John Cronin BOP Regional Council Chairman www.envbop.govt.nz

In earlier writings to the Weekend Sun, I wrote of the need for governance in the councils of this area to work together.

New chief executive for Tauranga City Council

In my opinion, Tauranga City has made a great choice in Ken Paterson as its new chief executive. Ken, I know well. He was the chief executive of the Northland Regional Council. He has a reputation as hardworking and a no-nonsense sort of person. We on the regional council look forward to working with him and his council.

New chief executive for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Applications have closed and we are about to start interviews for this important position. It is not an easy position, to follow the excellent work of Bill Bayfield.

But with two new chief executives in the Bay of Plenty, it is important that we appoint a person who can continue the progress and work together with all the other councils.

The Bay of Plenty – Tauranga in particular – is not insignificant in the economy of New Zealand. Here are a few facts which may surprise you on Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty:

The Port of Tauranga is the largest port by volume, handling 27 per cent of the nation's export volume in 2010.

Eighty per cent of the country's horticulture value product 1.1 billion dollars in sales are grown in the Bay of Plenty.

The Bay of Plenty's tourism is 8.3 per cent of the country's visitor nights and the cruise ships add an extra 25 to 30 million per annum to the economy.

The Bay of Plenty accounts for six per cent of the New Zealand dairy industry. Annual employment growth is about twice the New Zealand average, in a time of economic recession.

It is home to some of New Zealand's leading industries, including;

• Zespri – one of the largest exporters with $1 billion annual sales.

• Ballance Agri-Nutrients – second biggest fertiliser manufacturer in New Zealand.

• Powder Metallurgy – world class to produce titanium alloys.

• Comvita – $100 million in annual turnover. Superior honey products for health care on an international market.

• ABM AMBRO CRAIG – $13 billion in funds under management and employs 285 people.

The Bay of Plenty has the highest heavy vehicle weight intensity in the country, 214.8 thousand tones per km, compared with the New Zealand average of 105.5.

Our ANNUAL PLAN 2011-2012 – significant issues

Our Annual plan has been out for submissions, as at last Saturday we had received 903 submissions – 87 have been processed, five were late.

We received 836 submissions supporting the 'home of cycling, including 20 that wish to be heard.

This leaves 68 other submissions, 46, that wish to be heard.

On May 16 we will hear 32 submitters in Tauranga and on May 17 we will hear nine in Rotorua and five in Whakatane.

This is certainly a very bust time for all of us that have the privilege to be on council.

If you have a view on this or any other local government Issue, I invite you to e-mail me [email protected]