Minutes for Te Puke Teams Town Summit 2026
Wednesday 4th March | 5:00pm Settlers Lounge, Te Puke Memorial Hall
Attendees – Representatives from the following organisations
EPIC Te Puke, Te Puke Memorial Hall, Keep Te Puke Beautiful, Te Puke Library, WBOPDC, Paengaroa Community Association, Te Puke Economic Development Group, Te Puke Kiwifruit Capital of the World Heritage Society Inc, Te Puke Community Board, Te Puke High School, Te Puke Toy Library, Te Puke Gymsport, Made in Te Puke Trust, Community Emergency Hub, The Hub Te Puke, COLAB
Te Puke Teams Town Summit – What’s Happening Te Puke?
WELCOME
Speaker: Janine Gartner – EPIC Te Puke Chairperson
TE PUKE KIWIFRUIT CAPITAL OF THE WORLD HERITAGE SOCIETY INC
Keynote Speaker: Sue Matthews
Sue Matthews presented an overview of the vision and work of the Te Puke Kiwifruit Capital of the World Heritage Society Inc, an organisation formed in July 2025 following the leasing of the historic Capitol Theatre.
The society’s aim is to celebrate Te Puke’s kiwifruit story, while also embracing mana whenua, local native bush environments, and the stories of Te Puke’s nine surrounding communities.
Celebrating Te Puke’s Kiwifruit Heritage
- Sue reflected on the long history of efforts to promote Te Puke as the Kiwifruit Capital of the World, including:
- The Te Puke Promotion Association and the first Te Puke Kiwifruit Festival in 1976
- Decades of celebrations and publications recognising the kiwifruit industry
- The contribution of growers, packhouses, contractors, industry leaders, iwi and community organisations
- Overcoming challenges such as economic fluctuations, PSA and COVID
Sue also highlighted earlier tourism initiatives such as Te Puke Kiwifruit Country, which welcomed over 1.5 million visitors during its 30 years of operation, as well as the work of organisations such as the Te Puke Economic Development Group in supporting economic growth and diversification.
Capitol Theatre Redevelopment Vision
Sue outlined the vision for the redevelopment of the Capitol Theatre, which aims to create a central visitor experience celebrating Te Puke’s heritage, kiwifruit industry and natural environment.
Planned features include:
- A native bush experience developed in partnership with mana whenua
- A walk-through kiwifruit orchard display showing the seasonal lifecycle of the fruit
- Exhibits highlighting pollination, post-harvest processes, research and export
- Storyboards celebrating Te Puke’s history, arts and notable local figures
Capitol Theatre Movies & Events
Sue also spoke about the regular movie screenings now taking place at the Capitol Theatre, helping bring people back into the town centre.
- Kids movie: Second Sunday of each month
- Adult movie: Fourth Sunday of each month (note movies FOR adults and not “adult movies”!)
Upcoming screenings include:
- Cars – 8 March
- Tina – 22 March
- Sing – 12 April
- Moulin Rouge – 26 April
Sue noted these screenings are helping to drive visitors into Te Puke, with many attendees choosing to dine at local restaurants before or after the movie.
The Capitol Theatre is also partnering with Lumberjacks for the Flavours of Plenty Festival, hosting a Taste of Te Puke event on 25 April featuring the film Julie & Julia alongside a French-inspired dinner experience.
Community Support & Progress
Since taking over the lease, the volunteer committee has undertaken significant refurbishment of the building, supported by generous community donations of time, materials, expertise and funding.
Early activities have included:
- Community engagement events
- Art exhibitions
- Movie screenings
- Partnerships with local organisations and festivals
Sue acknowledged the committee members supporting the project and thanked the wider community for their contributions.
Next Steps
Sue noted the group’s ambition for the Capitol Theatre to become a hub for locals, schools, visitors and tourists, attracting people into Te Puke and supporting the local economy.
The society hopes to officially open the redeveloped space in May, and welcomed continued community support through volunteering, donations and partnerships.
TE PUKE LIBRARY
Speaker: Amanda-Jane McFadden
Amanda provided an update on upcoming programmes, services and future planning for the Te Puke Library, highlighting the library’s role as an important community hub offering both learning opportunities and practical support.
Upcoming Programmes & Activities
- School Holiday Programme – Superhero theme (bookings essential)
- Book Club Kits – borrow a ready-made kit and start your own book club
- Digital Classes – returning in Term Two to support digital skills
Community Guardian / Hapori Kaitiaki
Amanda introduced the Community Guardian / Hapori Kaitiaki initiative, which supports safe and welcoming public spaces.
