People with the ability to represent and articulate tangata whenua perspectives and views, and with strong local tangata whenua relationships, are being invited to apply for upcoming vacancies on two Tauranga City Council Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO) boards.
Applications are now open for:one tangata whenua representative to join the Bay Venues Limited (Bay Venues) Board, andone tangata whenua representative to join the Tourism Bay of Plenty (TBoP) Board. Both appointments will commence on 1 July.
Mayor, Mahé Drysdale says the roles are an important opportunity to strengthen governance and ensure tangata whenua perspectives help shape decision‑making.
“Our CCO boards need capable, values‑driven leaders with strong governance experience and a genuine commitment to delivering great outcomes for Tauranga. As our city continues to grow, these organisations play a critical role in ensuring services are effective, future‑focused and deliver real value for money,” said the Mayor.
“We are specifically seeking representatives who understand tangata whenua aspirations, have strong relationships across iwi and hapū, and can bring cultural insight that strengthens governance and reflects the communities we serve. Insight, integrity and fresh thinking are essential for these important roles.”
Tourism Bay of Plenty is jointly governed by Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
Western Bay Mayor, James Denyer says tangata whenua representation is critical to the future of destination tourism in the region.
“Council-Controlled Organisations such as Tourism Bay of Plenty play a vital role in providing specialist expertise that strengthens and enriches our communities across the Western Bay. Strong governance underpins their success, and we’re seeking a board member who brings the skills, insight and commitment needed to help TBoP continue to thrive,” he said.
“For this role, tangata whenua representation is crucial. We are looking for someone who can partner meaningfully with tangata whenua and help guide the future direction of our visitor economy.”
Chair of Te Rangapū Mana Whenua o Tauranga Moana, Matire Duncan says the appointments provide an important opportunity to ensure iwi and hapū voices are present at the governance table.
“Tangata whenua representation strengthens decision‑making, ensures cultural perspectives are valued, and helps governance better reflect the identity of Tauranga Moana. We want to see people who can uphold tangata whenua aspirations, nurture trusted relationships, and bring both cultural and commercial expertise to these roles.”
“These positions provide a genuine opportunity to embed partnership and uphold our shared responsibilities to the community,” says Chair Duncan.
Bay Venues Chair, Simon Clarke says the organisation remains focused on strengthening partnerships with tangata whenua.
“The Board seeks a tangata whenua representative who will strengthen our partnership, bring cultural leadership and Te Ao Māori perspectives, and help shape future collaboration. Strong governance capability and sound financial oversight are also valued,” says Chair Clarke.
Tourism Bay of Plenty Chair, Russ Browne says the visitor economy continues to evolve, creating both opportunities and challenges.
“Tourism Bay of Plenty plays a core leadership role across Tauranga and the wider Western Bay of Plenty region. Central to our direction is strengthening partnerships with tangata whenua and supporting the growth of Māori tourism,” says Chair Browne.
“This includes enabling kaupapa Māori-led projects, enhancing cultural storytelling, and ensuring our destination reflects the identity and heritage of Te Moananui ā Toi.
“As we look ahead, we are seeking a tangata whenua representative with trusted connections across iwi, hapū and the wider community. This role is critical to ensuring our decisions reflect local voices, strengthen relationships, and deliver meaningful outcomes for our people and place.”
About the organisations:
Bay Venues Limited
Purpose: To connect the community through exceptional experiences by providing the best venues for Tauranga.
Bay Venues is Tauranga City Council’s largest CCO and manages more than 20 venues across the city. These include Mercury Baypark, Mount Hot Pools, Baywave, the University of Waikato Adams High
Performance Centre, and a network of community centres, halls and pools.
The Board of Directors is responsible for strategic direction, financial oversight, and stewardship of Bay Venues’ assets and resources.
Tourism Bay of Plenty
Purpose: To promote the economic wellbeing and development of the Western Bay through destination marketing, destination management and related activities.
Tourism Bay of Plenty is jointly owned by Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. The organisation leads sustainable growth of the visitor economy in ways that benefit the region and its communities.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for strategic direction, including oversight of the Visitor Economy Strategy, financial performance and delivery of key initiatives.
Applications and next steps
Applications close Sunday 19 April 2026, with interviews scheduled for mid‑May.
For more information and to apply, visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/cco.
Council’s Appointment of Directors to Council Organisations Policy is available here.
Applications open for Tauranga CCO board vacancies
