A 10-year plan for the future of events in Tauranga has publicly launched this week.

In a collaborative effort, the Tauranga Events Action and Investment Plan has been developed by Tauranga City Council in partnership with Tāpoi Te Moananui ā Toi Tourism Bay of Plenty, Bay Venues and Priority One.

It responds to feedback from tangata whenua, the events industry and the Tauranga community on what they would like to see happen in the events space.

The first of its kind for Tauranga, the plan provides clear direction for events in the city over the next ten years, identifying priorities and actions required, and ensuring funding and resources are allocated to the areas of greatest need.

Tauranga City Council venues and events manager Nelita Byrne said Council is focused on providing incredible event experiences for the local community and enabling our events industry to prosper.

'We have hundreds of wonderful events happening across our city every year and we know the positive impact they have on our economy and the vibrancy they bring to our community - we now need to grow the role of events and this plan will help us do this.

'While the plan aims to address some of the challenges we currently have, it also helps us to be aspirational.”

With a focus on community and inclusivity, the plan signals Tauranga's intent to be the best host city in New Zealand establishing a hosting standard reflective of Tauranga's people and places that is not seen anywhere else in the country.

'Our whole community will have a role in extending this manaakitanga (hospitality), and we are excited to see how we can make this happen together.”

Like Tauranga's City Vision, which is due to be released soon, the plan has a strong focus on collaboration, community, inclusivity and vibrancy.

It recognises the importance of an ongoing partnership with tangata whenua along with our venues, tourism and economic agencies.

Tūtara Kauika ki Rangataua welcome the Indian Cricket team, Bay Oval, 2019. Photo: Kenrick Rhys.

Tāpoi Te Moananui ā Toi/Tourism Bay of Plenty tumuaki general manager Oscar Nathan says events are a key factor in driving visitation and supporting a thriving city.

'Events generate positive flow-on benefits for all the interconnected areas of our local economy such as hospitality, accommodation, venues, transport, employment and tourism activities,” says Oscar.

'Tourism Bay of Plenty is excited to be collaborating on this plan, that will ensure as we go on this collective journey as a city that we'll continue to reap the rewards that we know events bring.”

The six goals outlined in the plan with key areas of focus include:

• Developing a strategic and collaborative approach to priorities and investment in major events and business events,
• Supporting the development and sustainability of the events industry in Tauranga,
• Supporting events that reflect and celebrate our people and our places,
• Improving the promotion and marketing of events to both local and national audiences,
• Becoming the best host city in Aotearoa,
• Planning for and developing fit-for-purpose event venues and infrastructure.

The Tauranga Events Action and Investment Plan was adopted by Tauranga City Council commissioners on Monday, June 20, read the published plan and find out more information on the Tauranga City Council website.