Policies

Policies support the decision making of Council, and ensure that council’s vision, mission and strategic direction is consistently implemented.

How policies work

A policy is a statement of council’s position on a matter or issue.

How policies work

Active Reserves Level of Service

This policy sets out levels of service for the provision and
management of the existing and future active reserve network.

 Active Reserve Level of Service (80kb pdf)

Airspace above Roads – Lease of

This policy sets out the rules and guidelines on lease of airspace above roads.

Airspace Above Roads – Lease of (13kb pdf)

Appointment of Directors to Council Organisations

This policy sets out the process for identifying and appointing of directors and trustees to council organisations. It is required by section 57 of the Local Government Act. Sets out process for appointment.

Appointment of Directors to Council Organisations (205kb pdf)

Bulk Fund Capital Expenditure

This policy allows for consistent and equitable decision-making within the bulk-funded budget. A bulk fund is used where expenditure may be incurred only when that expenditure meets criteria pre-determined by Council policy.

Bulk Fund Capital Expenditure (44kb pdf) 

Revised Bulk Funds

• Footpaths (28kb pdf)
• Minor Safety (111kb pdf)
• Traffic Calming 26kb pdf)

Civic Art Collection

This policy ensures that Tauranga’s civic art collection is a coherent collection of works with links to the city and region, maintained and displayed for the community to enjoy.

Civic Art Collection (45kb pdf)

Coastal Structures

This policy guides decision-making on the current and future management of council-owned or administered coastal structures such as wharves, jetties and buildings on those structures. It ensures planned management of all council-owned and managed coastal structures along the coast and in the inner harbour is responsive to current and future coastal effects such as erosion and storm surge.

Coastal Structures (206kb pdf)

Community Funding Policy

This policy ensures a structured, transparent, and fiscally prudent approach to the fair distribution of funding assistance to eligible entities

Community Funding Policy (88kb pdf)

Community Gardens

This policy recognises the value and encourages the establishment of community gardens. It also sets out the criteria for running community gardens on council-owned or administered land.

Community Gardens (47kb pdf)

Under review

Community Partnerships – Relationships – Other Cities

This policy states that we recognise the friendship and sister city status with San Bernadino, Hitachi, Yantai Shimonoseki and Port Stephens.

Community Partnerships - Relationships - Other Cities (79kb pdf)

Community Share Agreement

This policy provides a consistent and transparent approach to developing agreements between council and another entity for a shared use of a facility or land to enable or increase public access.

Community Share (37kb pdf)

• Community Share Agreement Procedures (79kb pdf)

Community, Private and Commercial Use of Council-Administered Land

This policy provides a consistent approach to the use of council land by our community, private and commercial users.

Community, Private and Commercial Use of Council Administered Land (34kb pdf)

Under review

Connection of Private Stormwater Systems

This policy provides a consistent approach to the use of council land by our community, private and commercial users.

Connection of Private Stormwater Systems (9kb pdf)

Consultation with Tangata Whenua on Resource Consent Application

This policy clarifies roles and responsibilities of council, tangata whenua and applicants in resource consent applications.

Consultation with Tangata Whenua on Resource Consent Application (97kb pdf)

Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings Policy

This policy sets out council’s approach to identify and manage dangerous and insanitary buildings

Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings Policy (177kb pdf)

Development Contributions

Development contributions help council fund new or improved infrastructure required as a result of growth – like water and wastewater networks, roads, playgrounds and community facilities.

Development Contributions

Dog Management

This policy provides adequate opportunities to fulfil the exercise and recreational needs of dogs and their owners while
minimising any potential danger, distress or nuisance from or caused by dogs.

Dog Management (226kb pdf)

Domestic Water Supply Outside Specified Zones

This policy identifies criteria to determine if water supply outside the specified zones is 'available'.

Domestic Water Supply Outside Specified Zones - assessing applications (29kb pdf)

Easter Sunday Shop Trading

This policy enables shops in Tauranga to trade on Easter Sunday if they wish to.

Easter Sunday Shop Trading (172kb pdf)

Under review

Elder Housing Tenant Eligibility

This policy provides guidelines on tenant eligibility for people wanting to access and live in council-owned elder housing.