Te Puke Community Guardian: Akash
Katikati Community Guardian: Hayden
The Community Guardian role assists the community with:
- digital support
- driver’s licensing assistance
- printing and scanning services
The programme also helps maintain a safe, calm and welcoming environment within the library and surrounding areas and works closely with Council’s Safer Communities and Welcoming Communities initiatives.
Community Consultation – Future Library
Amanda highlighted the upcoming Community Quest Family Fun Day – 21 March, which will also host consultation on the future of the Te Puke Library as part of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council Spatial Plan engagement.
Council is currently exploring:
- a new library build, or
- refurbishment of the existing library
- with three potential location options under consideration.
Community members will be invited to provide feedback on what facilities and services they would like to see in a future library space, with the Community Quest event providing an opportunity for residents to share their ideas.
TE PUKE AA SERVICE CENTRE
Speaker: Cathryn Bilby
Cathryn provided an update on services currently available through the Te Puke AA Service Centre, highlighting new services and transaction growth.
Newest Service – Overseas Licence Conversions
Cathryn advised that the centre is now offering Overseas Licence Conversions.
- This is a bookable service
- Applications close at 4:00pm each day
SuperGold Card Photos
The Te Puke AA Service Centre also provides SuperGold Card photo services, which are free of charge.
Service Demand
Cathryn shared that the centre continues to see strong demand for its services.
- Projected transactions for 2024: 13,550
- Actual transactions for 2024: 14,127
- This represents approximately 20% growth compared with 2023.
TE PUKE WAR MEMORIAL HALL
Speaker: Dale Snell
Dale provided an overview of the Te Puke Memorial Hall, highlighting its role as one of the town’s key community venues located in the heart of Te Puke on the main street.
Venue Facilities
The hall complex includes several flexible spaces which can be hired individually or together depending on event requirements:
- Large Auditorium
- Boardroom
- Two Lounges
- Supper Room Kitchen
- Commercial Kitchen
The venue is able to cater for a wide range of events, from small meetings of just a few people through to large events of 800+ when using the full complex.
Over the years the hall has hosted a variety of events including:
- Weddings
- Business meetings
- Community events
- Concerts
- Dance competitions
- Sporting events
Future Improvements
Looking ahead to 2026, the committee will continue the ongoing refurbishment programme to maintain and improve the building for community use.
Upcoming work includes:
- Repainting the exterior of the building
- Replacing guttering and downpipes
Supporting the Hall
Dale encouraged community groups, businesses and organisations to book and utilise the venue, noting that regular use helps support the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the facility.
She also advised that discounted hire rates are available for community groups and fundraisers, and encouraged anyone interested in hosting an event to speak with Cathy about venue options.
PAENGAROA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Speaker: Sue Matthews
Sue Matthews provided an overview of the Paengaroa Community Association, which was established in 2011 to support and represent the interests of the Paengaroa community and surrounding district.
Role of the Association
The Paengaroa Community Association works to:
- Promote community awareness and discussion on matters of interest to Paengaroa residents
- Represent the views of the Paengaroa community to relevant authorities
- Gather and share information that may benefit or impact the Paengaroa district
- The association plays an important role in helping ensure the Paengaroa community remains well-informed, connected and represented in local decision-making.
Upcoming Community Event
Sue also advised that the Paengaroa Spring Festival in the Park will take place on Saturday 14 November. The date has been scheduled for the weekend after Guy Fawkes to avoid clashing with the Fairhaven Fireworks Gala.
TE PUKE TOY LIBRARY
Speaker: Anne Treadgold
Ann Treadgold provided an update on the Te Puke Toy Library, its current activities, opening hours and priorities for the coming year.
Opening Hours & Regular Activities
The Toy Library is currently open:
- Thursday: 2:30pm – 4:30pm
- Friday: 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Saturday: 10:00am – 1:00pm
A Playgroup runs on Fridays during opening hours, with a gold coin donation requested.
A Sensory Playgroup is also held at the Toy Library on Monday mornings.
In addition, Predator Free Te Puke operates a trap library from the Toy Library at the same time as Toy Library sessions, making it a shared community resource.
