – Western Bay votes to keep its Māori ward
'We're just getting kicked left, right and centre just for trying to be a Māori.'
Tidal lane touted for Turret Rd but is too late?
Tauranga City Council is seeking funding for the $82m 15th Ave to Welcome Bay project
'Blue highway': Tauranga ferry service still on the cards
A ferry service between Mount Maunganui and Tauranga could be on the way in 2025.
'Sleeping with the fishes': New boat ramp fees canned
How much the council collected in two months - and what will be refunded.
Fluoride debate: Tauranga seeks extension to deadline
There was standing room only inside the council chambers.
Tauranga City Council to consider fluoridation directive
Tauranga’s new council must decide if work to fluoridate the city’s water should continue.
$164 million Cameron Rd upgrade fails to secure NZTA funding
Funding for the $164m Cameron Rd project in Tauranga has been declined by NZTA.
Tauranga CBD revamp pushes ahead – with potential savings
A change in funding for Tauranga’s civic precinct could save $1m a year in interest.
'No democracy, no rates': Tauranga resident's rates revolt
A Tauranga woman has been locked in a row with the council over unpaid rates.
The six-figure salaries Tauranga's new mayor and councillors will earn
Extra $25,900 pay justified by committee leadership roles.
Tauranga's first Māori ward councillor granted medical leave until 2025
Tauranga’s Māori ward councillor is on leave until 2025 because of illness
‘Good result’: Links Ave reopens after two years of closures
A new trial for Mt Maunganui's Links Ave has increased access to the street.
Mayor says Govt water plan ‘significant step forward’
Mahé Drysdale weighs in on the Government's new water plans.
Failed transport hub: Tauranga council appeals High Court decision over costs
The council awaits trial in bid to recoup millions of dollars on site it sold for $1.
‘Exasperated’: Tauranga ferry decision delayed
'We need to have this vision for Tauranga as a harbour city, not just a port city.'
Mahé Drysdale sworn in as Tauranga's mayor
'Our city expects nothing less than governance that is respectful and is united.'
'It’s like Weet-Bix': Inside seven-time councillor's winning campaign strategy
He only has 25 Facebook followers and didn't pay for sponsored posts. He won by 1894 votes
Only re-elected member of sacked council pleased to 'keep championing the cause'
The Pāpāmoa ward councillor is the only one from the 2019 council to be re-elected.
'Our job is to engage': Drysdale disappointed at Tauranga turnout
Only 38.7% of voters cast a ballot in Tauranga's first council election for five years.
Tauranga’s first Māori ward councillor in hospital
The newly elected councillor is undergoing treatment, says Mayor-elect Mahé Drysdale.
Mahé's our mayor: Hard work just starting for former Olympian
The double Olympic champion says his mayoralty will be about positivity and collaboration.
Ex-Olympic rower Mahé Drysdale set to become Tauranga’s mayor
Progress results are out for the Tauranga local body election.
What last-minute voters need to know about Tauranga's election
Turnout is lagging, with less than 24 hours to go.
Reviving a city’s heart: Tauranga’s commissioners on their big wins
The trials and triumphs of the commission's time in Tauranga.
Taller buildings risk Mount’s ’boutique character’ – locals
Locals disappointed the iconic status of their beach suburb wasn’t 'fiercely protected'.
Tauranga mayoral candidates size up Govt's new housing rules
Mayoral hopefuls give their views on how the changes fit with the growing city's needs.
Tauranga mayoral hopefuls want to rewrite major plan
The candidates fronted a public meeting in Pāpāmoa.
'Significant mana': Hapū wants slip-damaged road to remain closed
Slips damaged Te Puna Station Rd in October 2022.
Tauranga mayoral race: Doug Owens says council needs renewed perspective
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
Tauranga mayoral race: Chudleigh Haggett’s priorities for council
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
Tauranga mayoral race: Hori BOP – mascot to mayoral hopeful
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
Minister green-lights six-storey buildings in downtown Mount Maunganui
The changes will allow greater development capacity, the minister says.
Tauranga mayoral race: John Robson’s plan for affordable housing
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
‘Heartbreaking’ reality of air pollution in Mount Maunganui
'The chronic exposure [to pollutants] that is creating the harm in our community.'
Tauranga mayoral race: How Greg Brownless would fix Tauranga
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
Mahé Drysdale on high-density housing and cutting red tape
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.
Tauranga mayoral race: Aurel Braguta wants to reduce costs
A Q&A with one of Tauranga's 15 mayoral contenders.