Our CEO addresses this frequently asked question to inform people who are new to business, or new to the region.
There are a range of entities that receive funds from Tauranga City Council (TCC) as part of their economic development activities. This blog aims to provide readers with a brief steer, as well as links to find out more information.
The accompanying graph outlines the funding given to external entities as part of TCC’s Economic Development activities, based on the figures provided in TCC’s Annual Report 2023/24 (Page 76).
Below is an overview of entities listed in the graph, and we encourage you to look into each entity’s website for more information.
Source: Tauranga City Council Annual Report 2023/24 Page 76
Source: Tauranga City Council Annual Report 2023/24 Page 76
Tourism Bay of Plenty
Purpose: As the local Regional Tourism Organisation, and Destination Management Organisation, Tourism BOP leads the sustainable development and promotion of the Western Bay as a visitor destination for the benefit of our community and environment.
Structure: Council Controlled Organisation, shareholders are Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
TCC Funding (2024): $2,228,000 (63% of their total revenue). This is funded by the Economic Development Targeted Rate, paid by all commercial rateable properties within the TCC area.
What funding is used for: Shareholder investment to achieve Tourism BOP’s strategic objectives, set out in the letter of expectations from TCC.
Website: www.bayofplentynz.com
Priority One – Economic Development Agency
Purpose: Priority One is the Western Bay of Plenty’s economic development agency. Its purpose is to drive economic growth in the region, ensuring it delivers social, cultural, and environmental benefits while attracting and retaining talented people and businesses.
Structure: A membership-based incorporated society.
TCC Funding (2024): $1,765,000 (46% of their total revenue). This is funded by the Economic Development Targeted Rate, paid by all commercial rateable properties within the TCC area.
What funding is used for: An operational grant to contribute towards costs to support Priority One to achieve its strategic objectives.
Website: www.priorityone.co.nz
Mainstreet organisations
Purpose: Tauranga’s mainstreet organisations (Downtown Tauranga, Mount Business Association, Pāpāmoa Unlimited, and Greerton Village Community Association) advocate for and promote local businesses in their specific areas, aiming to foster vibrant, attractive, and thriving centres through events, initiatives, and development support.
Structure: Membership-based incorporated societies.
TCC Funding (2024): Tauranga ($375,000), Mount ($189,000), Greerton ($148,000), Papamoa ($60,000). All commercial rateable properties within each zoned area receive a ‘target rate’ that is collected by TCC and is passed onto their mainstreet organisation.
What funding is used for: An operational grant to help each entity deliver their approved annual plans.
Websites: www.downtowntauranga.co.nz, www.mountmaunganui.org.nz, www.greertonvillage.org.nz, www.tauranga.govt.nz/council/working-with-organisations/mainstreet-organisations/papamoa-unlimited
Tauranga Business Chamber
Purpose: Is the Western Bay of Plenty’s central business hub and champion, aiming to make it easier for businesses to operate by connecting, building capability, and empowering the business community.
Structure: A membership-based incorporated society.
TCC Funding (2024): $67,000 (4% of their total revenue). This is funded by the Economic Development Targeted Rate, paid by all commercial rateable properties within the TCC area.
What funding is used for: A contract for service to provide early support to at least 210 new, or recently new, businesses.
Website: www.tauranga.org.nz
Tauranga Maori Business Association
While this blog is based on TCC’s most recent Annual Report available at the time of publishing, in 2025, the Tauranga Maori Business Association received approximately $50,000 to support their good work in connecting and supporting local Maori businesses and entrepreneurs.
Website: https://tmba.co.nz/
