From sports and community gardens, to events, markets and mobile shops, council land plays a big role in everyday life. Tauranga City Council’s Use of Council Land Policy guides how this land can be used by the community
Adopted in 2022, the policy brought together 10 previous policies all related to activities on council land and provides an overarching framework to inform how council land may be used. The policy outlines what types of activities need approval, the different approval types such as bookings, licences/permits, leases and licences to occupy, and the general conditions that must be followed for each type.
Council is now reviewing the policy to see how it’s working and to ensure its objectives are being met. Following feedback from stakeholders, including groups and organisations that regularly use council land, a draft revised policy has been developed.
Key proposed changes in the draft revised policy include: allowing council land to be provided for kōhanga reo in the same way land may be provided for Playcentres; extending lease termination notice periods from two years to between three and six years; adding additional sites and activities to be excluded from the scope of the policy; and including a requirement to consider existing rate paying businesses in the area when approving new commercial activities.
These proposed changes aim to improve clarity and consistency and ensure council land is managed and used in ways that align with the key principles of the policy, including providing community benefits.
“The Use of Council Land Policy has a real impact on how people use and enjoy public spaces,” says Tauriko Ward Councillor Marten Rozeboom.
“It supports a wide range of activities to ensure council land is primarily for community use and benefit, supports health and wellbeing, enhances vibrancy and diversity, and protects cultural and environmental values.
“Regularly reviewing policies like this helps ensure they remain practical, fair, and fit for purpose as our city continues to change.”
Feedback is open until Monday, 8 June 2026 at letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/use-of-council-land