Majority of professional businesses in Tauranga’s City Centre believe being located in the CBD will be an asset in attracting and retaining employees for the long-term foreseeable future. 

This was a key finding from a recent poll conducted by Tauranga Business Chamber to gauge the sentiment of city centre corporates and professional businesses (i.e. excluding retailers, hospitality, service businesses and government agencies) and their employees. 

“Professional businesses and corporates are largely committed to the city centre because it’s where their key stakeholders are, and their staff are looking forward to the new amenities, as compared to the alternative options across the city,” says Chamber CEO, Matt Cowley.

When asked how their employees are adjusting to the transport and public safety considerations, a quarter (22 per cent) say their employees are adjusting, while half (51%) said a growing number of their employees are looking for more flexible arrangements, like leaving the office early and working remotely. 

“The rise in employees wanting to work remotely is in line with the global trend of flexible working arrangements. Staff focus their in-office days for collaboration with other team members and their key customers, which the CBD caters for extremely well,” says Matt.  

A total of 56 per cent of respondents are committed to Tauranga’s city centre for the foreseeable future, which takes into account all the planned development, civic investment, transport considerations, and staff/customer feedback.

A further 28 per cent say they are open to all options.

“The ease and cost of staff commuting to the office, as well as the public safety concerns, are challenges facing all city centres across New Zealand. Nevertheless, professional businesses in Tauranga’s CBD would like these concerns prioritised to ensure the city centre continues to be attractive. There will eventually be a tipping point,” says Matt. 

One respondent says the CBD will be an asset if the revitalisation is “done with amenity in mind. If it is done poorly it, in conjunction with outdated infrastructure, will be a liability”. 

Another respondent said ‘it feels at a tough time at the moment with all the works going on but once some of the regeneration is done and Cameron Road is complete we will be in a good space.’

Conversely, another respondent says; “we strongly believe and have been huge advocates for the city centre, but Grey Street where we are based has been overrun with homeless and problems… For the first time in six years, we are considering a move for the safety of our team”.