Latest news with #TourismBayofPlenty
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Whakatāne Operators At War With Council Over Tourism Funding Cuts
Article – Diane McCarthy – Local Democracy Reporter Tourism operators across the district are boycotting Whakatne District Council for cutting funding to Tourism Bay of Plenty. Tourism operators across the district are boycotting Whakatāne District Council for cutting funding to Tourism Bay of Plenty. The Whakatāne council has previously contributed $85,000 annually to the council controlled organisation of Tauranga City and Western Bay District councils. In response, a group of tourism operators across the district are boycotting all council-led tourism activity. This includes directing that all of their businesses be removed from council websites, that brochures and experiences be removed from the Whakatane i-Site, refusing to participate in promotional campaigns, event partnerships, and famils (familiarisation trips for agents) and calling for a full independent audit of the Whakatāne i-site and council tourism department. Among the tourism operators supporting the boycott are Tio Ohiwa Harbour Cruises and Oyster Experience owner Wini Geddes, Kohutapu Lodge and Whirinaki Footsteps Nadine Toe Toe, Larni Hepi from Whaitaki, KG Kayaks' Kenny McCracken, Beachpoint Apartments' Alison Stern, One 88 On Commerce's Malcolm Glen, Awakeri Rail Adventures Paul Francis and Takutai Adventure Company's Ollie Dobbin. Geddes said that more than 44 tourism operators and accommodation providers from around the Eastern Bay of Plenty would be hurt by Whakatāne council withdrawing this funding. The contribution linked them to domestic and international tourism promotion through Tourism New Zealand and New Zealand Māori Tourism. The boycotters said the $85,000 amounted to 2.8 percent of the council's annual $3 million tourism budget and a mere 0.14 percent of its $59 million total annual operating budget. Quoting Stats NZ, they said the region received $166 million in visitor spend annually, with approximately $20 million of that from international visitors. More than 10 percent of the workforce in Eastern Bay was through tourism. Geddes said the decision had been made in public-excluded meetings with no consultation or communication with local tourist operators. 'We've only known about it for a month and the decision was made before Christmas with no consultation with the tourist operators at all.' She said all of Tio Ohiwa's business came through either Tourism Bay of Plenty or support from other Regional Tourism Operators around the country, in particular RotoruaNZ, a CCO of Rotorua Lakes District Council, which Whakatāne council did not pay into. 'In two weeks' time our connection to Tourism New Zealand will be cancelled and [the council] are trying to take it over by themselves.' A response from council chief executive Steven Perdia to a Local Goverment Official Information and Meetings Act request sent by two of the operators, Toe Toe and Hepi, said Whakatāne council had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and funding agreement with Tourism Bay of Plenty in 2014, but since this had expired in 2019 no further MOU had been developed. The organisations had operated under a Letter of Intent to develop a revised MOU but 'since the Whakaari eruption and Covid 19 and the catastrophic effects on the community and visitor economy with several business closures, both organisations have continued to work together in good faith'. He said the council had a strong desire to reduce rates' increases and during last year's long-term plan budget funding was stopped to both economic development agency Toi EDA and Tourism Bay of Plenty. In a public-excluded section of its living together committee on 6 March this year, the council discussed reviewing the MOU with Tourism Bay of Plenty but to make cost savings decided to bring all tourism-related support in-house. Perdia told Local Democracy Reporting the matters were discussed in a public-excluded forum because the debate involved commercially sensitive matters, including contracts and funding agreements with third parties. 'Council is trying to make itself a regional transport operator,' Geddes said. 'It has got no strategic plan, nothing, and they're expecting us to teach them how to get into the industry.' Among the benefits of being part of Tourism Bay of Plenty was being included in the Bay of Plenty section of the Trenz Expo, New Zealand's biggest tourism trade show. 'We are now taking bookings from China, India and the rest of Asia, Europe and the United States from those expos. Even our accomodation providers. We fill our hotels with tourists coming in. '[Whakatāne council] can't even get tickets to it.' The council did not respond to questions from the Beacon around how it intended to promote the district to international tourists. Geddes said some tourism operators had already removed their brochures from the i-site. Toe Toe said the council shouldn't be making critical decisions in a field they didn't understand. 'Tourism operators were completely left out in the cold around a decision that directly affects our businesses and survival.' Stern, from Beachpoint Apartments, said she felt the decision was very shortsighted and would end up costing the council more in the long run. 'If they don't want to focus on international tourism, then why are they planning to do exactly that – just without the professionals?' she said. 'And how do they think they'll do it better for less than $85,000? This is going to end up costing the ratepayers more, not less.'
