Te Puke Teams Town Summit 2025

Minutes for Te Puke Teams Town Summit 2025  

Wednesday 26th February 2025 | 5:00pm

Settlers Lounge, Te Puke Memorial Hall

Attendees – Representatives from the following organisations 

Kiwifruit Country Tours, EPIC Te Puke, Te Puke Memorial Hall, Te Puke News, Keep Te Puke Beautiful, Te Puke Library, WBOPDC, Paengaroa Community Association, Te Puke Economic Development Group, Te Puke Heritage Hub, Garden’s on Wheels, Te Puke Community Charitable Trust, Sustainable Endeavours Charitable Trust, Te Puke Community Board, Vector Group Charitable Trust, The Daily Charitable Trust, Te Puke High School, Creative Te Puke Forum, Te Puke Repertory Society, Western BOP Neighbourhood Support – Greater Te Puke Area, Tauranga and Western Bay Indian Association, Kiwicoast Lions, Te Puke Scottish Society, Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway, Total Safety, Marine & Boating BOP, Margaret Scrimgeour

Te Puke Teams Town Summit – What’s Happening Te Puke?  

Minutes from Attendees 

KIWIFRUIT COUNTRY TOURS 

Speaker: Graeme Crossman 

Overview: 

Graeme Crossman provided an overview of Kiwifruit Country Tours, which began in 2016, primarily focusing on cruise ship excursions. Over the years, the business has expanded, bringing in coaches from the ships and offering private orchard excursions. These tours provide an immersive experience, taking visitors to the Paengaroa Hall, which serves as a key location due to its space and essential facilities, including restrooms.

Tour Features: 

• Orchard Experience: Visitors experience the unique kiwifruit-growing conditions, with the Bay of Plenty’s distinctive climate and soil being perfectly suited for kiwifruit production.
• Māori Cultural Component: Tours include a Māori concert experience and visits to a local marae, acknowledging the region as a significant site in Māori civilization history.
• Kiwifruit Tasting & Products: Guests sample fresh kiwifruit, jams, juices, and kiwifruit-infused honey. Kiwifruit supplements, including capsules containing concentrated kiwifruit nutrients, are also available for purchase.
• Shopping: Kiwifruit-themed souvenirs and other local products are available at the Paengaroa Hall. Visit local shops and Eateries in Te Puke such as Te Puke Jewellers, Gift Rapt etc.
• Nutritional Education: The tour emphasizes kiwifruit’s health benefits, highlighting its high Vitamin C content, fiber, and overall nutritional density, branding it as the “world’s healthiest fruit.”

Historical & Cultural Context: 

• The Bay of Plenty is not just renowned for kiwifruit but is also significant in Māori history, as many migrating waka (ocean-going canoes) first landed here 700 years ago.
• Captain James Cook named the Bay of Plenty in 1769 as he sailed past, observing the fertile land and Māori settlements.
• The Bay of Plenty is home to NZ Kiwifruit, NZ Mānuka Honey, and NZ Avocados, all recognized as some of the world’s greatest nutritional foods.

Tour Logistics & Economic Impact: 

• 600+ coach bookings per season are received initially, with final numbers confirmed as the cruise season progresses.
• By the end of the season, several hundred coach bookings are typically completed, bringing a significant number of visitors to the region.
• These excursions contribute to promoting and advocating for the kiwifruit industry, leaving visitors as strong advocates for the product.

We appreciate Graeme for joining us this evening and sharing a taste of the tourist experience with his delicious scones topped with kiwifruit jam, cream, and fresh kiwifruit. To learn more about their tours, please visit their website.

