Latest news with #BayVenues
RNZ News
3 hours ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Speedway deal: Proposal to sell Baypark stand for $1, extend lease
Speedway could stay at Mercury Baypark until 2039. Photo: Supplied/LDR The community is being asked if speedway should stay at Mercury Baypark Stadium as the council decides whether to extend the club's lease. Baypark Speedway has called the Mount Maunganui stadium home since it was built in 2001 and has a lease to operate there until 2029. Tauranga City Council is considering a proposal that would extend speedway operations until 2039. The proposal would involve Speedway Racing Ltd buying the north stand of 15,600 seats for $1 and being responsible for its maintenance, while leasing the land from the council through the facilities arm Bay Venues. The council would retain ownership of the land and the north stand would be returned to the council at the end of the lease in 2039 for $1. Under the proposal speedway would buy and maintain the curved north stand at Baypark Stadium. Photo: NZME via LDR Baypark Speedway promoter Melissa Webb said the proposal was its preferred option for running speedway in Tauranga. If the agreement was approved, Baypark Speedway would bring more events to Tauranga that would not be limited to just speedway, said Webb. "This will be a positive for the city." Speedway would prefer a longer lease than 2039 because of the investment it would make, she said. "We intend on investing a considerable amount of money into improvements at the stadium, and we need the security and longevity for our investment." Webb said it was understandable the council wanted Tauranga ratepayers to have their say on the proposal. Councillor Kevin Schuler said before decisions about the proposal were made, the council wanted to understand the community's views. "This consultation is about testing the community's support for the proposal and weighing up what Mercury Baypark Stadium's future should look like for the next decade." The proposal provided a way for speedway to continue operating without placing immediate costs on ratepayers, he said. "If there's not strong community support for this approach, we'll explore alternative options for the site beyond 2029." Schuler said the north stand was in poor condition and required investment to remain operational. It was used almost exclusively for speedway events, around 15 times a year. "If speedway continues until 2039, it would be under new arrangements that shift the immediate cost and responsibility for maintaining the stand to Speedway Racing." "If not, there are potential opportunities to reimagine the site for future recreational or commercial uses that could serve the wider community from 2029." Tauranga City Councillor Kevin Schuler at the inauguration on August 2, 2024. Photo: LDR/David Hall Speedway was at risk of being displaced in 2022 when the commission governing the council had plans to replace the stadium with a multi-use sporting precinct for outdoor netball, track and field athletics and gymnastics. A protest was held and a "Hands Off Baypark Speedway" campaign was launched. There was also the threat of legal action if an agreement about speedway was not reached. In September 2023, the plans were changed to keep the stadium and pits and allow speedway to retain its current lease until 2029. Consultation on the speedway proposal closes at 5pm on 23 June. A drop-in session with councillors will be held at Mercury Baypark Arena Suites on 14 June from 10am to noon. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
16-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Applications Open For Council-Controlled Organisations Board Vacancies
Press Release – Tauranga City Council Tauranga City Council is calling for applications for four new board members across three of its council-controlled organisations (CCOs). All new board members will commence a three-year term from 1 July 2025. Are you passionate about creating exceptional venue experiences; the visual arts and creative sector; or sustainably growing the Bay of Plenty's visitor economy? If so, board member roles at Bay Venues Limited (Bay Venues), Tauranga Art Gallery Trust (TAGT), or Tourism Bay of Plenty (TBOP) could be a perfect opportunity. Tauranga City Council is calling for applications for four new board members across three of its council-controlled organisations (CCOs). All new board members will commence a three-year term from 1 July 2025. Mayor Mahé Drysdale says that the board roles need skilled professionals with ideally strong governance experience who are passionate about delivering great outcomes for Tauranga's residents, with value for money at the core. 'The CCOs are seeking new members who will bring diversity of thought, experience and skills to enhance the existing boards. Tauranga is experiencing unprecedented growth and our CCOs are integral to our ecosystem. If you have what it takes to add value to these high-performing boards, we'd love to hear from you,' says Mayor Mahé. Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council jointly control Tourism Bay of Plenty. 'CCOs like Tourism Bay of Plenty provide expertise in specialist activities that support and help enrich our communities and the Western Bay of Plenty. Good governance is essential to their continued success, and we're looking forward to welcoming board members who are ready to make a real difference,' says Western Bay Mayor James Denyer. Simon Clarke, Bay Venues Chair says that in the six months to 31 December 2024, Bay Venues welcomed over a million visitors across its facilities network and delivered 40 significant events and 37 sporting and aquatic tournaments. 'Bay Venues has also achieved significant partnerships with mana whenua and the University of Waikato and has been a key partner in the Haumaru Sport & Recreation Centre project. The Board is seeking a director to enhance and deliver on Bay Venues' KPIs, create new partnerships and provide strategic direction. Strong governance experience, knowledge of community facilities and services, a proven record of project delivery, and financial prudence are essential,' says Simon. Rosemary Protheroe, TAGT Chair, says: 'The Gallery team has been preparing for the re-opening later this year, delivering exceptional art experiences, educational programmes and art talks, and securing new commercial partnerships. This is an exciting time for a new trustee to join the Board. We seek someone well-connected to the local arts community, with links to local artists, arts patrons and art organisations. Governance experience, HR, and coaching skills would also be valuable,' says Rosemary. Russ Browne, TBOP Chair, says this is an extremely busy time in the tourism sector. 