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Takiwā o Te Tēhe

Welcome Bay neighbourhood

Home to nearly 19,000 people, this ward includes Welcome Bay, Maungatapu, Kaitemako, Hairini and Ohauiti.

This ward also includes rural residents who have specific needs related to rural living. 

Welcome Bay is a popular place to live as it is close to the water with wonderful views out to the city, and the Kaimai Range. There are currently improvements happening in the area, like making roads safer. We’re also upgrading parks, public spaces, and community facilities for everyone to enjoy.

Over the years, the main road to Welcome Bay has become increasingly congested so transportation to the city centre is an important issue for locals. We, along with our central government partner, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, are looking at solutions to improve this infrastructure.

Projects happening in Welcome Bay

Rowesdale Drive: Partial one-way road closure


We are reconstructing part of the road and the Hollister Lane roundabout to extend the life of the road and make it safer and easier to move around Ohauiti.

Last updated:
Dec 19, 2024

Johnson Reserve Renewal Works


We’re undertaking maintenance works in Johnson Reserve in late 2024.

Last updated:
Dec 6, 2024

Private Plan Change 39 - Upper Ohauiti Land Rezoning


To help meet the housing requirements of a growing city, a portion of land on Upper Ohauiti Road is proposed to be rezoned to a Medium Density Residential Zone.

Last updated:
Nov 14, 2024

Welcome Bay parks improvements


We live in a wonderful part of New Zealand and in Welcome Bay there are many great parks and reserves enjoyed by the community.

Last updated:
Oct 10, 2024

Connecting the people. Fifteenth Avenue to Welcome Bay Road


Our city is growing fast. The Fifteenth Avenue, Turret Road and Welcome Bay Road route links many communities and is going to become increasingly important as our city grows.

Last updated:
Oct 4, 2024

Ōropi Grove Mountain Bike Park Works


Sections of the park are closed for tree harvesting and track renewal from September 2024 to late 2025.

Last updated:
Oct 1, 2024

Waimapu Catchment Management Plan


Contributing to the long-term health and wellbeing of the catchment by identifying opportunities and investment priorities to deliver positive outcomes in freshwater management.

Last updated:
Sep 25, 2024

Rowesdale Drive, Ohauiti


The outcome of Council’s investigation to facilitate access for potential urban development of land in the Ohauiti area.

Last updated:
Apr 1, 2024

Who's representing Welcome Bay?

Hautapu Baker

Hautapu Baker
Welcome Bay Ward Councillor
027 323 2599
hautapu.baker@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 Welcome Bay

View Welcome Bay 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 Welcome Bay.

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 Welcome Bay.

Project Details Estimated start date
Waikite Road pedestrian crossing This project aims to ensure safe speeds and a safer crossing at the Waikite Road and Welcome Bay Road intersection, prioritising the safety of vulnerable road users, particularly school children. March, 2025

Other ways to get involved

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

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