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Takiwā o Peterehema

Bethlehem neighbourhood

The Bethlehem ward sits between the Wairoa River to the west, and State highway 29 to the east.

It borders the Matua/Ōtūmoetai ward, the Tauriko ward and the Te Papa ward.

This ward includes Judea and comprises several subdivisions like Bethlehem Heights, Sterling Gate, La Cumbre, Saint Andrews, and Mayfield in the Bethlehem area as well as Tauriko West - an urban development proposed to support our region’s growth.

Bethlehem has a population of almost 18,000 people, served by amenities like the Bethlehem Town Shopping Centre, a number of schools as well as green spaces including Carmichael Reserve.

Projects happening in Bethlehem

Tauranga local neighbourhood playground upgrades


Tauranga is home to more than 100 playgrounds, many of which need to be renewed in the next decade.

Last updated:
Dec 3, 2024

New community: Tauriko West


Tauriko West, on the edge of Tauranga, is one of the large-scale urban developments proposed to support our region’s growth, delivering a new community with up to 4000 new homes, potentially starting around 2027.

Last updated:
Dec 13, 2024

Variation to Plan Change 33


Variation 1 to Plan Change 33 rezoning Tauriko West Urban Growth Area for urban development.

Last updated:
Dec 13, 2024

Future of Pōteriwhi


We’re looking at future options for a large council-owned site in Bethlehem known as Pōteriwhi (also known as Parau Farms).

Last updated:
Dec 2, 2024

Beaumaris Boulevard: Reducing risk from flooding


We are improving stormwater drainage through the intersection of Beaumaris Boulevard and Sterling Gate Drive with the addition of two box culverts.

Last updated:
Sep 13, 2024

Who's representing Bethlehem?

Kevin Schuler

Kevin (Herb) Schuler
Bethlehem Ward Councillor
027 329 1507
kevin.schuler@tauranga.govt.nz

Mahé Drysdale

Mahé Drysdale
Mayor of Tauranga
07 577 7000
mahe.drysdale@tauranga.govt.nz

Mikaere Sydney

Mikaere Sydney
Te Awanui Ward Councillor
On leave of absence

Latest news for Bethlehem

View Bethlehem projects by location

Mount Skate Park

Destination skatepark

In collaboration with members from our local skate community, we’ve designed an exciting new destination skatepark in Mount Maunganui.

Destination skatepark

What's happening city-wide?

These projects affect the entire city, including Bethlehem. 

Consultation with Tangata Whenua on Resource Consent Application Policy


Council’s ‘Consultation with Tangata Whenua on Resource Consent Applications Policy 2006’ requires updating to ensure that it’s fit for purpose.

Last updated:
Dec 16, 2024

Local Water Done Well


The policy direction paves the way for services and assets to stay in councils' ownership and control, while operating under a new service delivery model. 

Last updated:
Dec 12, 2024

Safer speeds


Setting speed limits is more than just a number on a sign – it’s all about people and how we keep them safe.

Last updated:
Dec 11, 2024

Tauranga city water supply resource reconsents


Ensuring access to a secure and safe supply of water for our city is a priority for Council.

Last updated:
Sep 13, 2024

What's happening in the future?

These projects have been listed for future work in Bethlehem.

Project Details Estimated start date
Bethlehem College Safer School The aim of this project is to create a safer environment for pedestrians, including school children. We are implementing area-wide speed management and pedestrian safety improvements around Bethlehem College and Bethlehem Tertiary Institute surrounding roads. April, 2025
Bethlehem Primary Safer School We’re enhancing safety around Bethlehem Primary School and Te Wharekura O Mauao to protect our pedestrians. This project focuses on upgrading the two existing pedestrian crossings and installing a new one on Westmorland Rise intersection.  April 2025
Bethlehem Road Stage 2 This project aims to enhance pedestrian connectivity and stormwater capacity along Bethlehem Road, featuring an upgraded footpath on the west, a shared path on the east, and swales from the Carmichael Road roundabout to St Therese Chapel on Bethlehem Road. April 2025

Other ways to get involved

Tauranga is your city. We're working to make it even better.

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