Latest news with #Mahé
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Cost Savings Locked In For Annual Plan 2025/26
Tauranga City's Mayor and Councillors yesterday settled on an average rate increase of 9.9 percent to support the city's Annual Plan 2025/2026 – just over two percent less than the increase consulted on in April. The decision comes after four days of deliberations this week, as the Council worked through the city's priorities for the next financial year, with discussion centred on how greater value for money could be achieved across all projects. Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the Council doesn't want to slow progress down so is focused on reducing costs while maintaining service delivery and continuing to provide facilities that the community needs and wants. 'We want to deliver for Tauranga and make this city the best in the country. Many of the decisions we're making today will make a difference in years to come. This year we've really invested in community facilities to cater for the city's growing population, because many of our existing facilities are already operating at capacity,' says Mahé. 'We understand that a 9.9% average rates increase is still considerable for the community, but we are delivering around half a billion dollars' worth of much-needed capital works, one of the largest investment programmes in the country and one of the biggest we've ever delivered. 'While the rates increase is higher than we would have liked, I'm satisfied that we've done everything we can to balance the need to invest in our future, while keeping rates affordable, including delivering $38 million of savings through this annual plan process,' Mahé says. 'I would like to commend staff for their response to our call to action to reduce spend and increase efficiencies across projects. It's been a collective effort from the Council and staff to get to this point. 'This is just the start of our journey, and there is plenty more to do.' Mahé thanks the community for their submissions and sharing their points of view. 'We received some constructive suggestions, and we've taken everything on board. 'Now the challenge is to deliver our work programme and cement-in the budget savings we've made.' Community facilities to receive support in the Annual Plan 2025/26: Relocatable changing rooms for Mount Maunganui Cricket Club Part-funding of portaloos for Tauranga Netball at Blake Park A Pāpāmoa Rugby Club relocatable clubroom facility Investment in lighting for the Judea Community Sport Club (subject to feasibility) Additional support for paid lifeguard services at Tay Street Beach A commitment has also been made to work with Arataki Sports Club and Papamoa Tennis Club on the feasibility of future facilities. Support was also given to the development of a 50-metre outdoor training pool at Mount Maunganui College, subject to due diligence, and to the investment needed to keep the Ōtūmoetai Swimming Pool up and running Mahé says thanks to some offers of help from the community, the Council was able to approve a few items without additional rates funding. A full list of funded projects will be available on council's website from late-June and the Draft Annual Plan 2025/26 will go to the Council for adoption on 26 June. Other approvals given this week: Council approved $2 million of expenditure to be brought forward into the Annual Plan 2025/26 from the 2027/28 financial year, to fund and progress the Connecting Mount Maunganui detailed business case – with a further $1 million to be brought forward into the Annual Plan 2026/27 in addition to the $500,000 already allocated in that year. This would be financed through the existing transport-related infrastructure funding and financing levy (IFF), with no impact on rates. This project would aim to address improving road safety and access to, from and through Mount Maunganui. Council will also invest up to $1 million in the stage two extension of the Pāpāmoa Shared Pathway, subject to this fitting within the Annual Plan budget. Local Water Done Well Following consultation in April, the community's submissions on the Local Water Done Well proposals were collated and presented to the Council on 28 May. Community views on whether to establish a multi-council CCO were close to evenly split, with some people supporting the efficiencies of scale and regional perspective that this would bring, while others were concerned about cost increases and loss of local control. Council resolved to keep all three waters together (drinking water, wastewater and stormwater), recognising that some stormwater land that has a high amenity value to the community should stay under council management, and noted that its proposed model remains a multi-CCO. A public workshop to review financial modelling for the waters proposals will be held on 24 June. A decision on the preferred delivery model is then expected to be considered at the Council meeting on 15 July. A summary of community responses can be found in council's 26 May 2025 agenda.
