SmartGrowth BOP leaders visit Te Puke

Today Paul Hickson and Mark R. Boyle from Te Puke Economic Development Group co hosted the SmartGrowth Bay of Plenty leadership group on a tour of the Te Puke district. We visited Te Puke, Rangiuru Business Park, Paengaroa, Kiwi Produce Ltd, Pongakawa and had lunch at the Hippy Pipi at Pukehina Beach. We highlighted the need for good planning and delivery of roading, water, housing, short term accomodation and services needed for the phenomenal growth of the kiwifruit industry. We talked about the uniqueness of our communities and the economic drivers and industry sectors that define us. We talked about our aspirations and the need for choices by type and location for housing. All in all a good day with excellent enagagement and learning. Thanks to Bill, Bernie, Ken and Megan from Smart Growth. It was great to have the leaders, politicians and senior executives from TCC, WBOPDC, BOPRC, Tangata Whenua, NZTA and DHB spend time with us. #tepukegoodnessgrowshere