EPIC TE PUKE 

Speaker: Rebecca Larsen 

EPIC 2025 Theme is Steampunk 

Planned events & promotions for 2025

• Local Pets, People Places All Ages Photography Competition in conjunction with Creative Te Puke Entries close midnight on 14 March 2025.
• Picture Perfect Easter Trail Easter Saturday 19th April 9am-1pm in Jubilee Park and along the Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway. This year the event will be also incorporating the ECHO Walking Festival.
• Mother’s Day Promotion running late April/early May and Mother’s Day Night Market being held Friday 9th May 5.30-7.30pm in the Te Puke Memorial Hall.
• Father’s Day Promotion running late August/early September and Father’s Day Night Market being held Friday 5th September 5.30-7.30pm in the Te Puke Memorial Hall.
• Te Puke Spring Clean & Pizza Party being held Friday 19th September in conjunction with The Daily & Craig from Keep Te Puke Beautiful.
• Steampunk Treat Trail Friday 31st October 3-5pm on Te Puke Main Street with Teapot racing and Haunted Hall in the Te Puke Memorial Hall.
• Seeka Te Puke Christmas Parade & Steamed Punk Christmas Market Saturday 6th December from 11am on main street Te Puke and in Jubilee Park.

Te Puke Online

• A NEW update on the system now allows you to add events to your own Calendar.
• Reminder, we have an awesome Community Event Calendar tool that is easy to use and is free to load community events too.
• A new concept in development, the Te Puke History Trail, involving High School students who join us through the Gateway Program. More information to come out soon.

TE PUKE WAR MEMORIAL HALL 

Speaker: Cathy Dale 

Building Renovations & Future Plans

Recent renovations:

• Fresh paint in all lounges
• Crash bars installed on walls
• Boardroom bathroom revamped
• New vinyl flooring in Settlers Kitchen
• External entry doors replaced throughout the building

Upcoming renovations:

• Installing a suspended ceiling in the main auditorium
• Continuing with interior painting
• Replacing internal doors
• Installing a new projector screen in the Settlers Lounge
• Purchasing new boardroom chairs and standard chairs for general use
• Installing a digital lockbox for key access to improve security

Upcoming Working Bee & Garage Sale

• Organizing a working bee to clean out the space under the stage & do a general tidy-up around the hall
• Planning a garage sale to sell old chairs, equipment, and other items
• Tentative dates: March 15th or March 29th
• Volunteers welcome—help is much appreciated!

Join Our Committee

• Looking for new committee members
• Meetings held once a month, on the third Tuesday, at 5pm (usually at the pub)
• Great opportunity to get involved and help shape the future of the space

Bookings & Contact Information

• Hall bookings managed through Te Puke Online on our website www.tepukehall.co.nz
• Availability not displayed yet, but booking requests can be submitted online
• Office hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9am–12pm (upstairs office)
• Contact via email, phone, or in person—happy to help!

TE PUKE NEWS 

Speaker: Stuart Whittaker 

• Previously the editor of Te Puke Times, now writing stories and taking photos for the Te Puke News lift out in the Sun, with a focus on Te Puke.
• Contact details have changed. See Stuart for new information.
• Emphasised that, as always, stories will focus on positive aspects of the community.

KEEP TE PUKE BEAUTIFUL (KEEP NZ BEAUTIFUL) 

Speaker: Craig Wallace 

• Keep Te Puke Beautiful is officially up and running!
• Started a few weeks ago after noticing increasing litter and that local efforts were being made by local businesses and EPIC Te Puke with the Spring Clean.
• Goal: Regular clean-ups and one big annual event.

How It All Started

• Craig began by picking up rubbish outside his home and quickly realized how much litter was accumulating in town.
• Started solo clean-ups, collecting enough cans to fill a 240L bin!

Growing the Movement

• Partnered with Keep New Zealand Beautiful for support and resources.
• Looking to form a dedicated team for regular clean-ups.
• Idea: Locals “adopting” a street, park, or area to keep tidy.

Community Support & Future Plans

• Working with EPIC Te Puke on the Spring Clean event and the Te Puke Community Board.
• Keep NZ Beautiful supporting his efforts.
• Needs local manpower, funding, and equipment to grow the movement.