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Council Votes On New Aquatic Network Plan
Press Release – Tauranga City Council The Aquatics Network Plan will include an aquatic centre at Memorial Park, the retention of tmoetai Pool for at least 15 years, and support for the 50m training pool at Mount Maunganui College. Tauranga City's Mayor and Councillors have voted to support the development of a 50-metre outdoor training pool at Mount Maunganui College and to keep the Ōtūmoetai Swimming Pool up and running. At this week's Annual Plan 2025/26 deliberations, the Council was presented with three key options as part of a draft Aquatics Network Plan, which will outline a roadmap for aquatic facilities in Tauranga. The Council was told site investigations are underway to inform the next step for the Memorial Park Aquatic project. If found to be favourable, a design review will ensure the project has the right scope, design and cost to deliver value for money for the community. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says a community survey undertaken at the end of 2024 showed 73% of respondents supported additional aquatic facilities with an indoor 50-metre lane pool ranking the second highest feature in the feedback. He says the initial Memorial Park Aquatic Centre proposal, which had an original budget of $124 million, was inherited from the Commission but he is keen to get a better financial outcome. 'We're committed to delivering value for money, so it's on us to understand what our community wants and consider what cost savings could be possible,' Mahé says. 'I applaud the Mount Maunganui Aquatic Centre Trust for bringing us the 50-metre pool option. It ticks a lot of boxes, and we would provide an Olympic-size pool for Tauranga in the shortest possible timeframe. From a Council perspective, it's probably the most economical pool we could ever build.' The Council is supportive of the 50-metre pool proposal but will continue to work with the Trust and undertake due diligence before releasing the funding. Deputy Mayor Jen Scoular says the Aquatic Network Plan is looking at the bigger picture for Tauranga and delivering what the people of Tauranga have said they want. 'This supports a healthy Tauranga. We want kids learning to swim and being safe in the water. We want them having fun and we've now got some great options on the table.' The Aquatics Network Plan will now be drafted and go back to the Council for endorsement before going out for community consultation. Council Recommendations: Memorial Park Aquatic Centre (c) Notes that the site investigations currently underway for the existing Memorial Pool site (including geotechnical) will be available in early August 2025. If the results are favourable, this could present an opportunity to locate the new Memorial Aquatics Centre on that site and to retain the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre for circa 15 years. Ōtūmoetai Pool (d) Supports the Ōtūmoetai Pool Working Group's recommendations to retain and upgrade the Ōtūmoetai Pool and signals its intent to allocate indicative capital funding of $3.28m (uninflated) in 2027/28 and $2.43m (uninflated) in 2032/33 through the next Long-Term Plan in line with those recommendations. (e) Notes that if the Ōtūmoetai Pool is retained in the network the Development Contributions Policy will need to be amended to reflect the implications of that decision. Mount Maunganui College 50-metre pool (f) Confirms in-principle support for the Mount Maunganui College 50m Pool expansion proposal, including ongoing Council support to subsidise the community use of the pool, with: (i) a $4.945m initial 10-year loan-funded operational grant for the pool construction, paid to the Mount Maunganui Aquatic Centre Trust over 2025/26 (2.59m) and 2026/27 ($2.355m), and (ii) up to $340,000 annual operational grant, based on actual net operational costs, on an ongoing basis to meet the extra cost of providing a 50m community pool, as outlined in the Mount Maunganui Aquatic Centre Trust proposal (attachment 4). Subject to: Annual Plan decisions and their impacts on the balanced budget financial benchmark, formal support for the proposal from Ministry of Education and Mount Maunganui College Board of Trustees, and the outcomes of resolution (g). (g) Instructs staff to continue further due diligence and financial modelling, and to work with the Mount Maunganui Aquatic Centre Trust to finalise a funding agreement that provides: (i) the legal and financial framework for the upgrade and ongoing operation of a new 50m pool, (ii) long-term confidence to the Mount Maunganui Aquatic Centre Trust and the Council regarding the financial sustainability of the proposal, and (iii) fair, equitable and safe community use of the pool, including non-structured community open use. (h) If resolution (f) and (g) are not successfully implemented, signal in-principle support for option 2, 33m pool expansion to a wider 33m x 25m pool in 2025/26 and 2026/27 approving: (i) an initial 10-year loan-funded operational grant of $2.6 mil for construction, and (ii) an ongoing operational grant of up to $20,000 to cover the additional cost of meeting PoolSafe requirements, as the alternative preferred option. Subject to Annual Plan decisions and their impacts on the balanced budget financial benchmark and formal support for the proposal from Ministry of Education and Mount Maunganui College Board of Trustees. Aquatic Network Plan (i) Approves the development of an Aquatics Network Plan, as outlined in this report, including targeted stakeholder engagement and broader community consultation. (j) Notes that, subject to the above resolutions, staff will prepare an Aquatic Network Plan that outlines a roadmap for the future of aquatics in Tauranga, including: (i) An aquatic centre at Memorial Park, (ii) Retention of Ōtūmoetai Pool for at least 15 years, and (iii) Support for the development of a 50m training pool at Mount Maunganui College.