Elder Housing Tenant Eligibility (41kb pdf)

Elected Members' Expenses and Resources

This policy clarifies the expenses and allowances councillors may claim in undertaking their role.

Elected Members' Expenses / Resources (47kb pdf)

Encroachments onto Reserves

This policy sets out to maintain the integrity of reserve land by ensuring it is used for its intended purpose and where appropriate, to protect and enhance ecological values.

Encroachments onto Reserves (35kb pdf)

Under review

Events

This policy aims to create a collaborative, positive and encouraging environment for the city’s event industry, and to recognise the social, cultural, economic and environmental values that events bring to the city.

Events (307kb pdf)

Under review

Exclusive Burial Areas in Council Cemeteries

This policy recognises our diverse population and the various burial requirements of different religious denominations.

Exclusive Burial Areas in Council Cemeteries (20kb pdf)

External Representatives’ Remuneration

This policy provides clarity and consistency to how tangata whenua and community representatives are invited to participate in council decision-making processes and are nominally compensated.

External Representatives’ Remuneration (35kb pdf)

Fluoridation

Fluoridation states council's position on the non-fluoridation of Tauranga's water supply.

Fluoridation (7kb pdf)

Gambling Venues

This policy sets out to control the growth and to minimise the harm caused by class 4 and TAB venue gambling.

Gambling Venues (2.12mb pdf)

Grants for development contributions on Community Housing

This policy sets out the eligibility criteria and the application, assessment, approval and distribution processes for the Grant for Development Contributions on Community Housing.

Grants for development contributions on Community Housing (122kb pdf)

Grants for development contributions on Papakāinga Housing

This policy sets out the eligibility criteria and the application, assessment, approval and distribution processes for the Grant Fund for Development Contributions on Papakāinga Housing. 

Grants for development contributions on Papakāinga Housing (266kb pdf)

Independent Hearings Commissioners

This policy provides for recruitment, appointment and authorisation to the Independent Hearings Commissioners' List.

Independent Hearings Commissioners (163kb pdf)

Large Water Users

This policy sets criteria for the efficient, sustainable and transparent allocation of water to large water users.

Large Water Users Policy (166kb pdf)

Lease of Airspace above Roads

This is a council resolution stating that airspace is generally not available but can be requested for private use. It sets out guidelines for assessing applicants.

Lease of Subsoil of Roads

This policy sets out council’s position on the lease of subsoil below roads for the use of private developers.

Subsoil of Road – Lease of (12kb pdf)

Libraries Level of Service Policy

This policy provides clarity and guidance about how Council will set and describe levels of service.

Libraries Level of Service Policy (132kb pdf)

Libraries Levels of Service

This policy provides clear principles and levels of service for Tauranga’s libraries. This is a support policy to the Levels of Service Policy.

Levels of Service (112kb pdf)

Libraries Archives Policy

This policy applies to archive materials in analogue and digital format held by Tauranga City Libraries. This includes (but is not limited to): documents, photographs, books, maps, oral histories, artworks and material made publicly available on Pae Korokī. 

Library Archives Policy (60kb pdf)

Licence to Occupy Road Reserves 

This policy sets out the criteria for a road reserve licence.

Road Reserves – Licences to Occupy (17kb pdf)

Road Reserves and Unformed Road – Licences for Occupation of (12kb pdf)

Local Alcohol Policy

This policy aims to minimise alcohol related harm for a safer and healthier western Bay. This is a joint policy with Western Bay of Plenty District Council, made under the s.75 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

Local Alcohol Policy (560kb pdf) 

Under review

Local Elections Policy

This policy ensures that election signs do not present a risk to safety, that council remains impartial in local elections, and the public has opportunities to meet candidates and learn about being an elected member.

Local Election Policy (12kb pdf)

Māori Roadways  

Sets out the guidelines for the control and maintenance of roads through Māori land.

Road Ways – Maori (9kb pdf)

Mobile Shops

Sets the rules for mobile shops operating in the city to protect, maintain and promote public health and safety and ensure access to public places is maintained.

