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Our main offices will be closed Easter Weekend. Most Council services will either have reduced opening hours or be closed entirely. Areas where rubbish and recycling are normally collected on Fridays will instead have collections on Saturday, 19 April. See the full list of services' opening hours »
Tropical Cyclone Tam - Weather Warning
Tropical Cyclone Tam is expected to bring significant wind and rainfall to our region from midday Thursday (17 April) to midnight Friday (18 April).
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News
Whakatāne Tourism launches cheeky sunniest place in the world campaign
As the rest of New Zealand starts getting their firewood in for winter, Whakatāne is planning to gloat about how its warm summer sun just keeps on giving.
First set of climate change reporting celebrated
The first round of Whakatāne District Council’s climate change project reporting was well-received at the Organisational Performance Committee meeting held last week.
Whakatāne District Council Annual Report 2019/20 adopted
Whakatāne District Council has adopted its audited Annual Report for the 2019/20 financial year at an extraordinary Council meeting held on 18 February 2021.
Rangatahi Māori encouraged to apply for mentor programme
Whakatāne District Mayor, Judy Turner, is looking for two rangatahi Māori to take part in the Tuia mentoring programme this year. The national programme, now in its tenth year, connects mayors with Māori youth. The one-to-one mentoring model is designed to develop leadership skills, enhance contributions to local communities and recognise, accept and celebrate diversity.
Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre temporarily closed
Due to a vehicle crash near the Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre building, the facilities will be closed for the remainder of today (Tuesday 26, January).
Whakatāne River - swimming near the boat ramp and wharf
Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Whakatāne District Council are concerned about reports of a recent near miss between a boat and a swimmer at the Whakatāne boat ramp. Swimming near the Whakatāne boat ramp and wharf is not safe and should be avoided.
Toy library now more accessible
Whakatāne Community Toy Library has joined forces with Whakatāne Libraries to increase the accessibility of toys for more local families and children.
Innovating Streets workshop creates positive outcomes
A community workshop to gather feedback about temporary activations and installations in Kākahoroa Drive and the Whakatāne CBD will inform the next phase of the Innovating Streets project.
Whakatāne reclaims sunshine capital title
After a five-year hiatus, Whakatāne unofficially holds the sought-after New Zealand ‘sunshine capital’ title. A total of 2704 sunshine hours recorded in 2020 put Whakatāne 89 hours ahead of second-place Richmond, the 2019 winner.
New refill station a free and easy solution
Visitors to the Whakatāne CBD will no longer need to purchase single-use plastic water bottles, now that a permanent water bottle refill station has been installed in Wharaurangi on The Strand.
Councils pay respect - Whakaari Anniversary
Whakatāne District Council will halt between noon and 3 pm on Wednesday 9 December to enable staff to observe the commemoration service lead by Ngāti Awa.
Top six themes from town centre and riverfront revitalisation consultation
Processing of feedback received through the first stage of engagement on the Whakatāne Town Centre and Riverfront Revitalisation programme has revealed the community’s top six themes.
Love a list: make it, take it, stick to it, save the planet
Love Food Hate Waste is calling for Kiwis to ‘Love a List’ to help reduce the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of avoidable food waste sent to landfill.
Annual over 80s morning tea celebrates 20th anniversary
Whakatāne District residents over the age of 80 are encouraged to circle Tuesday, 1 December in their calendar for the annual festive morning tea.
Success celebrated despite challenging year
The annual Young Achiever Awards held last week celebrated the achievements of more than 150 youth for excellence in academic, cultural and sporting fields at national or international level.
Whakatāne Town Centre and Riverfront Revitalisation update
Processing of feedback received through the first stage of engagement on the Whakatāne Town Centre and Riverfront Revitalisation programme is well underway. This information is now being analysed to capture key themes, challenges and opportunities that will eventually inform concept plans that will be brought back to the community for further feedback.
Former Wally Sutherland buildings to be cleared
Contractors are preparing to clear buildings on the corner of The Strand and McAlister Street as the next step in the strategic site’s use as part of the regeneration of the Whakatāne CBD.
Capitalising on domestic market priority for tourism recovery
Increased marketing investment to attract domestic visitors is keeping Whakatane’s tourism economy buoyant in the wake of COVID-19 and the 2019 Whakaari/White Island eruption.
Ōhope Local Wild Food Challenge a crowd-pleaser despite the weather
Inclement weather didn’t phase Ōhope Local Wild Food Festival attendees on Saturday as they enjoyed the first festival-style local event since the impact of COVID-19.
Outdoor pool enclosure underway at Aquatic Centre
Works to construct a year-round all-weather enclosure for the outdoor pool are underway at the Whakatāne District Aquatic Centre.
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