2026 Priorities
Key priorities for the coming year include:
- Working with Western Bay of Plenty District Council to rejuvenate the Toy Library building, both inside and out
- Exploring the possibility of installing a mural on the front of the building
- Encouraging other community groups to make use of the venue
- Fundraising will be an important focus to support improvements and ongoing operations.
A garage sale fundraiser will be held this Saturday from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Additional fundraising dates will be shared with the community later in the year
Committee Support
Ann noted that the Toy Library is currently run by a small committee of five busy parents, and additional committee members and volunteer support would be greatly appreciated, particularly to assist with fundraising and general operations.
TE PUKE GYMSPORTS
Speaker: Erin McKenna
Erin McKenna provided an update on Te Puke Gymsport, introducing Jocelyn the gyms patron, and highlighting the organisation’s growth and future plans.
Current Programmes & Participation
Te Puke Gymsport currently supports around 650 members each year, offering a range of programmes including:
- Gymnastics
- Parkour
- Tumbling
- School holiday programmes
- School group programmes
The organisation works with approximately 2,000 school students each year, including special education programmes for schools.
BOP Movement HQ Project
Te Puke Gymsport is the lead organisation behind the Bay of Plenty Movement HQ project, a major new community facility currently in development.
Partner organisations involved in the project include:
- Graeme Dingle Foundation – Te Puke
- Te Puke Dance
- Te Puke Junior Football
The proposed facility at Centennial Park has now received resource consent, and the project has moved into the fundraising phase.
The vision for Movement HQ is to provide a multi-use community space supporting health, fitness and wellbeing for people aged 0–99, allowing whole whānau to be active together at the same time.
Planned activities and spaces include:
- CrossFit and fitness training
- Martial arts
- Aerobatics and gymnastics
- Dance
- Event and performance space
- Community rooms for workshops and programmes
Fundraising & Next Steps
The initial Phase One fundraising target is $200,000, with approximately 60% already secured. Upcoming fundraising events include:
- Fashion Show – April
- Additional event planned for June (details to be confirmed)
Looking ahead, a key priority for 2026 is to raise $1 million towards the development of BOP Movement HQ.
Erin also noted that Te Puke Gymsport is always open to collaboration with other organisations and community groups.
TE PUKE HIGH SCHOOL
Speaker: Simon McGillivray
Simon McGillivray provided an overview of Te Puke High School, highlighting the school’s size, diversity, programmes and future developments.
School Overview
Founded in 1923, Te Puke High School currently has approximately 1,150 students and 145 staff (90 teachers and 55 support staff), creating a total school community of around 1,295 people.
The school is co-educational, catering for students from Year 9 to Year 13 (ages 13–18) and represents a diverse multicultural community with over 30 different ethnicities. Student demographics include:
- 39% NZ European
- 39% Māori
- 18% Asian (including 11% Indian)
- 3% Pasifika
- 0.8% MELAA
The school emphasises a friendly, future-focused and student-centred environment.
International Students
Te Puke High School hosts 53 international students from a range of countries including Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, India and Switzerland. The school provides:
- Integration with Kiwi and international students
- Strong pastoral care
- A safe and supportive learning environment
Learning & Curriculum
Students have access to a broad curriculum across Years 9–13, including academic, vocational and creative pathways. Subject areas include:
- Agriculture and horticulture
- Engineering and construction
- Digital technology and design
- Culinary arts
- Languages (including French, Japanese and Te Reo Māori)
- Arts, music, drama and dance
- Sport and outdoor education
- Tourism and primary industries
- Technology & Learning Resources
The school continues to invest in modern learning technology, including:
- 1000+ computers
- Google Classroom and e-portfolios
- Drone technology
- 360° video cameras
- Virtual reality tools
- 3D printers
- Laser cutting and computer-controlled router machines
Student Achievement
In 2025, Year 13 students from Te Puke High School were awarded $340,000 in tertiary education scholarships, highlighting strong academic outcomes.
Sport, Culture & Extracurricular Opportunities
Students participate in a wide range of sports, cultural and performing arts activities, including rugby, netball, athletics, water polo, kapa haka, music, drama and dance.
Upcoming Developments
Planned developments for 2026 include:
- Installation of air conditioning across the school
- Construction of a covered outdoor worksite
- Refurbishment of gymnasium facilities
- Refurbishment of the Beatty Block
- Development of an amphitheatre within the horticulture area
KEEP TE PUKE BEAUTIFUL
Speaker: Craig Wallace
Craig Wallace — also known as “Captain Clean-Up” — gave an engaging and entertaining presentation about the work of Keep Te Puke Beautiful, a community initiative focused on reducing litter and improving the appearance of the town.
