Western Bay of Plenty Infrastructure Forum

Incoming elected members urged to keep up momentum

The Western Bay of Plenty Infrastructure Forum (WBOPIF) is encouraging Tauranga City Council Candidates to remain focused on the high value infrastructure investments the city needs to realise its growth potential.

Greg Pert, WBOPIF spokesperson and Managing Director of Tranzliquid Logistics Ltd, says it’s imperative the city maintains momentum and continues to prioritise investment in vital infrastructure to ensure regional and national resilience for our economy and supply chains.

“The Western Bay of Plenty is one of the most desirable regions in the country – with beautiful beaches, a thriving innovation scene, a flourishing education sector, and industries which are the backbone of the New Zealand economy.

“Our city has seen some great wins in recent years – from significant roading upgrades to commitment to building valuable research and education centres. But if we’re going to keep the Western Bay of Plenty growing and prospering, we need to sustain this momentum and continue driving forward.”

Pert says the WBOPIF encourages new elected council members to work together to prioritise efficiency, practicality, agility and risk-taking.

“That means moving projects quickly into implementation phase and not getting bogged down in creating detailed business cases. We need to explore alternative ways of financing infrastructure projects to alleviate the strain on council budgets and ensure those costs are shared with those who will use or benefit from them, for example, through mechanisms such as public-private partnerships.”

Nigel Tutt, WBOPIF chair, agrees and says that the business community needs action.

“Businesses have been shouldering large rate increases to support infrastructure growth, and it’s time for those investments to translate into tangible outcomes that benefit both businesses and the wider community. They need to see progress, not just plans.”

Tutt encourages incoming councillors to familiarise themselves with the WBOPIF 10-point action plan.

“The plan outlines a clear future path that is critical to ensuring we have the capability to realise our growth, while continuing to serve Aotearoa and support local and national economic resilience.

“That starts by ensuring Tauranga City Council and our elected members are working for the prosperity of our region, including developing council expertise in infrastructure development to improve delivery timeframes, cost and efficiency – particularly in projects related to housing, transport and growth.

“We also need to maintain a constructive relationship with central government, keeping Tauranga in the spotlight is essential to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of the country. We are New Zealand’s trade gateway to the world – a key component of the Golden Triangle, with New Zealand’s largest seaport, horticulture production and links to our primary production heartland.”

The WBOPIF was formed in 2023 with the aim of tackling the significant infrastructure deficit faced by the Western Bay of Plenty. It brings together stakeholders from across the region, including business leaders, local government and community representatives to identify and prioritise infrastructure projects and advocate for investment. The WBOPIF has been successful in advocating for the urgent requirement forSH29 Tauriko West and are pleased at the inclusion of this road in Central Government’s Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme.

For more information, contact: 

Melissa Conrad, General Manager – Communications & Engagement, Priority One 

Phone: 027 465 1441 

Email: melissa@priorityone.co.nz 

Additional information 

The forum is made up of the following members:  

• Ballance Agri-Nutrients
• Element IMF Limited
• Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA)
• Port of Tauranga
• Priority One
• Sharp Tudhope
• Urban Task Force (UTF)
• Tauranga Business Chamber
• Tauranga Māori Business Association
• Tranzliquid
• Zespri International

View the Western Bay of Plenty Infrastructure Action Pan here: Western Bay of Plenty Infrastructure Forum – Tauranga Moana Infrastructure Action Plan