Port of Tauranga is a huge asset for the Bay of Plenty, and it is time for them to step up and support the community that has sacrificed so much to ensure the port’s success. Tauranga traffic is creeping back towards gridlock, and a lot of this is as a result of the big trucks that service our port.

The Port seems to think that they can “free-load” off their majority (54.14%) shareholder – Bay of Plenty Regional Council. They seem to think that it is the Regional Council’s (through its CCO Quayside Holdings) responsibility, but the reality is that the rest of the shareholders are getting a free ride. In my view the Port’s social investment is plain miserly, and sooner or later the Port risks alienating Tauranga residents with its minimal corporate social responsibility. Supporting the Half Ironman; a four year commitment to the TECT Rescue Helicopter ($62,000 pa); sponsoring a scholarship for a handful of Maori tertiary students; and a $6,000 donation to Foodbank, just does not cut the mustard.

Come on Mark Cairns – you are paid over $1.2m annually, and this city needs your help to get a change in attitude from both Directors and Senior Management. Tauranga City is New Zealand’s 5th largest city, and yet we lack the amenities of cities half our size. Our corporates need to step up, and the Port needs to show leadership – and not just remain a bludger.

If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email me at andrew@vond.co.nz, visit www.vond.co.nz, or just give me a call on 021-762 440.

Please note that views expressed in this column are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect Regional Council policy.