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Whakatāne Operators At War With Council Over Tourism Funding Cuts
Tourism operators across the district are boycotting Whakatāne District Council for cutting funding to Tourism Bay of Plenty. The Whakatāne council has previously contributed $85,000 annually to the council controlled organisation of Tauranga City and Western Bay District councils. In response, a group of tourism operators across the district are boycotting all council-led tourism activity. This includes directing that all of their businesses be removed from council websites, that brochures and experiences be removed from the Whakatane i-Site, refusing to participate in promotional campaigns, event partnerships, and famils (familiarisation trips for agents) and calling for a full independent audit of the Whakatāne i-site and council tourism department. Among the tourism operators supporting the boycott are Tio Ohiwa Harbour Cruises and Oyster Experience owner Wini Geddes, Kohutapu Lodge and Whirinaki Footsteps Nadine Toe Toe, Larni Hepi from Whaitaki, KG Kayaks' Kenny McCracken, Beachpoint Apartments' Alison Stern, One 88 On Commerce's Malcolm Glen, Awakeri Rail Adventures Paul Francis and Takutai Adventure Company's Ollie Dobbin. Geddes said that more than 44 tourism operators and accommodation providers from around the Eastern Bay of Plenty would be hurt by Whakatāne council withdrawing this funding. The contribution linked them to domestic and international tourism promotion through Tourism New Zealand and New Zealand Māori Tourism. The boycotters said the $85,000 amounted to 2.8 percent of the council's annual $3 million tourism budget and a mere 0.14 percent of its $59 million total annual operating budget. Quoting Stats NZ, they said the region received $166 million in visitor spend annually, with approximately $20 million of that from international visitors. More than 10 percent of the workforce in Eastern Bay was through tourism. Geddes said the decision had been made in public-excluded meetings with no consultation or communication with local tourist operators. "We've only known about it for a month and the decision was made before Christmas with no consultation with the tourist operators at all." She said all of Tio Ohiwa's business came through either Tourism Bay of Plenty or support from other Regional Tourism Operators around the country, in particular RotoruaNZ, a CCO of Rotorua Lakes District Council, which Whakatāne council did not pay into. "In two weeks' time our connection to Tourism New Zealand will be cancelled and [the council] are trying to take it over by themselves." A response from council chief executive Steven Perdia to a Local Goverment Official Information and Meetings Act request sent by two of the operators, Toe Toe and Hepi, said Whakatāne council had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and funding agreement with Tourism Bay of Plenty in 2014, but since this had expired in 2019 no further MOU had been developed. The organisations had operated under a Letter of Intent to develop a revised MOU but "since the Whakaari eruption and Covid 19 and the catastrophic effects on the community and visitor economy with several business closures, both organisations have continued to work together in good faith". He said the council had a strong desire to reduce rates' increases and during last year's long-term plan budget funding was stopped to both economic development agency Toi EDA and Tourism Bay of Plenty. In a public-excluded section of its living together committee on 6 March this year, the council discussed reviewing the MOU with Tourism Bay of Plenty but to make cost savings decided to bring all tourism-related support in-house. Perdia told Local Democracy Reporting the matters were discussed in a public-excluded forum because the debate involved commercially sensitive matters, including contracts and funding agreements with third parties. "Council is trying to make itself a regional transport operator," Geddes said. "It has got no strategic plan, nothing, and they're expecting us to teach them how to get into the industry." Among the benefits of being part of Tourism Bay of Plenty was being included in the Bay of Plenty section of the Trenz Expo, New Zealand's biggest tourism trade show. "We are now taking bookings from China, India and the rest of Asia, Europe and the United States from those expos. Even our accomodation providers. We fill our hotels with tourists coming in. "[Whakatāne council] can't even get tickets to it." The council did not respond to questions from the Beacon around how it intended to promote the district to international tourists. Geddes said some tourism operators had already removed their brochures from the i-site. Toe Toe said the council shouldn't be making critical decisions in a field they didn't understand. "Tourism operators were completely left out in the cold around a decision that directly affects our businesses and survival." Stern, from Beachpoint Apartments, said she felt the decision was very shortsighted and would end up costing the council more in the long run. "If they don't want to focus on international tourism, then why are they planning to do exactly that - just without the professionals?" she said. "And how do they think they'll do it better for less than $85,000? This is going to end up costing the ratepayers more, not less."
