The identity of Whakatāne District is centred around its natural environment. Communities are passionate and proud of the beautiful treescapes that contribute to this. Trees are crucial to improving the wellbeing of our people and environment and shaping the fabric of the landscape. The existing strategy from 2000 is outdated and many things have changed in the past 24 years. As Whakatāne District grows, together with the impacts of climate change, it's important our tree population is managed well.
What's happening?
As part of the Open Spaces Strategy we have developed the (draft) Whakatāne District Tree Strategy - Ngā Taonga a Tāne - (PDF, 4 MB). The Whakatāne District Tree Strategy aims to enhance and protect Council’s amenity trees, which provide environmental, recreational, and aesthetic value to our streets and parks. The Strategy outlines a comprehensive framework for managing, protecting, and growing the district’s tree population, recognising the vital role urban trees play in improving the wellbeing of our communities.
The strategy will guide us as we care for and manage ngā taonga rakau o te whenua (the precious trees of the land). This significant step marks the beginning of a community-wide effort to enhance and protect the district’s urban tree population over the next 20 years.
What's included?
Outcomes identified in the strategy include the goal to increase our amenity tree population by 20% over the next 20 years and ensure that future plantings are distributed equitably throughout townships. It also seeks to establish plantings for cultural harvest purposes, ensure effective monitoring and maintenance of trees, seek iwi and hapū mātauranga (knowledge) and reduce safety hazards related to trees. The Strategy also prioritises the retention and protection of existing trees and seeks to reduce tree vandalism.
Have your say
"The success of the Whakatāne District Tree Strategy relies heavily on community support and involvement"
Public consultation on the draft Whakatāne District Tree Strategy - Ngā Taonga a Tāne closed at 5pm, 5 September 2024.
Next steps
Staff are currently anaylising community feedback and will further refine the draft Whakatāne District Tree Strategy - Ngā Taonga a Tāne. The final draft will be presented to Elected Members at the Living Together Standing Committee on 3 October 2024 for potential adoption.
More information
7 August 2024 - Community invited to share thoughts on Tree Strategy
Anyone interested in the future of the district’s urban tree population is invited to share their thoughts about Whakatāne District Council’s draft tree strategy.
Read the media release »
1 August 2024 - Draft Tree Strategy approved for consultation
Whakatāne District Council's Living Together Committee has today approved the draft Whakatāne District Tree Strategy - Ngā Taonga a Tāne for public consultation. This significant step marks the beginning of a community-wide effort to enhance and protect the district’s urban tree population over the next 20 years.
