Tōputanga a kaunihera

Council-controlled organisations

A Council-controlled organisation (CCO) is an organisation in which the council controls 50% or more of the votes or has the right to appoint 50% or more of the directors or trustees.

Council and its CCOs work in partnership to successfully deliver quality outcomes for our community and contribute to Tauranga Moana becoming a vibrant city that attracts businesses, people and visitors, is well planned, connected and inclusive.

Our CCOs deliver a range of great offerings for Tauranga’s residents and visitors, including leisure, aquatic, arts, events and cultural activities.

The benefits of CCOs include:

Independently managing Council initiatives and facilities.
Providing business and community expertise that Council may not have in-house.
Being able to focus on achieving the best outcome for their particular organisation, rather than focusing on the many activities of a council.
Attracting some of their funding from sources other than rates.

Applications open for tangata whenua board vacancies at Council‑Controlled Organisations

Applications are now open for:

one tangata whenua representative to join the Bay Venues Limited (Bay Venues) Board, and
one tangata whenua representative to join the Tourism Bay of Plenty (TBoP) Board.

All new board members will commence their tenure from 1 July 2026.

Applications close Sunday 19 April 2026, with interviews scheduled for mid May.

For more information and to apply for the Bay Venues vacancy

Apply for Bay Venues vacancy
For more information and to apply for the TBoP vacancy

Apply for TBoP vacancy

Council’s Appointment of Directors to Council Organisations Policy (kb pdf)

Council confirms Council-Controlled Organisations reappointments

Tauranga City Council has confirmed several important governance reappointments across our council controlled organisations (CCOs), each of which plays a vital role in supporting the wellbeing, vibrancy, and future growth of our city.

Bay Venues, Tauranga Art Gallery Trust (TAGT), Tourism Bay of Plenty (TBoP) and Te Manawataki o Te Papa Limited (TMoTPL) create significant value for Tauranga ratepayers by supporting community wellbeing, enhancing economic opportunities, supporting our cultural identity, creating opportunities for tourism future, recreation, sport and events, and ensuring our facilities, buildings, and public spaces meet the needs of a growing city.

These reappointments reflect a continued commitment to strong governance, continuity, and the delivery of outcomes that support Tauranga’s vision for a thriving, inclusive, future focused city:

Simon Clarke — Chair, Bay Venues, reappointed for 1 year to 30 June 2027.
Dr Wayne Beilby – Director, Bay Venues, reappointed for 3 years to 30 June 2029.
Rosemary Protheroe — Chair, TAGT, reappointed for 2 years to 30 June 2028.
Rachel Scott — Deputy Chair, TAGT, reappointed for 3 years to 30 June 2029.
Russ Browne — Chair, TBoP, reappointed for 1 year to 30 June 2027.
Janine Tulloch — Deputy Chair, TBoP, reappointed for 3 years to 30 June 2029.
Kim Wallace — Chair, TMoTPL, reappointed for 3 years to 30 June 2029.
Barry Bragg — Director, TMoTPL, reappointed for 3 years to 30 June 2029.
Peter Neven — Director, TMoTPL, reappointed for 2 years to 30 June 2028.

Two aspiring directors ready to make their mark

We’re excited to welcome Carey Manuel and Michelle Redward as the newest participants in Tauranga City Council’s Aspiring Directors Programme.

Carey joins Bay Venues as a board intern, while Michelle steps into the same role with Tourism Bay of Plenty.

Both were selected from a highly competitive pool of 26 applicants for this 12-month programme, which aims to:

upskill emerging governance talent
increase diversity on CCO boards
build a strong pipeline of future directors for Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty region.

This programme isn’t just about observation, it’s about immersion. Carey and Michelle will actively contribute, learn, and grow through mentorship and hands-on experience.

Congratulations Carey and Michelle! We can’t wait to see the fresh perspectives you bring to the table.

Carey Manuel

Michelle Redward

Council cover reports

2025

2024

Resources

Bay Venues Limited

Tourism Bay of Plenty

Tauranga Art Gallery Trust

Te Manawataki o Te Papa
Limited

Te Manawataki o Te Papa Charitable Trust

Bay Of Plenty Local Authority Shared Services Limited

Local Government Funding Agency

CCO Aspiring Directors - Board Intern Programme

Latest news

Dazzlehands and Dinosaurs - there’s something for everyone these April school holidays

From dazzling ballet and dinosaur discoveries to basketball on the waterfront and the return of the Great Tauranga Duck Race, Tauranga is packed with family-friendly fun these April school holidays.

Whether you’re chasing creative workshops, live shows, outdoor adventures or something a little different, there’s no shortage of ways to keep tamariki entertained across the city.

The Historic Village

Two children painting — The Incubator Creative Hub, Hunter Studios.

Market & Main Village Hunt
Tamariki can explore The Historic Village with this fun, self-guided hunt. Pick up a clue sheet and follow the trail to uncover answers and enjoy a tasty reward at the end.
Thu 3 – Fri 18 Apr | The Historic Village

Village Cinema movies
Stroll through boutique shops, grab a bite to eat, and settle in for a family-friendly movie at the Village Cinema. Catch favourites like:

Wild Robot – Tue 7 Apr
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Storytime with Claire Delaney! – Thu 9 Apr
Smurfs – Tue 14 Apr
The Secret Life of Pets – Thu 16 Apr

The Incubator creative workshops
Make it, sew it, paint it, or stitch it! Choose from an exciting range of hands-on workshops including:

Tween Ceramics Workshop – Tue 7 Apr
Just Peachy with Claire Delaney McLeary – Thu 9 Apr
Moonlit Tigers with Emma Prill – Tue 14 Apr
Circles in Bloom with Emma Prill – Tue 14 Apr
DIY Patches with Sarah Sew Love – Thu 16 Apr

Tauranga Libraries – Te Ao Mārama
Get ready for creativity, imagination and hands on fun at Tauranga’s libraries. From cupcake decorating, storytelling and sensory play, to upcycling workshops, arcade builds and creative crafts, there’s something on for tamariki of all ages. Find your local library events here: whatsontauranga.co.nz/school-holidays.