RNZ News
12-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Whakatāne operators at war with council over tourism funding cuts
Eastern Bay tourism operators were able to attend the Trenz25 tourism expo held in Rotorua in May through Whakatāne District Council's links with Tourism Bay of Plenty. Photo: LDR / supplied Tourism operators across the district are boycotting Whakatāne District Council for cutting funding to Tourism Bay of Plenty. The Whakatāne council has previously contributed $85,000 annually to the council controlled organisation of Tauranga City and Western Bay District councils. In response, a group of tourism operators across the district are boycotting all council-led tourism activity. This includes directing that all of their businesses be removed from council websites, that brochures and experiences be removed from the Whakatane i-Site, refusing to participate in promotional campaigns, event partnerships, and famils (familiarisation trips for agents) and calling for a full independent audit of the Whakatāne i-site and council tourism department. Among the tourism operators supporting the boycott are Tio Ohiwa Harbour Cruises and Oyster Experience owner Wini Geddes, Kohutapu Lodge and Whirinaki Footsteps Nadine Toe Toe, Larni Hepi from Whaitaki, KG Kayaks' Kenny McCracken, Beachpoint Apartments' Alison Stern, One 88 On Commerce's Malcolm Glen, Awakeri Rail Adventures Paul Francis and Takutai Adventure Company's Ollie Dobbin. Geddes said that more than 44 tourism operators and accommodation providers from around the Eastern Bay of Plenty would be hurt by Whakatāne council withdrawing this funding. The contribution linked them to domestic and international tourism promotion through Tourism New Zealand and New Zealand Māori Tourism. The boycotters said the $85,000 amounted to 2.8 percent of the council's annual $3 million tourism budget and a mere 0.14 percent of its $59 million total annual operating budget. Quoting Stats NZ, they said the region received $166 million in visitor spend annually, with approximately $20 million of that from international visitors. More than 10 percent of the workforce in Eastern Bay was through tourism. Geddes said the decision had been made in public-excluded meetings with no consultation or communication with local tourist operators. "We've only known about it for a month and the decision was made before Christmas with no consultation with the tourist operators at all." She said all of Tio Ohiwa's business came through either Tourism Bay of Plenty or support from other Regional Tourism Operators around the country, in particular RotoruaNZ, a CCO of Rotorua Lakes District Council, which Whakatāne council did not pay into. "In two weeks' time our connection to Tourism New Zealand will be cancelled and [the council] are trying to take it over by themselves." A response from council chief executive Steven Perdia to a Local Goverment Official Information and Meetings Act request sent by two of the operators, Toe Toe and Hepi, said Whakatāne council had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and funding agreement with Tourism Bay of Plenty in 2014, but since this had expired in 2019 no further MOU had been developed. The organisations had operated under a Letter of Intent to develop a revised MOU but "since the Whakaari eruption and Covid 19 and the catastrophic effects on the community and visitor economy with several business closures, both organisations have continued to work together in good faith". He said the council had a strong desire to reduce rates' increases and during last year's long-term plan budget funding was stopped to both economic development agency Toi EDA and Tourism Bay of Plenty. In a public-excluded section of its living together committee on 6 March this year, the council discussed reviewing the MOU with Tourism Bay of Plenty but to make cost savings decided to bring all tourism-related support in-house. Perdia told Local Democracy Reporting the matters were discussed in a public-excluded forum because the debate involved commercially sensitive matters, including contracts and funding agreements with third parties. "Council is trying to make itself a regional transport operator," Geddes said. "It has got no strategic plan, nothing, and they're expecting us to teach them how to get into the industry." Among the benefits of being part of Tourism Bay of Plenty was being included in the Bay of Plenty section of the Trenz Expo, New Zealand's biggest tourism trade show. "We are now taking