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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 the Aspiring Directors Programme 

Applications for the fourth intake of Tauranga City Council’s Aspiring Directors Programme for its Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs) is now open.

The programme aims to expand the number of people with governance experience while enhancing the diversity and depth of the governance talent pool available to organisations in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty region. 

This is a valuable opportunity for aspiring directors to gain hands-on governance experience by interning with one of the following CCOs:

  • Bay Venues Limited – Guardian of over 20 community facilities in Tauranga Moana, including Mercury Baypark and the University of Waikato Adams Centre for High Performance.
  • Tourism Bay of Plenty – Jointly owned by Western Bay of Plenty District Council, this organisation leads the sustainable growth of the visitor economy across the coastal Bay of Plenty.

For further information about the Aspiring Directors Programme, please download the full job ad. 

Aspiring Directors Programme job advert (184kb pdf)

Non-disclosure and conflict of interest declaration form (55kb pdf) Please sign and email to Council - instructions in the job ad.

Applications close at 10am on 24 October 2025. 

Interviews will be held in Tauranga on 11 and 13 November 2025. 
 

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2024

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Latest news

Review of local government sector proposed

A proposed review of current local government arrangements is set to be voted on at the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 16 July 2025.

The proposal is part of a remit submitted by Tauranga City Council, with support from other metropolitan mayors, and is focused on increasing efficiencies across the local government sector and reducing costs for ratepayers.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says that since taking office in August last year, it’s become clear that structural inefficiencies exist across the local government sector and with some key central government legislation changes now underway, it’s timely that thought be given to how we can do things better.

“In my view, we need a local government system which delivers services and infrastructure more efficiently and effectively, while maintaining democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of communities,” says Mahé. 

“There are currently 78 territorial authorities in New Zealand, many of which are in close proximity, that duplicate the infrastructure, people and equipment needed to provide essential services.”

Mahé says this is an important issue for local government. 

“As the sector responds to the current central government policy and legislation reforms, we need to be proactive and lead the change required.

“I believe it’s opportune for LGNZ to work with central government and councils to examine whether our current model is fit-for-purpose now, and for the foreseeable future.

“Local decision-making and community identity remains key, but we need to look at ways to enhance efficiencies by capturing economies of scale and, ultimately, save our ratepayers money.

“It’s very clear to me that we need change. We need to embrace it, stop talking and start acting for the benefit of our people.”

Mahé says while this work is not currently part of LGNZ’s work programme, engaging with local councils and central government will be essential to making progress with such a review.

What is a remit? 

Remits are positions or policies put to a vote by LGNZ’s member councils at its AGM, to be prioritised in its future work programme. Any remit needs the support of either an LGNZ zone, sector or any five councils. LGNZ reviews all proposed remits to ensure they meet the required criteria.

In today’s Tauranga City Council meeting, the Mayor and Councillors voted in support of all remits being put forward to the LGNZ 2025 AGM, to be held on Wednesday at Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch.

Remits can be reviewed here
 

Posted: Jul 14, 2025,

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