Baycourt Community & Arts Centre

Royal New Zealand Ballet: Dazzlehands
The much loved children’s story, Dazzlehands, comes to life in this joyful, high energy performance by the Royal New Zealand Ballet. With playful narration, original music and colourful costumes, it’s a delightful introduction to ballet for young audiences and their grownups.
Sun 12 Apr | Baycourt Community & Arts Centre

KPOP LIVE!
Get ready for a high energy concert experience with KPOP LIVE! Bursting with colourful costumes, exciting choreography and all the biggest KPop hits, this fast-paced show is packed with music, dance and smiles - perfect for kids, teens and the whole whānau.
Wed 15 – Thu 16 Apr | Baycourt Community & Arts Centre

Central Tauranga

Children playing basketball — Hoops on the Waterfront with Whai Basketball, photo supplied.

The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery
Step back in time with this interactive dinosaur walkthrough experience, bringing prehistoric creatures to life. Discover more than 30 lifelike dinosaurs - from the towering Brachiosaurus to the crowd favourite TRex and robotic raptors that move and roar. With hands-on activities including fossil digs, a dinomite playground and creative zones.
Sat 4 – Sun 5 Apr | Memorial Park

Easter Extravaganza
Head to Masonic Park for a morning of free, family friendly fun these school holidays. Spot the Easter Bunny riding through on his unicycle, enjoy face painting, meet junior bunny performers on bouncing stilts, and jump into a circus workshop where kids can try tightrope walking and other circus skills.
Tue 7 Apr | Masonic Park

School Holiday Pottery Fun – Create, Play and Get Messy
Get hands-on with clay in these relaxed, family friendly pottery workshops. Perfect for kids, parents and visiting whānau, these sessions invite everyone to get creative together, try something new and enjoy some messy, hands-on fun.
Tue 7 – Sat 18 Apr | The Pottery Studio

Bark in the Park 2026
Bring the whānau (and the dog) along to this free, dog friendly event hosted by Tauranga City Council’s Animal Services team. Enjoy live music, food trucks, local dog businesses, giveaways and more in a relaxed park setting. Make a day of it by heading to Pooch in the Pool at Memorial Pools afterwards for the ultimate “dog day out”.
Sat 11 Apr | Memorial Park

Hoops on the Waterfront with Whai Basketball
Whai Basketball returns to the Tauranga waterfront for a free, accessible community hoop session. Meet the team, shoot hoops with the pros, pick up tips and tricks, and soak up the good vibes with DJ Double D and MC Francis Kora. With prizes up for grabs including Whai merch and game tickets, it’s a slam dunk for all ages.
Wed 15 Apr | Tauranga waterfront

The Great Tauranga Duck Race
Rubber ducks take to the water at The Strand Waterfront in this much-loved community fundraiser. With numbered ducklings sold by local schools, the race raises vital funds for participating schools, Life Education Trust, and Tauranga Te Papa Rotary.
Sun 19 Apr | Tauranga waterfront

Mount Maunganui and beyond

Speedway cars — Baypark Speedway, The Write Angle.

School Holidays at The Cave
Step into a whole new reality at The Cave Pāpāmoa. From high octane racing simulators and cutting edge VR experiences to a high-spec gaming lounge, this immersive venue delivers next level fun.
Fri 3 – Sun 19 Apr | The Cave Pāpāmoa

Easter School Holidays at Classic Flyers
Take off to Classic Flyers Aviation Museum these school holidays for an Easter-themed family adventure. Join the Merlin the Moggy Treasure Hunt, enjoy rides on Flick the Fire Truck, and get creative in the Easter colouring competition with prizes to be won.
Sat 4 – Sun 19 Apr | Classic Flyers

Baypark Speedway – Demo DerBAY
Enjoy a high energy night of speedway action as Demo DerBAY returns to Baypark. Watch a full lineup of racing classes take to the clay before the evening wraps up with a crowd favourite demolition derby finale. Expect plenty of action, big moments and an entertaining atmosphere for motorsport fans of all ages.
Sat 4 Apr | Mercury Baypark Stadium

Rocktopia Climb and Craft Holiday Programme
Rocktopia’s popular Climb and Craft programme is back, combining active fun with creativity. Designed for children aged 6–14, each session includes climbing adventures in the morning followed by a relaxed craft workshop in the afternoon - the perfect mix of movement and making.
Tue 7, Thu 9, Tue 14 & Thu 16 Apr | Rocktopia

Megaland
Get ready for the ultimate inflatable adventure as Megaland returns to Mercury Baypark. Take on a massive 345metre course packed with 43 obstacles and six megaslides - from tunnels and giant waves to beach balls and rugby style challenges, all finishing with a thrilling mega slide.
Fri 10 – Wed 15 Apr | Mercury Baypark Arena

MAGIC v MYSTICS
Netball returns for an exciting ANZ Premiership showdown as the AVIS Magic take on the Mystics. Expect fast-paced action, elite athletes and a buzzing atmosphere in this family-friendly clash, perfect for a fun night out these school holidays.
Sat 18 Apr | Mercury Baypark Arena

There’s so much goodness happening in Tauranga these April school holidays! For full event details and even more activities, visit What’s On Tauranga.

Image caption

Royal New Zealand Ballet: Dazzlehands, photo supplied.

Posted: Mar 31, 2026,