How You Can Help

• Join a clean-up crew.
• Adopt a street, park, or public space.
• Lend a hand in any way you can!
• Contact Craig at keeptepukebeautiful@gmail.com to become involved or visit the Facebook page

TE PUKE LIBRARY 

Speaker: Amanda-Jane McFadden 

A new role, Hapori Kaitiaki (Community Guardian), has been introduced to support the Library, Service Centre, and AA. This role will:

• Foster community collaboration
• Support events and activities,
• Assist with printing services (now including self-service printing)
• Provide community guidance

Scam & Fraud Seminar – 20th March, 10 AM–12 PM, Settlers Lounge (free cyber security event).

Citizens Advice Bureau – Every Tuesday, 1–3 PM.

AA Services:

• Operating for over two years.
• Now has a full-time supervisor and two part-time staff.
• Continues to be busy, with customers from as far as Mount Maunganui and Tauranga.
• New services coming, starting with International Driver’s License conversions.

WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY DISTRICT COUNCIL 

Speaker: Becks Chambers 

Becks provided an overview of various arts and community funding opportunities available in the Western Bay of Plenty. Those interested in specific grants can contact Becks, Christine, or Annie from Creative Bay of Plenty for guidance.

Community Event Fund

• Supports community-driven events that encourage participation and inclusion
• Must align with event funding values and at least one priority
• Open now, closes 15th April.

Creative Communities Scheme (Western Bay)

• Open now, closes 27th February (tomorrow)
• Individuals can apply for up to $2,000 per project
• Criteria:
• Access & participation
• Diversity
• Young people.

Arts Grants for Ethnic Communities in the Western Bay District

• Promotes inclusive creativity through cultural celebrations and engagement
• Supports ethnic communities by fostering connection and participation
• Projects up to $2,000 with a simple application form.

Community Matching Fund

• Supports projects led by not-for-profit community groups.
• Aims to “match” the value of community contributions with a grant
• Recognises the valuable resources these groups provide
• Opens 1st July 2025.

PAENGAROA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 

Speaker: Sue Matthews 

• Spring Festival in the Park held last year was a success with over 70 stalls held November 9th and will be held again this year November 8th, 2025.
• Paengaroa Community Association are proud to host a Bridal Soiree.
• To be held at the Paengaroa Community Hall, Saturday 19 July 2025, 1:30 pm – 4 pm
• Brides through the decades
• Modern bridal trends
• Mother of the bride or groom
• Do you have your bridal dress, bridesmaid dresses or your Mums or Grans special gowns? We invite you to be a part of this fun fashion show in Paengaroa.
• There are information booklets available on the back table or you can find out more on their website or Facebook page

TE PUKE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP 

Speaker: Mark Boyle 

• Mark Boyle and Paul Hickson representing the Te Puke Economic Development Group (EDG).
• EDG has been active for 12 years, working with business groups to support local businesses, drive economic growth, and improve governance.
• Te Puke is a significant economic hub, producing over $1 billion in kiwifruit.
• Home to a large post-harvest industry, contributing heavily to the New Zealand economy.
• The region stretches from Papamoa Hills to Otamarakau, with diverse industries:
• Horticulture: Kiwifruit, avocados
• Agriculture: Sheep and beef farming
• Forestry: Wood products
• Service sector: Retail, trades, and tourism
• Key local businesses: Seeka and Comvita (both public companies).
• Population of 20,000 – a growing business and service town aiming to become a destination town.
• Te Puke EDG actively engages with local community groups.
• Organizing the Te Puke Highway Song Contest to promote the region.
• Tourism: Graeme Crossman is doing an excellent job promoting the region, bringing 10,000 international visitors annually.
• “Let’s Keep it Local” campaign encourages local spending and business support.
• Promotional video available on the EDG website.
• Co-branding initiative under “Goodness Grows Here”.
• EDG provides support, connections, and access to resources for local businesses.
• Addressed challenges in the housing sector, highlighting difficulties in the building process.
• Encouraged attendees to engage with elected councilors to push for legislative changes that make housing more affordable and accessible.

