These appointments form part of the Council’s standard CCO board recruitment cycle, replacing board members whose terms concluded on 30 June.
The new appointees are:
- Shadrach Rolleston – Tangata Whenua Representative/Director, Bay Venues Limited (three-year tenure from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029).
- Gareth Green – Council Staff Representative/Director, Bay Venues Limited (two-year tenure from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2028).
- Kylie Smallman – Tangata Whenua Representative/Trustee, Tourism Bay of Plenty (three-year tenure from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029).
Mr Rolleston and Ms Smallman’s appointments followed a competitive selection process that drew 22 expressions of interest, and their appointments are unanimously supported by dedicated panels representing each CCO, including respected tangata whenua leaders, CCO chairs and elected members. Mr Green is a direct appointment as the Council’s staff representative to its largest CCO.
Tauranga City Deputy Mayor Jen Scoular, who was part of the selection panel, says: “We were impressed by the high calibre of applicants for these roles. Strong partnerships with tangata whenua are vital to delivering positive outcomes for our community, and both Mr Rolleston and Ms Smallman bring deep, trusted relationships across iwi and hapū in Tauranga Moana so will add real value to their boards.”
Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council jointly control Tourism Bay of Plenty. Western Bay Mayor James Denyer expressed his confidence in the new addition. “Ms Smallman’s appointment reflects our commitment to strong, inclusive governance. The successful candidate is highly respected, well-connected across iwi and hapū, and brings perspectives that will help shape better outcomes for our communities. I’m confident Ms Smallman will make a significant contribution,” says Mayor James.
Matire Duncan, Te Rangapū Mana Whenua o Tauranga Moana Chair says: “These tangata whenua appointments are the result of a strong and valued partnership between both Councils and Te Rangapū. Working together through the recruitment process has ensured we’ve identified highly respected individuals with deep connections across our iwi and hapū. Mr Rolleston and Ms Smallman’s presence at the governance table will help ensure tangata whenua perspectives continue to be embedded in decision-making for the benefit of Tauranga Moana.”
Tauranga City Council’s CCOs deliver services and manage assets on behalf of the Council and the community, often with a commercial or strategic focus. These CCOs are also focused on their long-term priorities which includes sustainability, financial efficiency, regional collaboration, community engagement, innovation and digital transformation.
Bay Venues Limited, the Council’s largest CCO, manages over 20 key community facilities, from Baywave and the University of Waikato Haumaru Sport & Recreation Centre to Mercury Baypark and local halls. The organisation plays a vital role in enriching community life through sport, recreation, and events.
Simon Clarke, Bay Venues Limited Chair says: “I’m delighted to welcome Mr Rolleston to the board. His credibility, strong relationships across Tauranga Moana, and commercial understanding will strengthen Bay Venues and help ensure we deliver outcomes that are not only financially sound, but also deeply aligned with community aspirations.”
“I’m also delighted to welcome Mr Green. I look forward to working with him as the Council’s new staff representative. His experience and knowledge will add value to the board, bringing valuable insight and helping to strengthen the partnership with the Council.”
Shadrach Rolleston (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāti Hauā) – Bay Venues Limited, Tangata Whenua Representative/Director
Mr Rolleston is an experienced strategic leader with extensive expertise spanning governance, policy, planning, and organisational leadership, complemented by deep connections to Tauranga Moana and longstanding relationships across iwi and hapū. He brings a strong understanding of tangata whenua perspectives and has worked effectively at the interface between Māori organisations, local government, central government, and commercial entities. Over more than two decades, he has developed significant experience in governance, strategic planning, public policy, and stakeholder engagement, supported by sound financial acumen. He has a proven ability to navigate complex issues, provide clear strategic advice, and maintain a long-term perspective in decision-making. Mr Rolleston is recognised for his collaborative approach and his ability to build trusted relationships across diverse interests. He works constructively with iwi, councils, Crown agencies, and community stakeholders to achieve practical and enduring outcomes. His ability to balance social, cultural, environmental, and commercial considerations makes him a valuable contributor to governance and strategic decision-making.
Gareth Green – Bay Venues Limited, Council Staff Representative/Director
Mr Green is the Council’s Head of Office – Manager of the Mayoral Office. He brings extensive experience in the local government sector, having previously held Chief Executive roles at both New Plymouth District Council and Taupō District Council. Mr Green offers a wealth of expertise and insight to his current position and will play a pivotal role in fostering alignment and strengthening collaboration between the Council and its largest CCO in the coming years, particularly as the Council navigates a range of legislative reforms and changes.
Tourism Bay of Plenty takes a lead role in enabling sustainable growth of the visitor economy in the coastal Bay of Plenty in ways that benefit the whole community.
Janine Tulloch, Tourism Bay of Plenty Deputy Chair says: “I’m delighted that Ms Smallman is joining the board. She is a highly regarded leader whose strong iwi and hapū connections will bring valuable depth to our board table. Her perspectives will help shape a tourism future that delivers meaningful cultural and economic benefits for our community.”
Kylie Smallman (Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngā Pōtiki, Ngāti Whakaue, Tuhourangi, & Ngāti Turangitukua) – Tourism Bay of Plenty, Tangata Whenua Representative/Trustee
Ms Smallman is a highly credible leader who brings Tangata Whenua perspectives to life through her deep connections across Tauranga Moana iwi and hapū and her strong grounding in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Her leadership is authentic and values-driven, underpinned by cultural competency, fluency in Te Reo Māori, and a genuine commitment to integrating mātauranga Māori into decision-making. She is equally impressive in her governance capability, combining strategic insight, sound judgement, and financial expertise with experience across iwi, tourism, and local government sectors. With a collaborative and forward-thinking approach, Ms Smallman excels at bringing people together and aligning cultural, commercial, and community priorities to deliver meaningful outcomes for Tangata Whenua and the wider Bay of Plenty community.
For more information about the Council’s CCOs, please visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/cco