Tauranga council debates $20k portaloo cost for Blake Park netball courts
Mayor Mahé Drysdale said $20,000 for toilets for six months seemed 'expensive'.
Council community services general manager Barbara Dempsey said the price was based on what the club paid in previous years. Because there was an accessible toilet, it was more expensive.
Council spaces and places manager Alison Law said the cost also included servicing.
Drysdale asked how much it cost to buy a toilet.
Deputy Mayor Jen Scoular said she had asked a company that morning but was waiting to hear back.
Drysdale said the council had a duty to provide toilets at reserves but netball brought in a 'huge number' of people and that meant more loos were needed.
'I'm just trying to understand whether that should be a council cost or a sport cost.'
Dempsey said historically it was the council's responsibility to provide public toilets to support recreation facilities.
The growth of netball had outstripped the amenities, and it was up to the council whether it wanted to fund the extra toilets, she said.
Tauranga Netball's Annual Plan submission said there were 4000 attendees at Friday night college netball and 38 teams for junior netball on Saturday.
It said the current six toilets were 'woefully inadequate' and the excessive demand resulted in 'unsanitary and unsafe conditions'.
Councillor Glen Crowther said Tauranga Netball was asking because plans to move netball to Baypark had not happened, so the club was incurring unexpected costs.
'I do agree with the view that hopefully we'll get them cheaper, that might make this a less contentious issue.'
Councillor Rick Curach said he was happy for the council to provide in-principle support for the funding, but he wanted the costs confirmed.
Drsydale wanted to see if the council could 'get a deal'.
Councillor Steve Morris said the council didn't want to flush money away.
The council agreed in principle to give Tauranga Netball the funding, with a final decision to follow.
On Tuesday, council staff provided a quote from one company for four standard portaloos and an accessible one at $42,000 for six months' hire and servicing.
The cost of buying a standard portaloo was $1800 and servicing five loos for six months would be $3640.
The council also voted on funding requests from several other community groups on Monday.
They agreed in principle to give Mount Maunganui Cricket Club $73,300 for relocatable changing rooms at their Blake Park grounds.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand would get $16,080 to extend its paid lifeguard services at Tay St beach for three weeks over summer.
Drysdale said if one life was saved, that would be more than value-for-money for the council's investment.
Councillors declined ARGOS Gym Sports $67,000 for new kitchen and cafe facility, and Bowls Matua would not receive $180,000 to upgrade its third green.
The Annual Plan deliberations continue until Thursday.
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3 days ago
- NZ Herald
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NZ Herald
6 days ago
- NZ Herald
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Scoop
06-08-2025
- Scoop
Tauranga To Host The World's Top Triathlons
Tauranga was this morning revealed as the host city for three of World Triathlon's most prestigious events – the 2026 Triathlon World Cup Tauranga, the 2027 World Triathlon Championship Series Tauranga, and the 2028 World Triathlon Championship Finals Tauranga, lifting the city's status as a world-class destination for international sport and major events. These events will bring thousands of elite athletes, support crews, and spectators to our shores, with international broadcast coverage reaching millions more – showcasing our stunning landscapes, active lifestyles, and helping position Tauranga as a vibrant, globally connected city. It's an opportunity to inspire future visitors and deliver lasting tourism and economic benefits for years to come. These events are expected to inject a significant boost into the local economy, particularly in 2028, the World Championship Finals year, with a predicted 4,500 total athletes set to compete. Across the three events, Tauranga is projected to welcome more than 6,000 international visitors. The total visitor impact for Tauranga will be major, resulting in an anticipated 46,000 visitor nights and generating approximately $11 million in visitor spend to the Tauranga economy. The Government is investing $2.65 million from the Major Events Fund to support Tri NZ to host World Triathlon events in Tauranga over three years. Tauranga City Council and TECT Community Trust have contributed a combined investment of $350,000 towards securing hosting of the series. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale is thrilled about the announcement. 'Securing the World Triathlon events is a landmark achievement for Tauranga – one that reflects our aspiration to be a premier destination for major international events. "Tauranga already boasts a proud triathlon heritage, with annual standout events like the Mount Festival of Multisport, Tinman Triathlon, and Surfbreaker Triathlon delivering strong community engagement and economic benefits. Hosting three of the sport's most prestigious international events will build on that momentum and elevate our city to the world stage. 'These events are about more than sport – they're an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy,' Mahé continues. 'From inspiring the next generation of athletes to boosting tourism, showcasing our manaakitanga, and creating enduring economic and social benefits, the impact will be felt well beyond the finish line. "We're proud to welcome the international triathlon community, their supporters, and sports enthusiasts to Tauranga, Aotearoa, New Zealand, and to show the world all that our city and region have to offer.' Alongside the triathlon events, the World Triathlon Congress will also take place in Tauranga in 2028, bringing over 160 international delegates from the global sport community. This congress will offer benefits for our local business, convention, and accommodation sectors, and connect our local organisations with global sports leaders. These events have been made possible through the collaboration and support of New Zealand Major Events, Tauranga City Council, TECT Community Trust, and Triathlon New Zealand. The countdown is on!