Mobile Shops - Operation of (38kb pdf)

Museum Collection

This policy determines the use of and access to the Handling Collection, a part of the education equipment and materials of the Tauranga Heritage Collection available to teachers.

Museum - Heritage Handling Collection

Naming Policy

This policy provides a consistent approach to naming streets, reserves, community facilities and other public places. It ensures the identity of the city is recognised and maintained in the naming of public places, and encourages locally significant Māori names for streets, reserves, community facilities and other public places.

Naming Policy (60kb pdf)

Network Operator Licences

This policy sets out conditions to grant licences to network operators to place and maintain telecommunication facilities.

Network Operator Licences (13kb pdf)

Under review

Occupation of Road Berms for Public Parking and for Planting on Berms in front of Private Residences

This policy sets out the conditions for using the road berm for parking and planting.

Occupation of Road Berms for Public Parking & for Planting on Berms in Front of Private Residences (17kb pdf)

Open Space Level of Service

This policy outlines our approach to the intended levels of service for the open space network in terms of quantity, quality, accessibility and function. 

Open Space Level of Service Policy (70kb pdf)

• Open Space Best Practice Guide (11mb pdf)

Under review

Operation of Markets and Stalls

This policy ensures a consistent approach to issuing licenses for stall holders and market organisers across all public places.

Operation of Markets and Stalls (72kb pdf)

Under review

Outdoor Spaces Booking Policy

Outdoor Spaces Booking Policy (78kb pdf)

Prioritising use of Indoor Facilities

This policy provides a framework for the prioritisation of the use of council’s indoor facilities and encourages a diverse range of activities to occur in the indoor facilities network. 

Prioritising use of Indoor Facilities (56kb pdf)

Procurement and related Guide for Evaluating Responses

This policy and guide outline the principles and concepts that apply to all council procurement to ensure all products, services and works are fit for purpose, value for money and are bought using commercially astute and appropriate processes.

Procurement (68kb pdf)

• Procurement - Guide for Evaluating Responses (217kb pdf)

Property Acquisitions and Disposals

This policy sets out council’s approach to buying, selling or transferring property, and road stopping. It includes a right of first refusal for mana whenua to buy land classified as surplus at its assessed market value.

Property Acquisitions and Disposals (518kb pdf)

Protected Disclosures

This policy supports council's responsibilities under the Protected Disclosures Act 2000 to promote public interest by facilitating the disclosure and investigation of matters of serious wrongdoing in or by council.

Protected Disclosures Policy (106kb pdf)

Psychoactive Substances (Local Approved Products)

This policy informs any decision by the Psychoactive Substances Regulatory Authority on were approved psychoactive substances could be sold in Tauranga.

Psychoactive Substances (Local Approved Products) Policy (408kb pdf)

Public Art

This policy encourages public art that contributes to Tauranga’s identity, it ensures it is maintained to an appropriate standard and provides guidance on the process and criteria for the assessment of public art, and the re-siting or removal.

Public Art Policy (125kb pdf)

Public Toilet Location Level of Service

This policy sets out where council aims to locate public toilets and the technical specifications.

Toilet Location and level of service (36kb pdf)

Rates Postponement

This policy provides rating relief to ratepayers experiencing financial hardship and to ratepayers whose farmland has increased in value due to the potential residential, commercial or other non-rural use.

Rates Postponement (39kb pdf)

Rates Remission

This policy provides for rates remissions in particular circumstances.

Rates Remission (44kb pdf)

Referenda

This policy clarifies the circumstances under which a referendum may be held and to ensure council's processes comply with statutory requirements.

Referenda - Consultation Policy

Remission and postponement of rates on Māori freehold land

This policy enables council to acknowledge the special circumstances where there is no occupier or person gaining an economic or financial benefit from the land.

Remission & Postponement of Rates on Maori Freehold Land (58kb pdf)

Revenue and Financing  

This policy sets out the funding sources for council's activities over the next 10 years and the rationale for these choices. It also shows how council has complied with section 101(3) of the Local Government Act. This policy is supported by the Funding Needs Analysis (406kb pdf). 

