Editorial: City focus must stay on revival of CBD

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief Max Mason is stepping down. Photo/Joel Ford.

The changes among Tauranga's city leaders have continued this week with the announcement that Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief Max Mason is stepping down and Tauranga Mainstreet has appointed a new co-ordinator.

It appears Max has done a great job over his seven years leading the chamber. He has certainly made himself accessible to Bay of Plenty Times reporters and its readers, and has a reputation for providing a thoughtful and articulate quote off-the-cuff.

He has always struck me as a positive person, who is passionate about Tauranga and its future.

I didn't realise how many influential roles he had held within the Tauranga community, including helping set up Priority One and Tourism Bay of Plenty.

It is a pity the city is losing him to a private organisation but I'm sure he will be well received at the Bob Owens Retirement Village.

Meanwhile, new Tauranga Mainstreet co-ordinator Karena Mattson has her work cut out supporting retailers to help bring shoppers back to the city heart.

She isn't saying much until she gets into the role next month, but hopes her knowledge of a range of industries and people skills will help her work with retail and hospitality staff to bring the shoppers and diners back. Events are key to doing this and I hope the combination of the new-look waterfront - which is already hosting the Little Big Markets, Stranded Sundays and outdoor cinema - and some fresh ideas will give it the same kind of buzz Mount Mainstreet seems to achieve.

I sincerely hope Karena and the Tuskany team can work with the new council, and whoever steps in to lead the chamber, to make the city centre a vibrant and attractive place to be.

Fresh blood on the council, promising greater support for events, and others stepping into key roles means new ideas and experience, which can only be a good thing for the city.