Chamber chief congratulates new councillors

Max Mason

The Tauranga Chamber of Commerce has congratulated the successful candidates in the 2013 Tauranga City Council elections.

Chief executive Max Mason said the Chamber wished the newly elected members well.

"The high number of new councillors shows the community is looking for a new type of city governance. The debt issue has struck a cord with voters, and I think the public are also looking for a new sense of vision and direction," he said.

"This is the opportunity to demonstrate a new 'can do' spirit from the new Council. We know that money is tight, and they can't afford to fund every new idea, but they can make a difference by being more positive, innovative and by showing visible leadership in the community."

Mr Mason said the Chamber welcomed the change in diversity.

"We have moved away from a predominantly 'male, pale, stale' council to one that is more representative of the community with a different gender and age mix. Hopefully better decision making is the result."

Mr Mason said if he had one wish it would be that the new Council would clearly communicate it was business friendly.

"A healthy local economy is vital for job creation and raising income levels. An effective council with a reputation for understanding the needs of business can play an important role in growing the local economy and thereby improving the choices for all its residents."