Latest news with #KevinSchuler
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Cameron Road Changes To Remain At Seventh And Twelfth Avenues
Roading improvements at Seventh Avenue and Twelfth Avenue made as part of the 2021-2024 upgrade of Cameron Road will remain in place it was decided yesterday. Tauranga City Council's City Delivery Committee was presented with options for the future of the two city centre intersections following concerns raised by local businesses about the improvements limiting their customers' ability to reach them. For Seventh Avenue, there was also concern that reduced access was affecting leasing opportunities. Councillors acknowledged that the feedback received from the community did not give this outcome unanimous support but they were making decisions for the future. They recognised that businesses had already suffered from long delays on Cameron Road Stage 1, and they felt that the roading improvements already made were the best option. A vote was carried to maintain the status quo of the Seventh Avenue cul de sac because reopening the intersection with Cameron Road would result in a loss of parking on Cameron Road which a recent survey identified was of high value to local businesses and had implications for the future form and function of Cameron Road. Parking concerns raised by both residents and businesses as part of the survey also identified the need to provide more parking in the area, so a vote was also carried to add additional on-street parking on Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Avenues. While there was real concern expressed for the challenges experienced by the businesses on Twelfth Avenue, a decision was made to keep the 'no right turn' from Cameron Road into Twelfth Avenue in place due to safety concerns with vehicles having to cross two traffic lanes, a bus lane and a cycleway when making a right turn into Twelve Avenue. Head of Transport Mike Seabourne told the committee that because the Cameron Road improvements had been designed to accommodate future growth in the city, particularly in Te Papa and Tauriko West, it was a very 'future-like' design which he acknowledged was 'awkward' for the community to understand and get behind. Councillor Kevin Schuler said it was important to address the parking issues identified in the Seventh Avenue area so he believed that should be done now and if there was still ongoing disquiet about the cul de sac that a decision about reopening it could be revisited later. Councillor Marten Rozeboom said reinstating a right turn into Twelfth Avenue from Cameron Road would affect the flow of traffic between Fifteenth Avenue and Elizabeth Street, and while some people were always disaffected or disadvantaged by change, it was working well for most of Tauranga. Councillor Rod Taylor said while the rush of the Cameron Road project and the impact of COVID-19 meant that consultation at the time 'wasn't 100%' there has now been an opportunity for the community to be heard. 'The result isn't going to be what everyone is wanting but the fact we've looked at it again is good for the community and a lot of people now understand the design of the road and long-term intention.'
NZ Herald
26-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Tauranga's new sports centre hosts Foot Locker U20 basketball nationals
It brings together young talent from across the country – including Kiwis returning from overseas – and is free for the public to attend. Bethlehem Ward councillor Kevin Schuler, who helped officially open Haumaru earlier this month, said the tournament was a great opportunity for the city and community. 'National sporting events like this strengthen our community by providing opportunities for connection, participation, and inspiration, especially for our younger generations. 'Basketball continues to grow rapidly in Aotearoa, and hosting this national competition shows we're serious about being a city that supports youth development.' Schuler said hosting national sporting events also attracted visitors and wider economic benefits for Tauranga and helped raise their profile as a great host city. 'So it's a win-win for everyone. 'This new facility right in the heart of Tauranga is already proving its worth by being able to host this event and sets the stage for an exciting long weekend of sport. 'It really is going to be something special. We also encourage visitors who are here for the event to take time to enjoy everything our city has to offer.' Since 2009, the number of teams registered with the Tauranga City Basketball Association has nearly quadrupled from 228 to 812 in 2024. Tauranga City Basketball general manager Mark Rogers said demand for court space had surged alongside the sport's popularity. 'We've seen huge growth over the past decade. Numbers grew steadily until 2023, when a lack of space began to hold us back. 'The addition of the Haumaru facility to the council-owned network will open the door for further growth in the coming years.' The U20 Nationals are a key development event for players, referees and coaches across the country, and are gaining international recognition. The upcoming event will welcome 16 men's teams and eight women's teams from across New Zealand, all of whom have earned their place through regional qualifiers. Referees are also hand-picked for their performance as part of national development pathways. Many athletes who compete will go on to secure college scholarships in the USA or professional contracts in Australia's National Basketball League and Women's National Basketball League. Basketball New Zealand tournaments lead Jay Macdonald said there were about 150 New Zealanders on college basketball scholarships in the United States with the vast majority having played in the U20 Nationals in previous years. 'This year, some Tauranga players will be back from their college to represent Tauranga City Basketball Association.' Spectators who attend can expect fast-paced, high-quality basketball with many players coming from Sal's National Basketball League, G.J. Gardner Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, and US college teams.
