TAURANGA'S CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER GOVERNANCE

HELP US CONTINUE TO LOBBY FOR GOOD

Press Release: Lobby For Good Urges Serious Fraud Office Investigation Into Marine Precinct Sale

Campaign Overview:

Objective: Tauranga deserves transparency, accountability, and governance that puts its people first, but we can’t do it alone.

We’re raising funds to keep investigating key issues, challenging unfair decisions, and advocating for a better future for our community. Your support, whether through a monthly membership or a one-time contribution, makes this work possible.

Why We Need Your Help:

Uncovering the Truth
From undervalued sales to questionable developments, critical issues demand attention. Without funding, we can’t dig as deeply as needed.

Levelling the Playing Field
There is a significant imbalance when it comes to everyday kiwis and those who can afford to have teams of lawyers, the media, and strategists on their side. With your support, we can hire experts to fight for the community’s best interests.

Ensuring Your Voice is Heard
In a system dominated by well-funded interests, your contribution ensures those in Tauranga are represented too.

What We’re Currently Working On:

Marine Precinct Sale
Sold for less than half its value, this needs answers, and we’re working to get them.

Devonport Road Developments
We’re investigating public consultation processes as well as potential conflicts of interest and what the impacts are on our community.

Better Governance for Tauranga
We’re challenging decisions that prioritise private interests over public good.

What is in the Pipeline:

Willis Bond Contract
Civic Centre
New Council Building

How You Can Help

Become a Monthly Member
Your ongoing support helps us plan long-term and stay focused on what matters most.

Make a One-Off Donation
Every dollar directly funds investigations, advocacy, and transparency efforts.

CAMPAIGN GOALS

Open Records, Rebuild Trust:

Advocate for the public disclosure of records from the tenure of government-appointed commissioners. This should include a comprehensive list of all assets sold, the reasons for their sale, and the outcomes. This is essential for creating accountability and restoring trust within the community.

Easy to Understand Public Reporting

Advocate for TCC to publish regular, easy-to-understand reports on all financial expenditures. These reports should help the public engage with the council and understand what they are paying for. Elected members to review these reports and confirm they present an accurate and comprehensive picture of the city's financial health. Ongoing transparency will pave the way for better financial management, accountability, and community engagement.

Review of TCC's Long-Term Plan

Advocate for the new council to revisit the long-term plan. Given the current confusion over financial data, clear and transparent reporting on this plan will enable ratepayers to understand the actual state of our finances and build a collaborative relationship with the new council.

Balance the Data, Balance the Debate:

Governments rely on data to make important decisions, but often the data they receive is limited to a narrow set of views, which can skew the overall picture. This lack of comprehensive information means that decisions may not accurately represent everyone's needs, potentially leading to misguided policies and decision making. Our campaign is focused on funding a research team in Tauranga to gather a wide range of perspectives, ensuring decisions are made based on a true and complete understanding of our community. Your support is crucial in helping us achieve a more balanced approach to governance.

LET'S REBUILD TRUST IN TAURANGA

Without immediate action and attention, these issues will continue to impact Tauranga. Together, we can drive change and make local governance work for everyone.

Let’s build a community where accountability, fairness, and transparency come first. We invite you to join Lobby for Good in our mission to democratise lobbying and ensure a fair, accountable, and inclusive local governance model.