TE PUKE HERITAGE HUB 

Speaker: Mark Boyle

The Te Puke Heritage Hub is a planned museum and exhibition space dedicated to celebrating Te Puke’s rich history, particularly its role in the kiwifruit industry.

It will serve as a place of pride and purpose, engaging both locals and visitors.

The hub will align with the Western Bay Heritage Trust (which runs the Western Bay Museum in Katikati) but will be a separate Te Puke-focused entity.

Planned Features

• Permanent Exhibition: Showcasing the history and development of the kiwifruit industry and other aspects of Te Puke’s past.
• Temporary Exhibitions: Rotating displays featuring items from the museum collection.

Interactive Opportunities: Engaging experiences for visitors to connect with Te Puke’s heritage.

• The project requires $100,000 per year for three years ($300,000 total) to secure a building and employ a staff member to manage the space.
• Current fundraising target: $240,000 – close to securing a location.
• Seeking financial donations, business partnerships, and community support.
• Attendees were encouraged to take an informational leaflet from the back of the hall or contact Mark or Sue for more details.
• Four locations are currently being considered for the hub, all viable options.
• The hub will enhance and promote Te Puke, linking closely with new tourism opportunities.
• It aims to bring the town’s history to life and create an engaging, educational experience for both locals and visitors.
• Anyone wanting to pledge can send an email to either tpedg@tepuke.co.nz or Matapara-@xtra.co.nz

GARDENS ON WHEELS 

Speaker: Karen Summerhays 

• The Gardens on Wheels event was held at Jubilee Park on November 17, 2024, and was a great success with 37 entries.
• The event will be held again this year.
• This year, it will not be run under the Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival.
• Anyone interested in participating or being involved can contact Karen Summerhays, LJ from Te Puke Landscape Supplies or email gowtepuke@gmail.com

TE PUKE COMMUNITY CHARITABLE TRUST 

Speaker: Karen Summerhays 

• Te Puke Community Fund is a legacy fund in the process of creating a Memorandum of Understanding with ACORN.
• Designed to benefit the local community.
• The fund is locally managed, ensuring that local people make decisions about how it is used.
• Currently, a $50,000 investment will generate an annual return of $4,000, with the potential to grow as more contributions are made.
• More information will be shared as the fund develops.

SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS CHARITABLE TRUST 

Speaker: Karen Summerhays 

• The Sustainable Endeavours Charitable Trust is transitioning from Tauranga to Te Puke.
• The trust serves as an umbrella organisation, supporting local projects.
• They are currently looking for more trustees to help guide and manage the trust.
• If you have a community project or are interested in becoming a trustee, contact Karen Summerhays.

TE PUKE COMMUNITY BOARD 

Speaker: Karen Summerhays 

• The Te Puke Spatial Plan is currently underway, focusing on future infrastructure needs to support the town’s growth.
• The board is keeping a close watch on housing and social development in the area.
• There is some funding still available for this financial year – interested parties are encouraged to apply.
• Elections are happening this year.
• The board has been working on footpaths, crossings, and bus shelters, often behind the scenes.
• The council proposed removing the Te Puke Community Board, but this was successfully rejected to ensure decisions remain local.

VECTOR GROUP CHARITABLE TRUST 

Speaker: Steve Fawcett 

Vector Group Charitable Trust originally focused on youth space and community projects.

The group shifted focus during COVID and sadly lost four founding members.

Current initiatives include:

• Kai Resilience with Rock Garden Project in Papamoa
• Troppo – an urban tropical food forest which has grown crops like bananas and starfruit.
• A proposal has been submitted to establish a food forest in Te Puke.

The trust is actively collaborating with EPIC Te Puke and the Te Puke Economic Development Group (EDG).

For more information visit the website here

THE DAILY CHARITABLE TRUST 

Speaker: Chrissi Robinson (General Manager) 

The Daily Charitable Trust has been serving the community for 10 years.

Their mission is to drive food-focused programs, services, and support that meet community needs and empower aspirations.

