Social housing, major roading projects, waterfront development, community engagement, connection between neighbours and confident growth are among the items at the top of the wish list for Western Bay residents and leaders in 2017. With the new year upon us reporter Sonya Bateson asked people what they would like to see happen in the region in the next 12 months.
Kristin Dunne, Tourism Bay of Plenty chief executive
"My hopes and wishes for tourism in Tauranga in 2017 is that we collaborate on a long term plan to grow tourism in a sustainable way that delivers benefits to our communities. And that pubic and private investment continues into the required infrastructure and product development to increase our offering to visitors. In 2017 we will launch the story of the Bay of Plenty to market our incredible region to the world, hopefully continue progress into new visitor centres, and work with our regional neighbours on growing the regional visitor economy and therefore local businesses."
"For the New Year I'd like to see us all work together for a great city that has opportunities for all who wish to positively contribute. The concept of taking personal responsibility for own lives and actions is important, at the same time as taking care of those who are genuinely in need. Let's get off our computers and phones and out into the community to better know our neighbours and fellow citizens who make Tauranga such a desirable place."
Simon Bridges, Tauranga MP
"Tauranga has been a bright light in 2016 boasting some of our country's highest economic and population growth. Given this, building strong lead infrastructure remains paramount next year, including starting big projects like Bayfair to Baypark and progressing plans for the Tauranga Northern Corridor. Strong social and cultural projects are also critical, such as more and better social housing, schools, cycleways and a museum - something I'm looking forward to pushing along in partnership with our councils and private players."
Tommy Wilson, Te Tuinga Whanau Support Services Trust director
"Continue to build bridges between the three iwi and community kingpins of Tauranga Moana as well as local and regional councils, so Maori may move forward and prosper. And as Tauranga prospers we take the poor with us and don't leave them behind - homeless and without hope. For me personally, I need to learn to adjust my own oxygen mask first before looking after the needs of all the other passengers on board the poverty plane."
"We have much to be thankful for - our stunning climate, beautiful surroundings and booming economy with lots of opportunity. We are the new home for hundreds of kiwi families a year. Our lovely place will continue to grow and fast. We can't stop the growth and nor should we wish to. My wish is that we grow with confidence and maturity as a city. Let's make 2017 a year when we connect with our neighbours more and our prejudices less."
"I hope that we are all treated with dignity, respect and kindness in the coming year, and we reciprocate this. My sincere wishes are for violence towards women and children to end, and that we all have compassion enough to continue to seek this change in our society. I also wish for the most fundamental things - taha hinengaro, taha whanau, taha wairua. That people have enough healthy food to eat, a home that meets their needs, a healthy environment, a healthy community, body, mind and spirit."
Garry Webber, Western Bay of Plenty Mayor
"I would like to see us as a council and as a district take a serious look at how we want to work for our communities in their best interests. That really means involving the community and, over this next year, we want to make a major effort in involving our community in our planning for the next 10-year plan. We're aiming to get more people involved in public meetings, getting out to meet the public in their space. We want to make a major step forward in engaging our communities right across the district."
Clayton Mitchell, NZ First MP
"I'm hoping for a good election result, which will manifest if we get into the right position to remove the tolls off Route K. Again, if we get into the right position for the election, which I am confident about, we're pushing for the 15th Ave/Turret Rd project to go ahead. We would also like to get things underway in Katikati with the bypass. There's a good vibe in Tauranga and everyone I'm talking to seems positive, although there are big issues with housing. We need to make sure people in Tauranga can live comfortably and affordably."
Jessica Dinsdale, 28, from Te Puke
"Poverty is a really bad thing. There's a place in Manawatu called Zilch that gives leftover food from shops away free. I think something like that here would be a huge help."
"It's so lovely in Tauranga I can't really think of an improvement. One thing that would be nice would be to reroute the train track from the waterfront so the cafes can move down."
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Joanne Smith, 42, Windermere
"I would like to see more shopping. Some more good clothes shops around the place would be great."
"I would like to see a revival of the restaurants and the stores in the area. Less vacant properties and more people in the city. Bring some of the attraction back to Tauranga instead of just the Mount."
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Lisa Hurley, 47, Bellevue
"Down in Hawke's Bay they've got a closed in skate area so the kids can go down there, with mini roads and traffic lights. It's a good way for them to have fun and to teach them about road safety, I'd love to see that in Tauranga."