TECT Community Trust (TECT) has confirmed $5 million in funding toward a new Badminton and Multisport Community Centre in Mount Maunganui, and a further $5 million toward a Cancer Lodge to be built in central Tauranga. The backing of these two new facilities was confirmed following strong community feedback during TECT’s recent community consultation on its 2026/2027 funding plans.
Community feedback received consistently highlighted a significant shortage of indoor court space, with sports reporting reliance on school halls and shared venues, cancelled sessions, limited training opportunities, and clubs turning people away due to a lack of capacity.
During the consultation, indoor sport representatives spoke directly to Trustees, including Mark Rogers from Tauranga City Basketball.
“The region is substantially short of indoor sports facilities. All indoor sports are growing, and current capacity is already stretched,” says Mark, “Without new facilities, participation and development pathways will continue to be constrained.”
Graeme Neilson, Chair of Bay of Plenty Badminton, says the funding decision is a major step forward for indoor sport in the region.
“Our community has been asking for more indoor court space for a long time,” says Graeme. “This funding brings a purpose-built, multi-use facility much closer to reality and will support badminton, other indoor sports, and community connection, while easing pressure on existing venues across Tauranga. It will also help create a space that strengthens social connections and community, supporting badminton and other indoor sports for years to come.”
TECT has also confirmed $5 million in funding toward a new Cancer Lodge to be built in central Tauranga, led by Cancer Society Waikato Bay of Plenty. The Lodge will provide accommodation and wrap-around support for people undergoing cancer treatment, and their families and carers.
Community feedback showed strong support for the project, highlighting the importance of the region gaining a facility such as this.
Helen Carter, CEO of Cancer Society Waikato Bay of Plenty, says the funding will make a real difference for patients and their supporters.
“Staying close to treatment can ease a huge amount of stress at an already difficult time,” says Helen. “TECT’s $5 million contribution is pivotal for the project. It lays the foundation for a facility that will ensure people in our region have access to safe, welcoming accommodation, so they can focus on their wellbeing while staying connected to the care and support they need.”
The community’s feedback showed strong support for the overall direction of TECT’s plan, particularly the need to address longstanding gaps in community facility infrastructure, said TECT Chair Mark Arundel.
“At the same time, Trustees clearly heard the importance of maintaining a strong balance between investment in bricks and mortar and continued support for people-focused programmes and grassroots community services,” says Mark. “After considering this feedback, Trustees have approved the plan as presented and will continue to reflect these themes as we plan for future community needs.”
Under the confirmed plan, TECT will distribute $39,323,714 across the following funding areas:
Community Facilities: $5,898,557
Community Events: $1,966,186
Community Development: $7,864,743
Facilities of Regional Significance: $17,695,671
Catalyst for Change: $5,898,557
“This $39.3 million distribution is the largest annual funding commitment in TECT’s history. Our role is to listen carefully and make decisions that deliver long term benefit,” says Mark.
“That means supporting the organisations doing vital work in our communities, while also investing in facilities that will serve future generations.”
The confirmed Annual Distribution Plan will guide TECT’s funding decisions until 31 March 2027. The full 2026/2027 Annual Distribution Plan and a summary of community feedback are available at www.tect.org.nz.