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Under-20 Basketball Nationals Slam Into Tauranga
Press Release – Tauranga City Council Supported by Tauranga City Council through the Tauranga Event Fund, this Basketball New Zealand tournament gives representative-level players a final chance to compete at age-group level on the national stage. Tauranga's newest sports facility is set to host its first national tournament – and it's a slam dunk for local basketball fans. The Foot Locker Under 20 Basketball Nationals will take place over King's Birthday weekend, from 30 May to 2 June 2025, at the new University of Waikato Haumaru Sport and Recreation Centre. The former site of The Warehouse on Cameron Road was purchased by Tauranga City Council in early 2024 and has been converted into a multi-purpose sport and recreation centre featuring indoor sports courts. Supported by Tauranga City Council through the Tauranga Event Fund, this Basketball New Zealand tournament gives representative-level players a final chance to compete at age-group level on the national stage. It brings together young talent from across the country – including Kiwis returning from overseas – and is free for the public to attend. Bethlehem Ward Councillor Kevin Schuler, who helped officially open Haumaru earlier this month, says the tournament is a great opportunity for the city and community. 'We're proud to support the U20 National Basketball event through the Tauranga Event Fund. National sporting events like this strengthen our community by providing opportunities for connection, participation, and inspiration, especially for our younger generations. 'Basketball continues to grow rapidly in Aotearoa, and hosting this national competition shows we're serious about being a city that supports youth development. 'Hosting national sporting events such as this also attracts visitors and wider economic benefits for Tauranga and helps raise our profile as a great host city – so it's a win-win for everyone. 'This new facility right in the heart of Tauranga is already proving its worth by being able to host this event and sets the stage for an exciting long weekend of sport. It really is going to be something special. 'We also encourage visitors who are here for the event to take time to enjoy everything our city has to offer.' Basketball's rise in Tauranga has been remarkable. Since 2009, the number of teams registered with the Tauranga City Basketball Association has nearly quadrupled from 228 to an impressive 812 in 2024. Mark Rogers, General Manager of Tauranga City Basketball, says demand for court space has surged alongside the sport's popularity. 'We've seen huge growth over the past decade. Numbers grew steadily until 2023, when a lack of space began to hold us back. The addition of the Haumaru facility to the Council-owned network will open the door for further growth in the coming years.' The U20 Nationals are a key development event for players, referees and coaches across the country, and are gaining international recognition. The upcoming event will welcome 16 men's teams and 8 women's teams from across New Zealand, all of whom have earned their place through regional qualifiers. Referees are also hand-picked for their performance as part of national development pathways. Many athletes who compete will go on to secure college scholarships in the USA or professional contracts in Australia's National Basketball League and Women's National Basketball League. 'Currently, there are around 150 New Zealanders on college basketball scholarships in the USA, with the vast majority having played in the U20 Nationals in previous years,' says Jay Macdonald, Basketball New Zealand's Tournaments Lead. 'This year, some Tauranga players will be back from their college to represent Tauranga City Basketball Association.' Spectators who attend can expect fast-paced, high-quality basketball with many players coming from Sal's National Basketball League, G.J. Gardner Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, and US college teams. Stu Stevenson, Head of Sport and Fitness at Bay Venues, says the tournament is a fitting way to mark the opening of the new facility. 'We are excited to be hosting the Foot Locker U20 Nationals basketball tournament at the newly opened centre. This event is particularly special for us as it will be the first tournament held at Haumaru. We look forward to welcoming some of the best young basketball players from across the country and providing them with a new venue to showcase their skills.' With seating for spectators and free public entry, the community is encouraged to come along and experience the energy, talent and passion of New Zealand's future basketball stars – right here in Tauranga.
