'Gutted': Tauranga city councillors react after learning they will be fired 18 Dec, 2020 06:00 PM 8 minutes to read Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta. Photo / File Some Tauranga councillors are "disappointed" and "gutted" after learning a week before Christmas they will lose their jobs in the new year. Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta has confirmed she will appoint a commission to the council in February, effectively replacing the governing team. "I am mindful that this has been a stressful period for council staff and local ratepayers who are looking for certainty about the future of the council. The confirmation to appoint commissioners for Tauranga will help to pave the way for the next set of decisions early next year."