Tauranga Airport: Council sets up working group on future governance
Tauranga City Council has established a working group to evaluate the future governance and operational structure of Tauranga Airport. While the mayor clarified there are no immediate plans to sell the airport, the council is exploring options like trusts or council-controlled organizations to improve efficiency.
Why it matters
The debate over municipal asset management and governance models is a common challenge for local governments balancing public ownership with commercial viability.
The council is considering Tauranga Airport's future. Photo / Kelly O'Hara
Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale says the council does not plan on selling the city’s airport, but is discussing whether some of its stake could be sold in the future.
In a meeting on Tuesday, Tauranga City councillors decided to set up a working group to look at Tauranga Airport governance and operational options.
The working group comprises the mayor, two elected members, a mana whenua representative and experts.
The airport is owned and operated by the council.
A report authorised by council chief operating and financial officer Craig Rice said the airport was a “strategic infrastructure asset” operated without ratepayer funding.
The report said a new model could give the airport more independent and specialised governance while keeping it accountable to the council.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in