One year on: Family s fears for Tauranga man Julian Varley
22 Jan, 2021 05:57 PM
6 minutes to read
The fragments of a family broken by grief, confusion and helplessness will come together today to mark one year since Julian Varley disappeared. They will let off lanterns and share memories, and have difficult conversations about how everyone is holding up.
As the anniversary drew close this week, Varley s mum and best friend spoke to the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, sharing publicly for the first time their fears he will not come home alive.
In the last known sightings of the Tauranga 31-year-old, he was wearing a tie-dye T-shirt and shorts.
Tauranga roads operating beyond capacity despite major works to fix traffic woes
10 Jan, 2021 04:00 PM
6 minutes to read
Traffic backed up on Hewletts Rd, an area identified in major plans to fix Tauranga s congestion issues. Photo / File
Traffic backed up on Hewletts Rd, an area identified in major plans to fix Tauranga s congestion issues. Photo / File
Some Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty roads are operating beyond capacity and 13 critical projects have been prioritised in a major plan to alleviate the strain on the region s arterial routes. But even then, many motorists will need to change their travelling habits before there will be any notable difference to congestion levels, local transport leaders warn.
Tauranga by-election: Councillors plan to stand for mayor as another considers quitting
21 Dec, 2020 06:00 PM
5 minutes to read
Uncertainty clouds the Tauranga by-election with two councillors indicating mayoral runs and a third considering resigning - an act that could delay the by-election. This follows Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta s confirmation on Friday she would appoint a commission to Tauranga City Council in the new year, which would see the nine elected members replaced with an unknown number of Government-appointed commissioners.
Mahuta said the commissioner appointments would be announced in February.
The by-election for a new mayor and councillor, however, is already under way with nominations due to close at midday today.
Gutted : Tauranga city councillors react after learning they will be fired
18 Dec, 2020 06:00 PM
8 minutes to read
Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta. Photo / File
Some Tauranga councillors are disappointed and gutted after learning a week before Christmas they will lose their jobs in the new year. Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta has confirmed she will appoint a commission to the council in February, effectively replacing the governing team. I am mindful that this has been a stressful period for council staff and local ratepayers who are looking for certainty about the future of the council. The confirmation to appoint commissioners for Tauranga will help to pave the way for the next set of decisions early next year.