• 2024: Provided 2,000 government-funded lunches and 200 charitable lunches.
• 2025: Now providing 314 government-funded lunches until the end of the year, servicing Te Puke Primary School and Maketu School.
• Continue to supply basic healthy snacks to four schools.
• Less funding, but greater capacity—finding ways to maximize impact with fewer resources.
• Food insecurity is a growing issue in Te Puke, making access to food difficult.
• The key question: How can we make food more affordable or even free?
• Looking to source community-produced food and work with volunteers to grow and cook food for the community.

How You Can Support

• Support Daily Catering – every purchase helps sustain their programs.
• Attend Friday Night Test Kitchen – a community initiative to bring people together over food.
• Buy school lunches – available for purchase at some Te Puke schools.

For more information or to get involved, contact Chrissi Robinson.

Visit their website here

TE PUKE HIGH SCHOOL 

Speaker: Alan Liddle (Principal) 

• Centenary celebrated in 2023.
• Growing diversity with an influx of Indian students, leading to changes in teaching approaches, including ESOL programs.
• School community consists of 1,250 students and staff.
• Five core values (“The 5 R’s”) guide the school’s culture.
• Wide range of subjects offered to cater to diverse student interests.
• $270,000 in scholarships awarded at last year’s prizegiving.
• More computers than students, ensuring access to modern technology.
• 53 international students from various countries in 2025.
• A dedicated team of three staff manage the international student program, providing a real Kiwi experience.
• Strong sporting opportunities, supported by two full-time staff managing school sports programs.
• Rich arts and cultural opportunities available to students.
• 2025 Services Academy: Te Puke High School will be the only school in the Bay of Plenty to offer this program.
• Provides a military-style learning approach.
• Includes basic training as part of studies.
• Separate uniform for academy students.
• Designed for students interested in careers in the armed forces.
• Gym refurbishment & Wharekai development – a shared school and community facility.
• New mural project.
• School radio station in development – awaiting structure build.
• Horticulture area developments:

– Terraced gardens and kiwifruit plantation.

– Amphitheater in progress – designed as an outdoor entertainment space.

– Includes an outdoor fireplace, hāngī pit, and tandoor oven.

• Special thanks to the individuals and organisations that have contributed to these projects.
• To learn more visit the website here.

CREATIVE TE PUKE FORUM 

Speaker: Lisa Stowell 

Part of the Keep Te Puke Beautiful initiative, working to enhance the town’s visual appeal.

• Past projects include rubbish bins, walkways, mosaics, pō along the Heritage Walkway and Murals under bridge on the Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway.
• Picture Perfect Photography Competition in collaboration with EPIC Te Puke—helping to organise this event.
• Four creative workshops per term—currently seeking a flax weaving tutor please reach out if you know of anyone who can help.
• School mural projects will be restarting soon.
• Lorna Treloar Person of the Year Award is displayed in the library.
• Time to start nominating local “hidden heroes” who make a difference in the community.
• Nominations open in March – stay updated via their Facebook page.

TE PUKE REPERTORY SOCIETY 

Speakers: Colleen Pye & Mike Jones 

• Over 70 years in Te Puke—something the town should celebrate!
• Short Play Festival happening April 10–12.
• Open to aspiring playwrights—received 19 submissions from across New Zealand and even the USA.
• 7 plays selected for production.
• Auditions took place on February 16—a great intro to theatre for newcomers.
• Still opportunities to get involved—email tepukerep01@gmail.com.
• Upcoming production in July:
• “Call Girls” directed by Mike Jones—a hilarious play.
• Audition details coming soon.

Stay updated on upcoming productions and events via their website and Facebook page.

WESTERN BOP NEIGHBOURHOOD SUPPORT – GREATER TE PUKE AREA 

Speaker: Colleen Pye 

• Rebranded from “Neighbourhood Watch” to “Neighbourhood Support” to better reflect its purpose—fostering connection, respect, and responsibility within the community.
• Works closely with police, fire, and emergency services.
• Organises community events, including Sirens, Services & Free Ice Cream to bring people together.
• Provides guidance on security measures such as lighting, CCTV, and CPR training.
• Neighbourhood Support is here to help equip people with essential emergency skills.
• They are looking for passionate Volunteer Coordinators to help strengthen community connections and promote safety across the Te Puke District. Find out more here.