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Council Votes On New Aquatic Network Plan
Tauranga City's Mayor and Councillors have voted to support the development of a 50-metre outdoor training pool at Mount Maunganui College and to keep the Ōtūmoetai Swimming Pool up and running. At this week's Annual Plan 2025/26 deliberations, the Council was presented with three key options as part of a draft Aquatics Network Plan, which will outline a roadmap for aquatic facilities in Tauranga. The Council was told site investigations are underway to inform the next step for the Memorial Park Aquatic project. If found to be favourable, a design review will ensure the project has the right scope, design and cost to deliver value for money for the community. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says a community survey undertaken at the end of 2024 showed 73% of respondents supported additional aquatic facilities with an indoor 50-metre lane pool ranking the second highest feature in the feedback. He says the initial Memorial Park Aquatic Centre proposal, which had an original budget of $124 million, was inherited from the Commission but he is keen to get a better financial outcome. 'We're committed to delivering value for money, so it's on us to understand what our community wants and consider what cost savings could be possible,' Mahé says. 'I applaud the Mount Maunganui Aquatic Centre Trust for bringing us the 50-metre pool option. It ticks a lot of boxes, and we would provide an Olympic-size pool for Tauranga in the shortest possible timeframe. From a Council perspective, it's probably the most economical pool we could ever build.' The Council is supportive of the 50-metre pool proposal but will continue to work with the Trust and undertake due diligence before releasing the funding. Deputy Mayor Jen Scoular says the Aquatic Network Plan is looking at the bigger picture for Tauranga and delivering what the people of Tauranga have said they want. 'This supports a healthy Tauranga. We want kids learning to swim and being safe in the water. We want them having fun and we've now got some great options on the table.' The Aquatics Network Plan will now be drafted and go back to the Council for endorsement before going out for community consultation. Council Recommendations: Memorial Park Aquatic Centre (c) Notes that the site investigations currently underway for the existing Memorial Pool site (including geotechnical) will be available in early August 2025. If the results are favourable, this could present an opportunity to locate the new Memorial Aquatics Centre on that site and to retain the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre for circa 15 years. Ōtūmoetai Pool (d) Supports the Ōtūmoetai Pool Working Group's recommendations to retain and upgrade the Ōtūmoetai Pool and signals its intent to allocate indicative capital funding of $3.28m (uninflated) in 2027/28 and $2.43m (uninflated) in 2032/33 through the next Long-Term Plan in line with those recommendations. (e) Notes that if the Ōtūmoetai Pool is retained in the network the Development Contributions Policy will need to be amended to reflect the implications of that decision. Mount Maunganui College 50-metre pool (f) Confirms in-principle support for the Mount Maunganui College 50m Pool expansion proposal, including ongoing Council support to subsidise the community use of the pool, with: (i) a $4.945m initial 10-year loan-funded operational grant for the pool construction, paid to the Mount Maunganui Aquatic Centre Trust over 2025/26 (2.59m) and 2026/27 ($2.355m), and (ii) up to $340,000 annual operational grant, based on actual net operational costs, on an ongoing basis to meet the extra cost of providing a 50m community pool, as outlined in the Mount Maunganui Aquatic Centre Trust proposal (attachment 4). Subject to: Annual Plan decisions and their impacts on the balanced budget financial benchmark, formal support for the proposal from Ministry of Education and Mount Maunganui College Board of Trustees, and the outcomes of resolution (g). (g) Instructs staff to continue further due diligence and financial modelling, and to work with the Mount Maunganui Aquatic Centre