Tauranga Rocks

I seem to be in the middle of a 'Business Forum' frenzy. This is definitely not the Tauranga most people identify with.

When Jacqui and I first arrived in town almost 5 years ago, Tauranga was invariably described as either 'God's Waiting Room' or a 'Cemetery with Bus Stops'. No more. Tauranga's demographic profile shows that it is not only the fastest growing City in New Zealand, but the average age of residents is actually below the national average. This city rocks.

Last night, it was a BA5 with Tauranga Chamber of Commerce at the new Nautilus complex. Tonight, it is a WBOP ICT Cluster meeting at Mills Reef Winery. Next week, Priority One hosts its AGM and NZTE have organised an informal dinner.

I am posting this blog following some interesting discussions at MORGO last week. Jacqui and I were asked several times, 'Why Tauranga?' The questioners invariably came from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

It's a strange call. Tauranga is home to the Port of Tauranga, TrustPower, ABN Amro Craigs, Zespri and other National HQs. Yet the old associations persist.

I have a new definition for Tauranga - 'New Zealand's Best Business Secret'.