Revenue and Financing Policy 2021-2031 (227kb pdf)

• City Partnership Programme (85kb pdf)
• Commercial Activities in Council Facilities (69kb pdf)
• Fraud Prevention and Management (92kb pdf)
• Funding Depreciation & Use of Depreciation Reserves (98kb pdf)
• Funding Needs Analysis for the Revenue and Financing Policy 2021-2031 (406kb pdf)

Risk Management

This policy provides a consistent process to enhance operations in order to increase the likelihood of achieving outcomes for the city by ensuring risk is consistently and managed and that we are legally compliant.

Risk Management Policy (376kb pdf)

Sewerage – Private Sewer Pump Stations

This policy sets out the responsibility for the cost of operating private sewer pump stations.

Sewerage - Private Sewer Pump Stations (9kb pdf)

Significance and Engagement

This policy guides when and how council will engage with the community, in line with the level of significance of a matter.

Significance and Engagement (249kb pdf)

Smokefree Places

This policy promotes a healthy and clean environment for our community by reducing the visibility of smoking and encouraging people not to smoke in identified public places.

Smokefree Places (22kb pdf)

Sponsorship from Corporates and Others

This policy clarifies boundaries within which council will accept corporate and other sponsorship opportunities for its activities and facilities. It also provides guidance to potential sponsors.

Sponsorship from Corporate and Others (62kb pdf)

Sponsorship Signage on Reserves

This policy ensures a consistent approach to allowing sponsorship signage on council-owned and administered reserves.

Sponsorship Signage on Reserves (41kb pdf)

Under review

Stewart Trust and Carruthers Trust Funds

This policy enables the effective distribution of the Stewart Trust and Carruthers Trust Funds.

Stewart Trust and Carruthers Trust Funds (112kb pdf)

Stormwater Reactive Reserve Fund

This policy provides guidelines for administrating the Stormwater Reactive Reserve Fund and its implementation.

Stormwater Reactive Reserve Fund Policy (186kb pdf)

Sub-regional Community Facilities Funding Evaluation

To guide the allocation of sub-regional community facility costs associated with growth between Tauranga and the Western Bay councils.

Subregional Community Facilities Funding Evaluation (70kb pdf)

Sub-regional Parks

This policy sets out how Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council will work together to provide, develop, manage and use sub-regional parks within the sub-region.

Subregional Parks Policy (28kb pdf)

Tangata Whenua Remuneration Policy

This policy establishes the remuneration for tangata whenua providing expert advice to council decision-making processes.

Tangata Whenua Remuneration Policy (28kb pdf)

Tauranga Marina

This policy sets out council's position on the Marina and form of licence agreement with the Tauranga Marina Society in order to provide affordable facilities for boat owners and Marina users.

Tauranga Marina (9kb pdf)

Tauranga Museum Collection

This policy defines the professional and institutional standards the museum will use to acquire and dispose of its collections.

Tauranga Museum Collection (80kb pdf)

Temporary Commercial Activities on Reserve Land

This policy sets out a consistent approach to what temporary commercial activities are permitted on reserves.

Temporary Commercial Activities on Reserve Land (44kb pdf)

Under review

Treasury

This policy ensures investments and liabilities are managed in a prudent, effective and efficient manner.

Treasury (75kb pdf)

Use of Toxic Agrichemicals for Vegetation Management

This policy sets out to protect public health and the wider environment from undue harm and to provide effective vegetation management on council-maintained land.

Use of Toxic Agrichemicals for Vegetation Management

Utilising Potable Water for Dust Control

Utilising Potable Water for Dust Control Technical Policy (140kb pdf)

Vegetation and Tree Management 

This policy relates to all vegetation and trees on council-owned or administered land. This includes (but is not limited to) parks, reserves and the berms on roads and urban streets

Vegetation and Tree Management Policy 2014 (131kb pdf)

Volunteer Community Participation 

This policy provides a framework enabling community participation (where council has a level of involvement in the initiative) that seeks to achieve consistency and efficiency in the approach taken and ensure quality outcome

Volunteer Community Participation (145kb pdf)

Water Meter

This policy sets out the responsibilities for the management of water meters.

Water Meter Policy (201kb pdf)

Large Water Users Policy (166kb pdf)