The Tauranga Environment Centre provides independent resource management and environmental information, education and advice to the public. We operate from premises on Elizabeth Street in downtown Tauranga and are managed by a community based charitable trust We provide two core services:



A resource management advisory service; and

A community service offering information, facilities and resources for community use



Tauranga has been without an Environment Centre for some 15 years and this combined with the influx of new residents to the area in that time means that the idea of an Environment Centre is a new one to many local people.



We have a lot of work to do in raising awareness as to our presence and functions. This needs to be done on a modest budget thus encouraging us to think creatively and we will be endeavouring to forge strong relationships with local business, media, territorial authorities and educational institutions as well as our traditional partnerships with community environmental groups.



During Conservation Week, in association with Tauranga DOC, we will be staging an exhibition featuring five local individuals or organisations and the ways that they express their love for the environment. Also, a large wall mural will be painted inside the Centre premises. This work is coordinated by a local artist and will invite public participation.



A major focus is the ‘Lifting the Spirit’ project. This aims to support community environment groups and encourage and motivate individuals to actively engage in caring for their local environment.



The Centre currently offers groups affordable meeting space with access to a photocopier. This year we will be purchasing a digital camera and an overhead projector for groups to use in their work. The Centre will also directly facilitate networking between the community environmental groups by hosting four forums throughout the year where they can meet in an informal way to share information and experiences.



The vision is that this will lead to a more integrated and stronger community environmental sector in the Tauranga region. The Centre’s Resource Management Advisory Service provides independent information and advice for individuals and groups faced with genuine environmental and resource management issues but who are unable to afford professional expert assistance. We encourage a self-help approach providing information and advice enabling people to make the best use of procedures under the Resource Management Act so that their interests are promoted or protected. Our role is to help people through the process, not act directly on their behalf.



General education for RMA participation is a key focus of this service. This involves raising public awareness about the trickle down effects of RMA legislation and regional and district plan amendments including opportunities to participate.



A series of topical presentations will be offered to the general public and targeted groups will be offered professionals for speaking engagements.