How we’re developing our Long-term Plan
Council will hold a series of workshops and meetings to discuss the challenges facing our city and to help shape our Long-term Plan.
All workshops and meetings are open to the public and held in the Council Chambers, Level 1, 90 Devonport Road, Tauranga. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or watch live via our YouTube channel.
Workshops and meetings are also recorded and available to watch later. Agendas, recordings and other meeting information can be accessed on our website.
What we have heard from you
Earlier this year, as part of developing Tauranga's 2027-2037 Long-term Plan, we asked residents what matters most for the future of our city.
The survey explored community views on rates, council services, future spending priorities, and trust in Council. A thousand residents shared their perspectives, helping us understand where people want investment, where savings could be made, and the services they value most.
The findings from this survey were presented to and discussed by Council at its meeting on 2 June 2026. Read the agenda for this meeting.
Balancing rates and services
We know that affordability is top of mind for many people. Feedback suggests residents are looking for a balance between keeping rates increases affordable and maintaining the services and facilities they value.
When considering future rates options, many respondents preferred moderate annual increases of around 4% to 10%, alongside either maintaining current service levels or making only small adjustments to services.
Services that should be protected from reductions
When asked which three services should be protected from potential reductions, feedback showed that core infrastructure services remain a key priority for residents.
The services people most wanted protected from reductions were:
- drinking water (55%)
- wastewater services (38%)
- stormwater management (33%)
- roads and transport (33%).
Where could spending be reduced?
When asked about areas where spending could potentially be reduced, residents identified:
- events and festivals (59%)
- new community facilities (44%)
- street and landscape improvements (35%)
- libraries and cultural facilities (31%)
- environmental and sustainability programmes (27%).
It's also worth noting that almost half of respondents felt all of Council's listed activities are important and should continue to be delivered as core services.
Opportunities to improve efficiency
Alongside decisions about service levels and investment priorities, residents also highlighted the importance of improving operational efficiency. The areas most commonly identified were:
- building and resource consents (52%)
- city planning and growth management (49%)
- roads and footpaths (44%)
- customer service (27%).
There was a strong desire for simpler processes, quicker service delivery, and better value for money.
Trust in Council
The survey highlighted that building trust remains an important priority. Residents gave Council an average trust rating of 4.3 out of 10. Residents repeatedly emphasise that rebuilding trust requires visible delivery, accountability, and financial discipline, rather than communication alone.
How this feedback will be used
The feedback we've received is helping shape the development of Tauranga's Long-term Plan. Alongside other community engagement, technical analysis, and Council decision-making, these insights will help guide investment priorities and service levels for the years ahead.