PremiumKaitlyn MorrellMultimedia journalist ·Bay of Plenty Times·29 May, 2026 06:00 PM5 mins to read‌Tauranga City Council data shows foot traffic at the corner of Wharf St and The Strand has fallen to 1008 people a day in February 2026, down from 1819 in February 2025. Photo / Kaitlyn MorrellTauranga CBD hospitality businesses are fighting an “uphill battle” as costs rise, people spend less, and margins are “extremely tight”.Two owners and two sector representatives have spoken about the challenges, with one local trader saying sales have dropped significantly.

Their comments come after The

after 26 years on The Strand.