'TBOP continues to support the cruise sector, with nearly 100 ships visiting in FY25; and leadership roles in cultural and sustainability initiatives including the Native Nations Indigenous Youth Exchange and the Ōmanawa Falls project. TBOP is award-winning, having received the 2024 Tourism Award for Industry Collaboration and Alignment for Flavours of Plenty, and was a finalist for the Green Room sustainability programme. The Board seeks two new trustees with extensive tourism industry experience, who are well-connected locally with key partners and stakeholders across the Bay of Plenty region. Legal and HR experience are also desirable,' says Russ. Council's CCOs are ultimately accountable to Tauranga's residents. They actively work in partnership with Council, mana whenua, and the community to achieve great outcomes and deliver value for money with fewer resources. The following information outlines the purpose of the three CCOs seeking new board members. Organisation Purpose Summary Bay Venues To connect the community through exceptional experiences by providing the best venues for Tauranga. Bay Venues is Tauranga City Council's largest council-controlled organisation and plays a major role in creating value for Tauranga and enriching the lives of its people, now and into the future. Bay Venues manages and operates more than 20 venues, providing a high standard of sport, recreation, event and exhibition facilities, programmes and services to the community. These include Mercury Baypark, Mount Hot Pools, University of Waikato Adams High Performance Centre and Baywave, and a number of community centres, halls and pools. The Board of Directors is responsible for developing and delivering the strategic and financial management of the company, as well as overseeing the management of Bay Venues' assets and resources. Tauranga Art Gallery Trust To create exceptional art experiences that engage, inspire, challenge and educate through exhibitions, public programmes, and events. TAGT owns and operates the Tauranga Art Gallery – toi Tauranga, on behalf of the residents of Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. The Board of Trustees are responsible for developing and delivering the Gallery's strategic goals, overseeing the management of the Gallery's assets and resources, and for ensuring prudent financial management to ensure long-term sustainability. Tourism Bay of Plenty To promote the economic welfare and development of the Western Bay region and its community through destination marketing, destination management and other related activities which impact on the region as a visitor destination. Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council are joint shareholders of this CCO. TBOP takes a lead role in enabling sustainable growth of the visitor economy in the coastal Bay of Plenty in ways that benefit the whole community. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the direction of this organisation including developing and overseeing Tourism Bay of Plenty's Visitor Economy Strategy and monitoring financial performance and achievement of key initiatives and objectives. Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 23 May 2025, with interviews being held on 9, 11, and 12 June 2025. For more information, including the job ad, please visit Tauranga City Council's Appointment of Directors to Council Organisations Policy can be found here.
Scoop
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Slam Dunk! New Indoor Courts A Hit With The Community
Tauranga City's newest indoor courts have been a hive of activity this week, with over 3,000 people testing out the new facility at an Open Day last Saturday before it officially opened for use on Monday. The University of Waikato Haumaru Sport and Recreation Centre has been transformed in the last 18 months from a former The Warehouse building to a fit-for-purpose indoor arena. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says it's great to see so many people already enjoying the city's newest community sport facility – the first to open in over a decade. 'The opening of Haumaru really is a win-win for the community. Purchasing and repurposing an existing building was a quick and cost-efficient way to address a community need, while at the same time being prudent with ratepayer money,' says Mahé. 'Both our city's population and participation in indoor sports is on the rise, so Haumaru adds much-needed court space to the recreation network across Tauranga.' With four new indoor courts, Mahé says Haumaru will be a place where hundreds of people of all ages and abilities can come together on a regular basis – to play and watch sport, and take part in the other activities on offer. 'Onsite car parks, along with its central location and ease of access, are features that help make Haumaru a great facility. It also contributes to the wider transformation of Tauranga city centre, as we work to make it an even better place for people to live, learn, work and play.' Max Pringle, a keen basketball player and student at Ōtūmoetai Intermediate, has given Haumaru the tick of approval after attending the Open Day and playing on the courts there this week. 'It's awesome to have more courts to play at. Our basketball team had our first game there on Monday and the courts, rims and backboard were perfect,' says Max. 'Mum said it was easy to find a park and that me and my mates could even catch the bus there sometimes.' Bay Venues Chief Executive Chad Hooker says along with regular community sports events and activities, Haumaru will help host large sports tournaments that come to the city. 'Haumaru is already proving its worth to the community, as the venue is fully booked for the foreseeable future.' Chad emphasised the importance of partnership and collaboration in delivering high-quality public amenities. 'The creation of Haumaru has been a combined effort. We've worked closely throughout with Tauranga City Council, mana whenua, community sports organisations, The University of Waikato as naming right partner, Apollo Projects as the main contractor, and many other key stakeholders in the city,' he says. The total cost of the venue is approximately $28 million. That includes the price of the land, the building, seismic strengthening, all the improvements and construction work, and the equipment. It's important to note that building a brand-new indoor court facility of this scale at Memorial Park was estimated to cost more than $40 million. The future of Memorial Park and whether a new aquatic centre will be built there is currently being considered by Council. The Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre (QEYC) will remain open and operating in the meantime.