Community Clean-Up Initiative
Craig explained that the group has been operating for around 12 months and currently has a small but dedicated team of 8–10 volunteers who regularly take part in clean-up efforts around Te Puke.
One recent project involved cleaning up the railway line between the two bridges, which Craig described as an eye-opening experience in terms of the amount of rubbish collected. He acknowledged KiwiRail for their support in enabling the clean-up to take place.
Craig also uses his bike to scout locations around town that require attention and reports areas needing larger clean-ups to Council.
Focus Areas
A key area of focus for litter reduction and beautification is the Beatty Avenue strip, particularly around:
- McDonald’s
- The cricket pitch
- Te Puke High School surroundings
Craig noted that improving this corridor would make a significant visual difference to the town.
Community Collaboration
Looking ahead to 2026, Craig indicated the group plans to scale activities slightly, while focusing on collaboration with other community organisations, including:
- EPIC Te Puke
- COLAB
- Community events such as Halloween and the Sikh Parade
Craig also shared his Captain Clean-Up costume, created by a fashion designer, which helps raise awareness and encourage community engagement around litter reduction.
He commented that if everyone simply picked up one piece of litter, it would make a noticeable difference to the cleanliness of the town.
Community Clean-Up Events
Craig invited community members to get involved in upcoming clean-up efforts.
A community clean-up is planned for this weekend, with volunteers meeting for around an hour of litter collection followed by coffee at Blackbird Café. The group has equipment available for volunteers, including:
- gloves
- litter pickers
- sacks
Craig also noted that schools interested in organising their own clean-up events are welcome to contact him, as equipment and support can be provided.
TE PUKE COMMUNITY BOARD
Speaker: Dale Snell
Dale Snell provided an overview of the Te Puke Community Board and its role in representing the interests of the local community.
Community Board Overview
The Te Puke Community Board is made up of elected members who represent the Eastern Te Puke Subdivision. This area includes:
- Te Puke
- Paengaroa
- Pongakawa
- Pukehina
- Ōtamarākau and nearby rural areas
Maketu sits within a separate community board area.
The board meets every six weeks, with the first 30 minutes of each meeting set aside for community members to raise issues or discuss matters directly with board members. Community members are encouraged to book a time to attend and speak with the board face-to-face.
Role of the Community Board
Dale explained that the board’s main role is to:
- Advocate for the community
- Act as a conduit between the community and Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Board members serve the community out of passion and commitment rather than financial remuneration.
Community Engagement
Dale encouraged residents to get in touch if they have concerns or ideas relating to the area. She noted that:
- She is happy to be contacted directly regarding community matters
- Issues raised on the Te Puke Community Noticeboard Facebook page are regularly monitored by Dale and Laura, and they will do their best to assist where possible.
Community Grants
Dale also reminded attendees that funding is available for community organisations through the Community Board, and information on how to apply can be found on the Council website.
MADE IN TE PUKE TRUST
Speaker: Dale Snell
Dale Snell provided an overview of the Made in Te Puke Trust, a volunteer-led organisation that supports community events and fundraising opportunities within Te Puke.
Community Events
The trust has been involved in organising and supporting a number of community events over the years, including:
- Te Puke Markets
- Sikh Parade
- Kabbadi Tournament
- Christmas in the Park
- Matariki celebrations (in previous years)
Te Puke Markets
Dale explained that the Te Puke Markets were originally started around 10 years ago by Monique as a fundraiser for the Te Puke Toy Library.
The markets were created to provide a simple and accessible way for people to raise funds for their whānau or community organisations and continue to operate with that focus today. Key points about the markets:
- Run entirely by volunteers
- Stallholder fees kept intentionally low at $10 per stall
- Designed to support fundraising rather than generate profit
- Provide an opportunity for community groups and individuals to raise funds
The trust is also exploring the possibility of holding winter markets at the Te Puke Memorial Hall.
ANZAC Day
Dale noted that both she and Kassie sit on the local ANZAC Committee and are currently working on planning for ANZAC Day commemorations.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY HUB
Speaker: Kurt Waugh
Kurt Waugh, alongside Dale, Laura, Simon and Sue, provided an overview of the Community Emergency Hub initiative and how it operates within Te Puke.