bookings from China, India and the rest of Asia, Europe and the United States from those expos. Even our accomodation providers. We fill our hotels with tourists coming in. "[Whakatāne council] can't even get tickets to it." The council did not respond to questions from the Beacon around how it intended to promote the district to international tourists. Geddes said some tourism operators had already removed their brochures from the i-site. Toe Toe said the council shouldn't be making critical decisions in a field they didn't understand. "Tourism operators were completely left out in the cold around a decision that directly affects our businesses and survival." Stern, from Beachpoint Apartments, said she felt the decision was very shortsighted and would end up costing the council more in the long run. "If they don't want to focus on international tourism, then why are they planning to do exactly that - just without the professionals?" she said. "And how do they think they'll do it better for less than $85,000? This is going to end up costing the ratepayers more, not less." LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
16-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Applications Open For Council-Controlled Organisations Board Vacancies
Are you passionate about creating exceptional venue experiences; the visual arts and creative sector; or sustainably growing the Bay of Plenty's visitor economy? If so, board member roles at Bay Venues Limited (Bay Venues), Tauranga Art Gallery Trust (TAGT), or Tourism Bay of Plenty (TBOP) could be a perfect opportunity. Tauranga City Council is calling for applications for four new board members across three of its council-controlled organisations (CCOs). All new board members will commence a three-year term from 1 July 2025. Mayor Mahé Drysdale says that the board roles need skilled professionals with ideally strong governance experience who are passionate about delivering great outcomes for Tauranga's residents, with value for money at the core. "The CCOs are seeking new members who will bring diversity of thought, experience and skills to enhance the existing boards. Tauranga is experiencing unprecedented growth and our CCOs are integral to our ecosystem. If you have what it takes to add value to these high-performing boards, we'd love to hear from you," says Mayor Mahé. Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council jointly control Tourism Bay of Plenty. 'CCOs like Tourism Bay of Plenty provide expertise in specialist activities that support and help enrich our communities and the Western Bay of Plenty. Good governance is essential to their continued success, and we're looking forward to welcoming board members who are ready to make a real difference," says Western Bay Mayor James Denyer. Simon Clarke, Bay Venues Chair says that in the six months to 31 December 2024, Bay Venues welcomed over a million visitors across its facilities network and delivered 40 significant events and 37 sporting and aquatic tournaments. 'Bay Venues has also achieved significant partnerships with mana whenua and the University of Waikato and has been a key partner in the Haumaru Sport & Recreation Centre project. The Board is seeking a director to enhance and deliver on Bay Venues' KPIs, create new partnerships and provide strategic direction. Strong governance experience, knowledge of community facilities and services, a proven record of project delivery, and financial prudence are essential," says Simon. Rosemary Protheroe, TAGT Chair, says: "The Gallery team has been preparing for the re-opening later this year, delivering exceptional art experiences, educational programmes and art talks, and securing new commercial partnerships. This is an exciting time for a new trustee to join the Board. We seek someone well-connected to the local arts community, with links to local artists, arts patrons and art organisations. Governance experience, HR, and coaching skills would also be valuable," says Rosemary. Russ Browne, TBOP Chair, says this is an extremely busy time in the tourism sector. 