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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.

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 ManuelCarey Manuel
Michelle RedwardMichelle Redward
 
 
 
 

Council cover reports

2025

2024

Resources

Latest news

Help steer the future of Mercury Baypark Stadium

Help steer the future of Mercury Baypark Stadium

The community is invited to have its say on the future of Mercury Baypark Stadium and whether it supports the continuation of speedway activity on the site, with public consultation now underway.

Under current agreements, Speedway is set to operate at Mercury Baypark until 2029. Tauranga City Council is now considering a proposal that would extend Speedway operations until 2039 — and is seeking feedback on whether the community supports this direction.

The proposal would see Speedway Racing Ltd purchase the North Stand (15,600 seats) for $1 and be responsible for its maintenance, while leasing the land from Council through Bay Venues Ltd. Council would retain ownership of the land, and the North Stand would be returned to Council at the end of the lease in 2039 for $1.

Tauranga City Councillor Kevin Schuler says before any decisions about the proposal are made, the Council wants to understand how the community’s views Mercury Baypark Stadium and speedway operations.

“This consultation is about testing the community’s support for the proposal and weighing up what Mercury Baypark Stadium’s future should look like for the next decade,” says Kevin.

“The proposal provides a way for Speedway to continue operating without placing immediate costs on ratepayers. However, if there’s not strong community support for this approach, we’ll explore alternative options for the site beyond 2029.”

Kevin says Mercury Baypark has hosted Speedway events for more than two decades, but the North Stand is in poor condition and requires investment to remain operational. It is used almost exclusively for Speedway events, around 15 times a year.

“If Speedway continues until 2039, it would be under new arrangements that shift the immediate cost and responsibility for maintaining the stand to Speedway Racing Ltd.

“If not, there are potential opportunities to reimagine the site for future recreational or commercial uses that could serve the wider community from 2029.”

Consultation is open from 5pm Monday, 26 May 2025 and closes 5pm Monday 23 June 2025.

Community consultation drop-in sessions will be held at Mercury Baypark Arena Suites, where residents can meet with Councillors and learn more about the options: 

  • Monday, 9 June, 5:30pm–7:30pm 
  • Saturday, 14 June, 10:00 am –12:00 pm 

To learn more and share your views, visit letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/baypark 

Posted: May 27, 2025,

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