Trust to finalise a funding agreement that provides: (i) the legal and financial framework for the upgrade and ongoing operation of a new 50m pool, (ii) long-term confidence to the Mount Maunganui Aquatic Centre Trust and the Council regarding the financial sustainability of the proposal, and (iii) fair, equitable and safe community use of the pool, including non-structured community open use. (h) If resolution (f) and (g) are not successfully implemented, signal in-principle support for option 2, 33m pool expansion to a wider 33m x 25m pool in 2025/26 and 2026/27 approving: (i) an initial 10-year loan-funded operational grant of $2.6 mil for construction, and (ii) an ongoing operational grant of up to $20,000 to cover the additional cost of meeting PoolSafe requirements, as the alternative preferred option. Subject to Annual Plan decisions and their impacts on the balanced budget financial benchmark and formal support for the proposal from Ministry of Education and Mount Maunganui College Board of Trustees. Aquatic Network Plan (i) Approves the development of an Aquatics Network Plan, as outlined in this report, including targeted stakeholder engagement and broader community consultation. (j) Notes that, subject to the above resolutions, staff will prepare an Aquatic Network Plan that outlines a roadmap for the future of aquatics in Tauranga, including: (i) An aquatic centre at Memorial Park, (ii) Retention of Ōtūmoetai Pool for at least 15 years, and (iii) Support for the development of a 50m training pool at Mount Maunganui College.
Malay Mail
27-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Tourism Seychelles Shares Ideas for Singapore's June Holidays — Visit Majestic Morne Blanc Trail and many other attractions
Morne Blanc Botanical Garden SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 May 2025 - The month-long June school holidays are ahead in the weeks ahead. Feeling the usual 'have-been-going-back-to-the same destination's dread. There is a great idea for the whole family – head over to off the press is a great tourist attraction re-opened recently – the beautiful and majestic! This is a 905-meter climb to the highest peak in Seychelles – great for fitness enthusiasts looking for a hiking experience for the away in the heart of Mahé, Seychelles' largest island, this trail is a true hidden treasure for adventure seekers. This captivating hike takes visitors through lush tropical greenery, leading to breathtaking viewpoints of incredible lagoons and amazing forests. With every step, one will ascend into the clouds, escaping the island heat and immersing into nature's the list of one of the Tourism Seychelles' many jewels, the trail reflects the island's commitment to conservation and protection of her unique biodiversity,Another exciting spot is the, which features over 280 plant species and kids will not want to miss the opportunity to feed the giant a scenic and easy hikes, theis a good option, offering a quick 1.4-km hike through the luxuriant forest. The top of the trail boasts a spectacular view of the east coast of the main island, overlooking views of the surrounding trip for Singapore outbound travellers will not be complete without tasting Seychelles' amazing Seychelles local cuisine reflects the island's rich history of cultural influences – blending African, European, Indian, and Chinese flavours into its own distinctive and delicious fusion. This culinary diversity, along with the abundance of fresh ingredients sourced from both land and sea, makes Seychelles' food culture an exciting culinary Seychelles islands were historically a melting pot of different cultures, including African slaves, French colonial settlers, Indian indentured laborers, and Chinese traders. As a result, the cuisine of Seychelles is a rich fusion of these various traditions. The French influence is seen in the use of rich sauces and seafood, the African influence brings in hearty and flavorful dishes, Indian spices enhance the flavors, and Chinese culinary techniques can be observed in the use of stir-fries and #seychellesisland The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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.
