Business North November 2021

10 | “Tauranga is the fastest growing city in New Zealand, even outstripping Auckland, and that pace of change is frightening for some people. So it’s about taking a new look at how we can create a more liveable city ... Anne Tolley Managing growth, protecting a way of life T T Karen Phelps Port of Tauranga is New Zealand’s largest export port with deep water capacity. Tauranga Council REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT I nvestments planned for Tauranga will enhance the city’s liveability and its attrac- tiveness to bring the skilled people needed to the region to cope with the huge growth being experienced, says Tauranga City Council Commission Chair Anne Tolley. “Tauranga is the fastest growing city in New Zealand, even outstripping Auckland, and that pace of change is frightening for some people. So it’s about taking a new look at how we can create a more liveable city that has amenities and environments that contribute to a sense of wellbeing and enjoyment for all. We need to provide for the growth but also provide the lifestyle that Tauranga is famous for,” she says. In three decades (the same time it has taken the current population to double) it is expected an additional 59,000 people will be living in Tauranga. Anne says that the 2021-31 Long-term Plan demonstrated that Tauran- ga is a well-planned city but highlighted the challenges the city faces, many of which are significant, expensive and have been decades in the making, she says. One significant challenge identified is that Tauranga doesn’t have sufficient community centres, pools, parks, halls, and facilities for arts and cultural activities for the people who live here now let alone for those who will move here in the future. Many existing places, spaces and facilities are worn out or nearing the end of their lives. Over the next 10 years the council will be investing $689 million in spaces and places including aquatics, sports halls, sports fields and libraries. It’s a similar story with existing infrastruc- ture that is old and worn out or under increas- ing pressure. The plan identified that roads, water and wastewater pipes and services are stretched to their limits and require significant investment. This goes hand in hand with chal- lenges around housing and enabling the right areas to be developed so homes can be built to meet a wider range of residential, economic and social outcomes. She says that to meet the challenge its imperative that council looks at new ideas and takes opportunities for partnering and work- ing with others to result in balance between increasing housing options in established suburbs – creating more compact housing - and providing housing options in new growth areas. She says that part of this involves the fact that getting around the city is increasingly difficult due to its huge and sudden growth. While investment will be made in new roads these need to be carefully thought out, she says, and combined with alternatives that allow people to get around by walking, cycling and on public transport. This is where part- nership could prove useful, says Anne, such as working closely with partners, such as Waka Kotahi, which manages the State Highways in the city, and neighbouring councils such as the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, which is in charge of public transport. Housing is one of the other big issues. Anne says that it has been identified that more than 35,000 homes will be needed in the next 45 years. The council plans to invest over $2.6 billion over the next 10 years to establish more liveable places and homes within the current footprint of the city, as well as laying the groundwork for additional homes and businesses in new areas. While land for new housing is limited in Tauranga, Anne says there are two areas being developed in Tauriko and Te Tumu that will help meet the need. There is also going to be new ‘city-living’ type investment in infrastructure along the Te Papa peninsula from Sulphur Point to Barkes Corner, which will enable an additional 15,000 homes over the next 30 years. “It’s a big change for New Zealanders, and particularly those in Tauranga, who are more used to living in a house on a section. But townhouse and apartment developments, if done well with good urban design, can create a great urban environment for people. These types of developments are starting to grow in Tauranga and for some are becoming a sought after way of life as people have got busier. We want to encourage more of this type of development, particularly to enliven the CBD. We’re certainly looking to pull all the levers we can to release land for housing.” Priority One Chief Executive, Nigel Tutt ex - pects Tauranga’s CBD to experience strong growth in the coming years, with around $1B of investment either currently under way now or about to commence. A number of core developments underpin this resurgence including the 38 Elizabeth retail/residential de- velopment, office buildings along Devonport Road, the new courthouse and civic precinct development. Office and residential accom - modation developments, alongside expan- sion of the University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus will increase vibrancy and foot traffic for retailers, he says. Anne says that some locals are concerned about growth but stresses it is inevitable, par- ticularly with the Port of Tauranga being New Zealand’s largest export port and with deep water capacity, meaning Tauranga is going to see an increasing number of large vessels arrive on its shores. The Winstone Wallboards facility being established in Tauriko Park is also a good example of businesses investing in Tauranga and the benefits that result. The new plant will see around $400 million invested and will bring significant economic benefit to the region creating around 100 new permanent jobs. It will also have significant spin off effects for support and other local businesses in the region. “We recognise we are an integral part of the wider Bay of Plenty region and upper North Island and that Tauranga is a well-connected city having a key role in making a significant contribution to the social, economic, cultural and environmental well-being of the region. “We have to manage the growth and ensure we protect the way of life for residents who live here.”