Community Emergency Hub Model
The hub follows the Community Emergency Hub model, which provides a place for residents to gather, share information and coordinate support during an emergency.
In Te Puke, the Te Puke Memorial Hall has been identified as the local Community Emergency Hub and would be opened in the event of a significant emergency affecting the area. The hub works alongside Western Bay of Plenty District Council Emergency Management.
Recent Activation
The hub model was activated during the 21 January emergency event, when several community hubs across the district were opened. During this time:
- Seven evacuees from Welcome Bay arrived at the Te Puke hub at approximately 2:00am
- Dale, Laura and Kassie responded and managed the situation, providing support for those arriving at the hall
- Other hubs across the district also saw significant turnout, with around 120 people attending the Waihi Beach hub
Kurt acknowledged the excellent work done by the local volunteers who responded during the activation.
Training & Preparation
The team holds quarterly meetings to ensure the hub remains prepared for future emergencies. These meetings include:
- Bringing the team together
- Checking emergency equipment and supplies
- Running practice scenarios
The next meeting is scheduled for 11 March.
THE HUB TE PUKE
Speaker: Scott Nicholson
Scott Nicholson provided an update on the work of The Hub Te Puke, highlighting the wide range of support services the organisation provides to the community.
Community Support Services
The Hub offers a broad range of support services, including:
- Food support, food bank and food rescue
- Social workers and housing navigation
- Insurance advocacy
- ACC advocacy
- Financial mentoring
- Family Court advocacy
- Community Law services
- Free haircuts on Wednesday mornings
Scott noted that The Hub is providing a significant level of support to the community, distributing approximately one tonne of food back into the community each week. Over the course of a year, around one in five households in Te Puke accesses support through The Hub.
Growing Demand
Scott shared that the organisation has seen a significant increase in demand for services, particularly food support, with many households currently struggling to meet basic food needs.
Temporary Relocation
The Hub will soon be temporarily relocating for approximately 4–5 months while their building undergoes seismic strengthening work.
Scott noted that the organisation will put out a call for community support when the move takes place, as assistance will be needed during the relocation process.
WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY DISTRICT COUNCIL
Speakers: Tasman Mouldey & Becks Chambers
Tasman Mouldey and Becks Chambers provided an update on current Western Bay of Plenty District Council initiatives and upcoming community engagement opportunities.
Welcoming Communities Programme
Tasman spoke about the Welcoming Communities programme, which aims to ensure newcomers and long-term residents feel welcomed, included and connected within the community. Initiatives such as the Festival of Cultures coming up in June were highlighted as opportunities to celebrate the diversity of the district and bring communities together.
Community Quest – Spatial Plan Consultation
Becks Chambers spoke about the upcoming Community Quest event, which will provide an opportunity for residents to engage with Council around the Spatial Plan consultation. Key topics that will be discussed include:
- Infrastructure
- Transport
- Swimming pool facilities
- Library and service centre planning
Council staff and subject matter experts will be present at the event to answer questions and discuss ideas with community members.
Residents are encouraged to attend the event, speak with the experts and have their say on the future planning of the district.
For those unable to attend, an online survey is available, and feedback forms can also be completed at the Te Puke Library.
COLAB
Speaker: Briar Hayman
Briar provided an overview of COLAB, a community-led collective made up of local organisations and individuals working together to support a thriving community.
Purpose & Priorities
COLAB’s aim is to create a community where everybody thrives. Key priorities have been identified through community feedback and currently include:
- Transport
- Community engagement, connection and cohesion
- Food security
- Resource recovery
- Organisational sustainability
Transport Initiatives
Briar outlined several transport-related initiatives currently underway:
- The Transport Service Coordinator role supports programmes designed to improve access to transport across the community.
- A key initiative is the driver licensing programme for rangatahi, which provides affordable driving instruction from learner licence through to restricted. Through this programme it became clear that many young people do not have access to vehicles or adults to practise driving between lessons.
- COLAB is therefore working to develop a mentoring programme, pairing learners with volunteer mentors to support supervised practice driving. Volunteers are currently being sought for this programme, with training and support provided.
- COLAB also operates a Community Rides programme, an affordable and accessible transport service delivered by volunteers using a community vehicle. This service helps people who may otherwise struggle to travel to important appointments, including hospital visits in Whakatāne. Volunteers are also needed to support the Community Rides programme as drivers.
