From the Editor

The current furore over our neighbour’s decision to opt for US-backed technology for its new submarine fleet has brought to mind how lucky in some ways we are in New Zealand. For many of the journalists who reported on David Lange’s final trip through Asia back in the day, there was always a suspicion that, although he was a very...

We are delighted to celebrate in this month’s cover story the continuing strength of Trustpower Baypark Arena as the imposing landmark celebrates its 10th year as an entity. It hasn’t been easy for the management and staff, especially in the past year or so as the organisation has grappled with the consequences of Covid-19 and the difficulty of forward planning...

I wasn’t a 100 per cent advocate of the plan to turn over Tauranga Council control to the four government-appointed commissioners, led by former National MP Anne Tolley. And I remain sceptical they will finish their job and get out of town under their announced timetable.

Tauranga is going through some strange times as the city adjusts to life under the new leadership of its four commissioners, led by Anne Tolley (see page 11 for more details of the new lineup). While many resented the new lineup, there seems little affection for the ousted councillors, who are generally seen to have failed to live up to...

As a monthly newspaper we don’t usually delve into stories that are likely to be rapidly changing before we go to print. But given the focus of our issue this month is on developments in hi-tech, the problems bedevilling our close neighbours in Waikato did catch our eye. In addition, members of our staff have been personally disrupted by the...

We are delighted to feature additional comment in this issue on the subject of the special commissioners newly appointed by central government to replace the former Tauranga City Council. At the moment, the commissioners are wrestling with coming up with a Long Term Plan, which will almost inevitably see rates rise in the city. It remains to be seen how this...

It was good to see Tauranga economic development agency Priority One offer a congratulatory boost in March to the newly appointed commissioners who are currently leading the city. "The newly appointed Tauranga City Council Commission has made a number of key decisions for the city,” said Priority One in a recent statement. “These decisions include a $20 million investment to overhaul...

Tauranga is about to enter one of the most interesting phases of local governance for the city. As we are all aware, late last year the Tauranga City Council and mayor Tenby Powell were essentially dissolved. Despite protestations from some councillors, the central government was happy to begin again. By the end of February the new look council has been...

As I have remarked often in recent months, these are very strange times, especially in politics. Summer holiday makers may be leaving the beaches across the Bay but behind the scenes big development continues, for example the Luxridge project we have featured on our cover this month, as well as a swathe of other construction projects throughout the region. This positive...

I have been obsessed by the surreal saga of Donald Trump’s ongoing meltdown as he attempts to shut out the reality that he will soon be prised from the White House. In doing so, he will lose his presidential immunity from some – but not all – potential threats for criminal prosecution. As we went to print to meet our...

It is with great pleasure and pride in the Bay that we bring you our annual Westpac Business Awards coverage for both Tauranga and Rotorua. We truly occupy an enviable position in New Zealand. We have mostly decent weather, the best port in New Zealand and a supportive and collaborative business community that produces a wide range of products and...

For a long-time political junkie like myself, October 2020 is about as good as it gets. We have the astonishing spectacle taking place in the US as the battle between Donald Trump and Joe Biden nears a climax. And we have our own – less insane, but still vitally important decision coming up after New Zealanders conclude voting on...

As I have commented before in this space, the next election may be much closer than the Labour landslide that many commentators have been predicting. We should remember that this election is not just a judgement on the next government’s ability to help us survive a pandemic. As examples around the world have demonstrated, relatively few governments worldwide would claim that...

Election Uncertainties What Bay business is seeking from a new government When the Bay of Plenty Business News went to print with this issue at the end of July, there were roughly two months and counting to go for what may be the most important election in New Zealand’s history. Because of our publishing schedules, we opted to outline in this issue...

In this month’s cover story of the Bay of Plenty Business News, we’re pleased to be able to report on a good news story about the Eastern Bay region’s fightback from natural disaster and the pandemic. There are great lessons here for all of us on the need for collaboration, strategic thinking, and the astute use of government and other...

I was fortunate to have once had the pleasure of working for the late Mike Moore in the latter period of his term as director general of the World Trade Organisation. Mike was old-school Labour. He left school young, took up an apprenticeship, became involved in union politics, and by 23 was the youngest MP ever elected to Parliament. He...