Colleen Pye is the Area Coordinator—reach out for more information or to get involved or visit the website and Facebook Page.

TAURANGA AND WESTERN BAY INDIAN ASSOCIATION 

Speaker: Dipika Patel 

• Started as the BOP Migrant Women’s Group in 2018, focusing on women’s activities and health workshops.
• Later expanded into the Tauranga and Western Bay Indian Association to support and connect the growing Indian community from Te Puke to Katikati.
• Aims to foster Indian heritage while engaging with the wider community.
• Offers dance classes, yoga, and cultural programs, though demand continues to grow.
• Actively contributes to community events such as Kai in the Park, Diwali celebrations, and local parades.
• Women’s only swimming group is a popular initiative, utilising Te Puke Swim School.

Follow them on Facebook.

KIWICOAST LIONS 

Speaker: Christine Stewart 

Christine is the President of Te Puke Kiwicoast Lions, a service and fundraising club dedicated to giving back to the community.

2025 events:

• Book Fair – Held in June at the Te Puke Memorial Hall.
• Garden Ramble – Takes place in November.

The club provides funding for local needs, including school camps and small community projects.

If you need support, contact them for an application form at kiwicoastlions@gmail.com

TE PUKE SCOTTISH SOCIETY 

Speakers: Valerie Brown & Joan Dugmore 

• The Te Puke Scottish Society has been holding monthly dances on the third Saturday of each month for over 90 years at the Te Puke Memorial Hall.
• Focus on Ballroom Dancing.
• Used to advertise in the local paper but are now looking for alternative ways to promote events, such as posters around town.
• Dance lessons are held at the Citz RSA, but attendance is low due to a lack of awareness.

Community concerns:

• Joan raised her belief that many people don’t know what’s happening in Te Puke, leading to her perception that we reside in a disconnected community.
• Suggested creating a public noticeboard in town to promote local events.
• Questioned why Te Puke, as the Kiwifruit Capital of the World, doesn’t have a dedicated kiwifruit event, despite EPIC Te Puke receiving funding for community events.

Note from Organisers: 

We appreciate Joan’s feedback and understand the importance of keeping our community connected and informed. Significant effort and funding have been dedicated to developing and launching www.tepukeonline.nz, which includes a Community Events Calendar to help keep everyone updated on local events and initiatives. 

This gathering itself is designed to bring community groups together, providing a platform to share events, initiatives, and aspirations for Te Puke. 

Additionally, in 2024, EPIC Te Puke organised a Kiwifruit Celebration to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the naming of the Kiwifruit, highlighting our town’s unique identity. We remain committed to celebrating and promoting Te Puke in meaningful ways. 😊 

TE ARA KAHIKATEA PATHWAY 

Speaker: Grant Dally 

Grant wrapped up the evening on a positive note—sporting a fresh new haircut!

The Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway was initiated by Grant Dally, Mike Jones, and Richard Crawford, who saw the need for a safe and accessible walkway in Te Puke.

The project has received significant support from Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC) and TECT, with $200,000 in funding.

Key developments so far:

• Dog park
• Boardwalk
• Ongoing wetland restoration
• Pump track
• Mural under the railway bridge – a true community-driven project

The pathway is well-used, with around 150 users per day.

The Te Puke Community Board has also provided funding.

Future goals:

• Encourage community involvement—anyone interested in joining the committee is welcome!
• Urban Connection Strategy:
• Develop safe, separated pathways linking Te Puke to Papamoa
• Extend pathways to Paengaroa and Rangiuru Business Park

Thank you all for joining us at the 2025 Te Puke Teams Town Summit! We hope you had an evening filled with learning, insights, and the opportunity to build new connections and collaborations. We’re excited to see what the rest of 2025 holds and look forward to welcoming you again at the 2026 Te Puke Teams Town Summit!