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Under-20 Basketball Nationals Slam Into Tauranga
Tauranga's newest sports facility is set to host its first national tournament - and it's a slam dunk for local basketball fans. The Foot Locker Under 20 Basketball Nationals will take place over King's Birthday weekend, from 30 May to 2 June 2025, at the new University of Waikato Haumaru Sport and Recreation Centre. The former site of The Warehouse on Cameron Road was purchased by Tauranga City Council in early 2024 and has been converted into a multi-purpose sport and recreation centre featuring indoor sports courts. Supported by Tauranga City Council through the Tauranga Event Fund, this Basketball New Zealand tournament gives representative-level players a final chance to compete at age-group level on the national stage. It brings together young talent from across the country – including Kiwis returning from overseas – and is free for the public to attend. Bethlehem Ward Councillor Kevin Schuler, who helped officially open Haumaru earlier this month, says the tournament is a great opportunity for the city and community. 'We're proud to support the U20 National Basketball event through the Tauranga Event Fund. National sporting events like this strengthen our community by providing opportunities for connection, participation, and inspiration, especially for our younger generations. 'Basketball continues to grow rapidly in Aotearoa, and hosting this national competition shows we're serious about being a city that supports youth development. 'Hosting national sporting events such as this also attracts visitors and wider economic benefits for Tauranga and helps raise our profile as a great host city – so it's a win-win for everyone. 'This new facility right in the heart of Tauranga is already proving its worth by being able to host this event and sets the stage for an exciting long weekend of sport. It really is going to be something special. 'We also encourage visitors who are here for the event to take time to enjoy everything our city has to offer.' Basketball's rise in Tauranga has been remarkable. Since 2009, the number of teams registered with the Tauranga City Basketball Association has nearly quadrupled from 228 to an impressive 812 in 2024. Mark Rogers, General Manager of Tauranga City Basketball, says demand for court space has surged alongside the sport's popularity. 'We've seen huge growth over the past decade. Numbers grew steadily until 2023, when a lack of space began to hold us back. The addition of the Haumaru facility to the Council-owned network will open the door for further growth in the coming years.' The U20 Nationals are a key development event for players, referees and coaches across the country, and are gaining international recognition. The upcoming event will welcome 16 men's teams and 8 women's teams from across New Zealand, all of whom have earned their place through regional qualifiers. Referees are also hand-picked for their performance as part of national development pathways. Many athletes who compete will go on to secure college scholarships in the USA or professional contracts in Australia's National Basketball League and Women's National Basketball League. 'Currently, there are around 150 New Zealanders on college basketball scholarships in the USA, with the vast majority having played in the U20 Nationals in previous years,' says Jay Macdonald, Basketball New Zealand's Tournaments Lead. 'This year, some Tauranga players will be back from their college to represent Tauranga City Basketball Association.' Spectators who attend can expect fast-paced, high-quality basketball with many players coming from Sal's National Basketball League, G.J. Gardner Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, and US college teams. Stu Stevenson, Head of Sport and Fitness at Bay Venues, says the tournament is a fitting way to mark the opening of the new facility. 'We are excited to be hosting the Foot Locker U20 Nationals basketball tournament at the newly opened centre. This event is particularly special for us as it will be the first tournament held at Haumaru. We look forward to welcoming some of the best young basketball players from across the country and providing them with a new venue to showcase their skills.' With seating for spectators and free public entry, the community is encouraged to come along and experience the energy, talent and passion of New Zealand's future basketball stars – right here in Tauranga.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Niagara County seeking extension of 'Medicaid penny'
Niagara County's so-called 'Medicaid penny' — a 1% additional sales tax imposed more than two decades ago to help defray costs of the low-income health insurance program — may be extended for another two-year period through Nov. 30, 2027. Members of the Niagara County Legislature voted unanimously this week to support a resolution calling on Albany lawmakers to grant their request for the extension. The additional 1% sales tax, tacked on the standard county tax rate of 3%, has been in place since 2003. It was conceived as a 'temporary' tax designed to help offset the county's Medicaid cost. County lawmakers have sought and received the state legislature's approval to extend the additional tax in two-year increments multiple times since it was first authorized. The resolution approved by county lawmakers indicates that the legislature finds it 'necessary' to extend the additional 1% sales tax for the period beginning Dec. 1, 2025, and continuing through Nov. 30, 2027. Approval by the state legislature is necessary. Niagara County Public Information Officer Kevin Schuler said the additional 1% sales tax remains dedicated to covering the cost of the county's Medicaid share first. Local sales tax revenue, including the county and local municipalities, equaled $180,746,599 in 2024. Of the total, the county received $97.4 million. According to the county, the local cost for Medicaid services last year ($45,994,149) exceeded 1% sales tax revenue for 2024 ($45,187,780) by $806,359.
