
We’re proposing to change the classification of a small part (approximately 6%) of Marine Park at Sulphur Point, allowing a marine research and education facility to be developed in the future.
A marine research and education facility has the potential to play a key role in growing a sustainable economy that improves productivity and delivers prosperity to local people and communities.
In May and June 2022 we engaged with the community about the proposal. The Commissioners considered all feedback at a meeting on 25 July 2022, and Council has agreed to the reclassification of land at Marine Park, Sulphur Point.
More information can be found below in the Report to the Ordinary Council meeting in Section 11.3.
Ordinary Council meeting (149mb pdf)
Next steps
Once the reclassification is complete, entities that can demonstrate the capability to establish and operate a facility will be able to apply to lease the land through a tender process. The lease process is expected to start in September 2022.
What we proposed
To reclassify about 7,000m2 of land at the Marine Park from recreation reserve to local purpose (marine research and education facility) reserve. This would allow a marine research and education facility to be located there in the future. We believe this would bring many benefits and opportunities to our communities.
Every reserve under the Reserves Act has a classification, which determines the main purpose of the reserve. The proposal is to change the current recreation classification to something more suited to the intended use. The reclassification would not affect council’s ownership of the land, its reserve status, or the protections under the Reserves Act. It also would not affect the recreation classification of the rest of the reserve; it simply means that the piece of land within the reserve could be used for the purpose of developing a marine research and education facility in the future.
About the area of land at Marine Park

Aerial view of proposed area for reclassification
The proposed area for reclassification is an area which is adjacent to the overflow parking area. The rest of the reserve (about 10.7 hectares) would remain as recreation reserve. The land in question is shown on SO plan 530292 (148kb pdf) and in the overview document (2mb pdf).
We’ve identified the proposed site at Marine Park as the most suitable location for a marine research and education facility because of its proximity to the ocean, Tauranga city centre, tertiary and education institutions , boat ramps, and a deep-sea channel connected to the harbour entrance.
Parking and boat ramps
We’re aware Marine Park is a popular boat launching location and that demand for parking and boat ramps will increase as the city grows.
Funding for a new six-lane boat ramp has been included in our 2021-31 Long-term Plan.
Formalised car parking and additional boat ramps are being investigated as part of the council’s Marine Facilities Strategy, which will guide the way our community and visitors access Tauranga Harbour, Te Awanui, in the future.
The proposed reclassification and facility does not impact on council’s plans to construct new boat ramps or parking.
Advantages of a marine research and education facility
The development of a marine research and education facility would allow Tauranga to further establish itself nationally and internationally in this important and valuable sector by increasing tertiary and post-tertiary education options.
Numerous public benefits have been identified, including:
- Increased quality and quantity of tertiary and post-tertiary education, allowing Tauranga to further establish itself in this important and valuable sector
- Accessible marine and coastal environmental-based education, including for the Bay of Plenty’s primary and secondary education sector
- Ongoing employment opportunities
- Environmental benefits stemming from an increased capability to protect New Zealand's marine environments, such as developing innovative and sustainable responses to the effects of climate change
- Sustainable and valuable commercial developments such as cancer drugs and nutraceutical products
- Opportunities for applying a Māori lens to environmental management through mātauranga Māori.