Scoop
16-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Applications Open For Council-Controlled Organisations Board Vacancies
Are you passionate about creating exceptional venue experiences; the visual arts and creative sector; or sustainably growing the Bay of Plenty's visitor economy? If so, board member roles at Bay Venues Limited (Bay Venues), Tauranga Art Gallery Trust (TAGT), or Tourism Bay of Plenty (TBOP) could be a perfect opportunity. Tauranga City Council is calling for applications for four new board members across three of its council-controlled organisations (CCOs). All new board members will commence a three-year term from 1 July 2025. Mayor Mahé Drysdale says that the board roles need skilled professionals with ideally strong governance experience who are passionate about delivering great outcomes for Tauranga's residents, with value for money at the core. "The CCOs are seeking new members who will bring diversity of thought, experience and skills to enhance the existing boards. Tauranga is experiencing unprecedented growth and our CCOs are integral to our ecosystem. If you have what it takes to add value to these high-performing boards, we'd love to hear from you," says Mayor Mahé. Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council jointly control Tourism Bay of Plenty. 'CCOs like Tourism Bay of Plenty provide expertise in specialist activities that support and help enrich our communities and the Western Bay of Plenty. Good governance is essential to their continued success, and we're looking forward to welcoming board members who are ready to make a real difference," says Western Bay Mayor James Denyer. Simon Clarke, Bay Venues Chair says that in the six months to 31 December 2024, Bay Venues welcomed over a million visitors across its facilities network and delivered 40 significant events and 37 sporting and aquatic tournaments. 'Bay Venues has also achieved significant partnerships with mana whenua and the University of Waikato and has been a key partner in the Haumaru Sport & Recreation Centre project. The Board is seeking a director to enhance and deliver on Bay Venues' KPIs, create new partnerships and provide strategic direction. Strong governance experience, knowledge of community facilities and services, a proven record of project delivery, and financial prudence are essential," says Simon. Rosemary Protheroe, TAGT Chair, says: "The Gallery team has been preparing for the re-opening later this year, delivering exceptional art experiences, educational programmes and art talks, and securing new commercial partnerships. This is an exciting time for a new trustee to join the Board. We seek someone well-connected to the local arts community, with links to local artists, arts patrons and art organisations. Governance experience, HR, and coaching skills would also be valuable," says Rosemary. Russ Browne, TBOP Chair, says this is an extremely busy time in the tourism sector. 'TBOP continues to support the cruise sector, with nearly 100 ships visiting in FY25; and leadership roles in cultural and sustainability initiatives including the Native Nations Indigenous Youth Exchange and the Ōmanawa Falls project. TBOP is award-winning, having received the 2024 Tourism Award for Industry Collaboration and Alignment for Flavours of Plenty, and was a finalist for the Green Room sustainability programme. The Board seeks two new trustees with extensive tourism industry experience, who are well-connected locally with key partners and stakeholders across the Bay of Plenty region. Legal and HR experience are also desirable," says Russ. Council's CCOs are ultimately accountable to Tauranga's residents. They actively work in partnership with Council, mana whenua, and the community to achieve great outcomes and deliver value for money with fewer resources. The following information outlines the purpose of the three CCOs seeking new board members. Organisation Purpose Summary Bay Venues To connect the community through exceptional experiences by providing the best venues for Tauranga. Bay Venues is Tauranga City Council's largest council-controlled organisation and plays a major role in creating value for Tauranga and enriching the lives of its people, now and into the future. Bay Venues manages and operates more than 20 venues, providing a high standard of sport, recreation, event and exhibition facilities, programmes and services to the community. These include Mercury Baypark, Mount Hot Pools, University of Waikato Adams High Performance Centre and Baywave, and a number of community centres, halls and pools. The Board of Directors is responsible for developing and delivering the strategic and financial management of the company, as well as overseeing the management of Bay Venues' assets and resources. Tauranga Art Gallery Trust To create exceptional art experiences that engage, inspire, challenge and educate through exhibitions, public programmes, and events. TAGT owns and operates the Tauranga Art Gallery – toi Tauranga, on behalf of the residents of Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. The Board of Trustees are responsible for developing and delivering the Gallery's strategic goals, overseeing the management of the Gallery's assets and resources, and for ensuring prudent financial management to ensure long-term sustainability. Tourism Bay of Plenty To promote the economic welfare and development of the Western Bay region and its community through destination marketing, destination management and other related activities which impact on the region as a visitor destination. Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council are joint shareholders of this CCO. TBOP takes a lead role in enabling sustainable growth of the visitor economy in the coastal Bay of Plenty in ways that benefit the whole community. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the direction of this organisation including developing and overseeing Tourism Bay of Plenty's Visitor Economy Strategy and monitoring financial performance and achievement of key initiatives and objectives. Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 23 May 2025, with interviews being held on 9, 11, and 12 June 2025. For more information, including the job ad, please visit Tauranga City Council's Appointment of Directors to Council Organisations Policy can be found here.
NZ Herald
09-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Haumaru Sport Centre opens in Tauranga with public open day
'There will be opportunities for casual bookings and court hire, as well as recreational activities for local schools and the wider community. 'This will include Tumble Time play sessions for preschoolers and their parents during weekdays.' The centre has four basketball-size courts with maple hardwood sports flooring from Canada. The size can accommodate three netball courts, 13 pickleball/badminton courts, or six volleyball courts. 'For large tournaments, we can change the line markings to increase the number of badminton/pickleball courts to 17,' Yeoman said. Curtains could be hung between courts for tournaments. 'The name Haumaru was gifted by mana whenua. The name has local significance and also relates to health and wellbeing, which fits with the active sport and recreation activities that will take place in this facility,' Yeoman said. The Warehouse to indoor courts The building was originally owned and operated as The Warehouse, but closed last year when Tauranga City Council bought the property. The total cost of the venue to Tauranga City Council and Bay Venues was about $28m. Te Papa ward councillor Rod Taylor said the initial plan was to build a brand-new indoor court facility of this scale at Memorial Park, which was estimated to cost more than $40 million. 'Talking about being The Warehouse, we really did get a bargain,' Taylor said. 'It's a win-win, really.' Yeoman said the cost included the price of the land, the building, all improvements and construction work, and all equipment. 'Not only does this development save more than $10m but the city now also owns a new piece of land in downtown Tauranga that it didn't have before, which had been valued at $12.5m.' 'The construction time – after prep works, demolition and consenting – was about six months,' Yeoman said. Bay Venues general manager of community facilities Paul Dunphy said when the centre was purchased it was still full of shelving from The Warehouse. 'We've taken everything out, made it one big open space, put a sports floor down, earthquake strengthened the building… refurbed it and made it usable.' Demand for more courts With a population growth of 40%, Taylor said there weren't enough courts to serve the whole city. Dunphy said his youngest child wasn't able to play an indoor sport this year because the teams were full for his age group. 'This centre will have the space to create new classes and leagues so more people can play indoor sports.' Yeoman said a group of adult basketballers have been wanting to create a master's league, but haven't had the courts. 'This will allow them to start.' 'The unique thing with this one is it's not a commercial area,' Taylor said. 'It's in the central city which is crucial to what we're trying to do.' The changes to Cameron Rd meant there was a direct bus route and cycle lanes to the venue. 'There's loads of schools down here too, and they're loving it because they can just come across,' Dunphy said. Impact on the area Yeoman said the council had visited nearby businesses with information about the new facility. 'They are really excited because they're going to have hundreds of people in here playing sports, going to cafes, going to get some sushi, going to Pak'n Save. They're really excited about it as well.' There were 220 on-site carparks, including 170 underground, 40 in the upper carpark, and 10 on-street car parks in front of the venue which were restricted to an hour. Dunphy said the on-site parking will be free for venue users. Non-venue users had to pay for use. He said this meant commuters would have access to about 170 more paid parking spots in the CBD. Amenities included 15 public toilets on the ground floor with four accessible bathrooms with toilets and showers, plus a tournament room and two changing rooms with two showers in each. There is an accessible ramp into the venue from 10th Ave and the underground carpark, and accessible parking both in the upper and underground carparks.