Food Security & Kai Resilience
COLAB is supporting initiatives to strengthen local food resilience, including the Pukehina Chaos Garden, and is currently seeking volunteers to help support and maintain the garden.
Separately, COLAB is also seeking expressions of interest from people who would like to be involved in future Farmers Markets initiatives.
Resource Recovery
Another focus area is the development of a Resource Recovery Centre at the recycling centre, where items can be collected, repaired or repurposed rather than sent to landfill.
EPIC TE PUKE
Speaker: Sally Benning
Sally Benning provided an overview of EPIC Te Puke and upcoming events planned for the year.
About EPIC Te Puke
EPIC Te Puke holds a Service Delivery contract with Western Bay of Plenty District Council to deliver four key community events each year. In addition, EPIC runs local promotions around Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas to support businesses and community engagement.
Sally noted that volunteers are always needed for EPIC events, and encouraged anyone interested in helping on event days to get in touch.
EPIC Connect Networking
EPIC also hosts EPIC Connect, a monthly networking event designed to bring together local businesses, organisations and community groups.
- Held on the last Thursday of each month
- 5:00pm – 6:30pm
- Hosted at different venues around Te Puke
The next EPIC Connect event will be held on 26 March, jointly hosted by Audika and Matthews Eyecare.
Sally noted that EPIC is always looking for businesses, organisations and even schools interested in hosting an EPIC Connect event and encouraged anyone keen to get in touch.
EPIC Databases
EPIC maintains four community databases that individuals, businesses and organisations can sign up to in order to stay informed about local events, opportunities and community updates.
Upcoming Events
The Great Easter Easel Egg-Scapade
- Saturday 4 April | 9:00am – 1:00pm | Jubilee Park
- A free family event featuring fun activities, a painted rock hunt, and a community vote for favourite Easter egg artworks displayed around the park.
- People’s Choice prizes sponsored by local businesses, with artists receiving EPIC Dollars for first, second and third place.
The Great Te Puke Tidy Up
- 13–18 September
- A week-long community clean-up event encouraging businesses, organisations and residents to help tidy the town.
- The week concludes with the main street clean-up and Pizza Party on 18 September.
Halloween Treat Trail
- Friday 30 October 3-5pm | Downtown Te Puke
- The inaugural Halloween Treat Trail, encouraging families to explore the town centre and connect with local businesses.
Te Puke Christmas Float Parade
- Saturday 5 December | 11:00am – 12:00pm
- A long-running and well-supported community tradition, featuring decorated floats and strong local sponsorship.
Santa’s Grotto (proposed new initiative)
- 4–6 December (TBC)
- EPIC is exploring the possibility of bringing Santa’s Grotto to Te Puke for several days around the time of the Float Parade.
- This would provide an opportunity for families to visit Santa, which has not been available locally for several years outside of the parade.
Sally encouraged the community to support and participate in these events throughout the year.
WHAT’S ON 2026 BOARD & COLLAB WALL
A popular feature of the evening was the What’s On 2026 Board and the COLAB Wall, which gave attendees the chance to share and visualise what’s coming up across our community.
The What’s On 2026 Board invited organisations to add their key dates and upcoming events for the year ahead. Seeing the calendar start to fill up with activities, initiatives and celebrations really highlighted just how much is happening in Te Puke and helped everyone get a clearer picture of the year ahead.
Alongside this, the COLAB Wall encouraged groups to share where they might need support, as well as what they could offer to help others. From volunteers and resources to partnerships and shared ideas, it was a great way to spark conversations and identify opportunities for collaboration.
It was fantastic to see so many people taking the time to contribute and engage. Check out some of the photos below to see what was shared on the boards during the evening.
CLOSING REMARKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The organisers would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the Te Puke Teams Summit, and to all those who shared their mahi, plans and visions for the future of Te Puke.
A special thank you to Janine Gartner for doing a wonderful job MC’ing the evening, and to our keynote speaker Sue Matthews for sharing the inspiring story and vision behind the Te Puke Kiwifruit Capital of the World Heritage Society.
We would also like to acknowledge our fantastic volunteers Steve and Josh for their help in the kitchen and with set-up and pack down, and Rosalie for welcoming attendees at the front table and assisting with set-up and pack down. Thank you as well to everyone who pitched in to help pack down at the end of the evening — your help was greatly appreciated.
It was a wonderful opportunity to connect as a community, share ideas and celebrate the incredible mahi happening across Te Puke. We look forward to seeing what 2026 will bring for our town.