'TBOP continues to support the cruise sector, with nearly 100 ships visiting in FY25; and leadership roles in cultural and sustainability initiatives including the Native Nations Indigenous Youth Exchange and the Ōmanawa Falls project. TBOP is award-winning, having received the 2024 Tourism Award for Industry Collaboration and Alignment for Flavours of Plenty, and was a finalist for the Green Room sustainability programme. The Board seeks two new trustees with extensive tourism industry experience, who are well-connected locally with key partners and stakeholders across the Bay of Plenty region. Legal and HR experience are also desirable," says Russ. Council's CCOs are ultimately accountable to Tauranga's residents. They actively work in partnership with Council, mana whenua, and the community to achieve great outcomes and deliver value for money with fewer resources. The following information outlines the purpose of the three CCOs seeking new board members. Organisation Purpose Summary Bay Venues To connect the community through exceptional experiences by providing the best venues for Tauranga. Bay Venues is Tauranga City Council's largest council-controlled organisation and plays a major role in creating value for Tauranga and enriching the lives of its people, now and into the future. Bay Venues manages and operates more than 20 venues, providing a high standard of sport, recreation, event and exhibition facilities, programmes and services to the community. These include Mercury Baypark, Mount Hot Pools, University of Waikato Adams High Performance Centre and Baywave, and a number of community centres, halls and pools. The Board of Directors is responsible for developing and delivering the strategic and financial management of the company, as well as overseeing the management of Bay Venues' assets and resources. Tauranga Art Gallery Trust To create exceptional art experiences that engage, inspire, challenge and educate through exhibitions, public programmes, and events. TAGT owns and operates the Tauranga Art Gallery – toi Tauranga, on behalf of the residents of Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. The Board of Trustees are responsible for developing and delivering the Gallery's strategic goals, overseeing the management of the Gallery's assets and resources, and for ensuring prudent financial management to ensure long-term sustainability. Tourism Bay of Plenty To promote the economic welfare and development of the Western Bay region and its community through destination marketing, destination management and other related activities which impact on the region as a visitor destination. Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council are joint shareholders of this CCO. TBOP takes a lead role in enabling sustainable growth of the visitor economy in the coastal Bay of Plenty in ways that benefit the whole community. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the direction of this organisation including developing and overseeing Tourism Bay of Plenty's Visitor Economy Strategy and monitoring financial performance and achievement of key initiatives and objectives. Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 23 May 2025, with interviews being held on 9, 11, and 12 June 2025. For more information, including the job ad, please visit Tauranga City Council's Appointment of Directors to Council Organisations Policy can be found here.
NZ Herald
05-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Tauranga wraps up cruise season with 91 ships, boosts local economy
Tourism Bay of Plenty said Tauranga has had a strong 2024/25 cruise season, with 91 ship arrivals bringing thousands of passengers and crew into the region, Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan said. 'These visits provide a significant boost to our local economy, supporting hospitality, retail, tourism operators, and transport providers.' Nathan said Tauranga was consistently rated the best port experience in Tauranga by visiting cruise lines. 'The vibrancy that cruise visitors bring is felt right across the city, from our waterfront to our town centres, and we're proud to be a key gateway for cruise travel in New Zealand.' Final tallies for ship visits and the full economic impact were still being confirmed, but Nathan said as of March 18, the 2024/25 season brought an estimated 143,279 passengers and 62,804 crew to our shores - more than 206,000 people. 'These provisional figures are in line with recent seasons and represent a significant contribution to our local visitor economy,' Nathan said. 'There were a few itinerary changes due to weather, such as a cancelled berth from the Westerdam and adjusted schedules for the Crown Princess and MSC Magnifica, but the season remained strong overall. 'Throughout the season, ambassadors and staff were proud to showcase the best of the coastal Bay of Plenty to guests from around the world.' The Insignia will make a late-season call on May 27 ahead of winter.
