It’s on in our city centre!

Tauranga City Council welcomes a new appointment to one of its council-controlled organisations (CCOs).

This new appointment has resulted from the recent expansion of the CCO Te Manawataki o Te Papa Limited’s (TMoTPL) responsibilities to include the delivery of major projects across Tauranga.

The new director is Michael Weatherall, and his term is for three years and eight months (starting 2 November, and ending 30 June 2030*). Mr Weatherall, a former partner of Simpson Grierson, is one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent construction lawyers, and brings over 30 years’ experience advising on this country’s largest construction and infrastructure projects.   

Mr Weatherall’s appointment followed a competitive selection process that drew 12 expressions of interest, and his appointment is unanimously supported by a dedicated panel, whose members included Mayor Mahé Drysdale and CCO Chair, Kim Wallace.    

Mayor Mahé Drysdale says he is delighted to welcome Michael Weatherall to the TMoTPL Board.

“Michael brings exactly the governance capability, skills and experience that both the Council and Te Manawataki o Te Papa Limited were seeking through this appointment process.

“His extensive experience overseeing major transport infrastructure projects, coupled with his strong commercial contract governance expertise, will be a valuable addition to the Board.

“The scale and complexity of Te Manawataki o Te Papa Limited’s portfolio require directors who can provide robust strategic oversight, sound judgement and practical governance leadership. Michael’s track record in these areas gives us great confidence that he will make a strong contribution to the Board and support the successful delivery of major transport project outcomes for Tauranga and our community.

“I would like to congratulate Michael on his appointment and thank him for his willingness to contribute his expertise to these important major projects for our city,” says Mayor Mahé.

TMoTPL is Tauranga City Council's CCO responsible for delivering a comprehensive programme of infrastructure, civic and transport major projects across the city, supporting Tauranga's growth and enhancing community wellbeing.

The CCO’s responsibilities include the Te Manawataki o Te Papa civic precinct (with the completed upgrade to Toi Tauranga Art Gallery, the fit-out to the Council’s new civic administration building at 90 Devonport Road, and completion of the new library and community hub building), and the following major projects that are underway including Tauriko West Enabling Works, Cameron Road Stage 2, Fifteenth Avenue to Welcome Bay, and Connecting Mount Maunganui.

The Board provides governance and strategic oversight across this programme, ensuring the effective delivery of these major projects, and is answerable to its shareholder, the Council.

Kim Wallace, TMoTPL Chair says Michael Weatherall's appointment further strengthens the Board's governance capability as the organisation oversees the delivery of major projects for the city.

"The Council and Board were seeking a director with significant experience in major transport infrastructure project delivery, strong commercial acumen, and proven governance oversight of complex contracts and large-scale developments.

"Michael brings an impressive combination of these skills and experiences, together with a strong governance background and the ability to provide independent insight and constructive challenge around the Board table.

"His expertise will be invaluable as Te Manawataki o Te Papa Limited continues to deliver projects of strategic importance to our city and community. We are delighted to welcome Michael to the Board and look forward to the contribution he will make in helping achieve successful outcomes for Tauranga," says Kim Wallace.

Short bio of Michael Weatherall, new Director to the Te Manawataki o Te Papa Limited Board 
Mr Weatherall brings more than 30 years' experience across New Zealand's construction and infrastructure sectors, with extensive expertise in the governance, procurement and delivery of major infrastructure projects. He has advised on nationally significant projects including Transmission Gully, City Rail Link and the Northland Corridor Public-Private Partnership, and is recognised for his strategic, commercial and project delivery expertise. He also brings strong governance experience through director, audit committee and board advisory roles, with expertise in financial stewardship, risk management and strategic planning. His experience working with local and central government, iwi, contractors and communities, together with his understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori considerations, will be a valuable asset to the Te Manawataki o Te Papa Limited Board as it oversees a growing portfolio of transport projects and strategic investments.

Mr Weatherall’s appointment will continue to strengthen the governance of Tauranga’s CCOs. With a comprehensive mix of experience, connections, and commitment, this new board member is poised to help shape a vibrant and inclusive future for Tauranga and our region. Mr Weatherall’s appointment complements a Board consisting of a Chair and two Directors. 

More information about Mr Weatherall and TMoTPL.

* Board member terms are typically three years as per the Council’s Director Appointment Policy. This longer tenure is to accommodate the Board’s succession planning and the delivery of major transport projects.