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News
Wondering why some of our streetlights aren't working?
If you have noticed that some streetlights are not working in various parts of the Whakatāne District, you're not alone. In fact, many people have made the same observation, resulting in numerous calls to the Council's Transportation team.
Parks and Reserves Bylaw adopted
The final element of the Whakatāne District's comprehensive bylaw review process has now been completed, with the adoption last week of the Parks and Reserves Bylaw 2018.
Provincial Growth Fund grant welcomed
Whakatāne Mayor Tony Bonne says the confirmation of a $646,000 Provincial Growth Fund grant to assist the preparation of a business case for a transformational waterfront and town centre regeneration project is great news for the District and the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty.
PGF investing to grow Eastern Bay of Plenty economy
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has announced the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) will support several projects in Eastern Bay of Plenty to bolster the economic potential of the region and unlock new opportunities for local people.
Awatarariki 'managed retreat' process advances
The Whakatāne District Council has adopted a series of recommendations which aim to provide a solution to the long and harrowing process of addressing the debris flow risk to residents and property owners on the Awatarariki fanhead in Matatā.
Nature fights back in Bindings
Bindings - a new, joint exhibition by Whakatāne-based artists Lea-Anne Sheather and Mandy Hague - introduces audiences to what at first glance looks like a truly fantastical world, filled with curious beasts and shadowy landscapes.
Water supply interruption scheduled for Matatā
A planned water supply interruption in Matatā on Saturday will allow the commissioning of a new water main in Pollen Street. The shutdown will affect all properties in Pollen Street, St John Street, Fairfield Lane, Marae Lane (including Rangitihi Marae), properties at the northern end of Manawahe Road, and properties at the eastern ends of Wilson Street, Nesbitt Street and Heale Street. The shutdown will take place between 9 am and 12 pm on Saturday, 8 December.
'Bigger and better' Local Wild Food Challenge returns
Wild food enthusiasts from across the Bay of Plenty are planning their menus and waiting expectantly for the return of the Local Wild Food Challenge, where challenge entrants present dishes using wild ingredients sourced from land and ocean.
Whakatāne District Mayor Tony Bonne announces retirement from local government
Whakatāne District Mayor Tony Bonne this morning announced his retirement from local government, at the conclusion of the current triennium, to a packed audience attending the Council's annual Over-80's Christmas Morning Tea. Mayor Bonne said that after serving the community for 18 years - 12 of those as Mayor - it was time for new blood to come through.
Further submissions sought on proposed District Plan change
The plan change seeks to alter the current zoning of part of the Awatarariki debris flow fanhead area at Matatā from residential to coastal reserve, to address the high loss of life risk posed by future debris flows from the Awatarariki Stream.
Water supply resilience upgrade
The Whakatāne District Council has approved $260,000 of additional work on the water supply systems serving Ōhope and elevated residential areas of Whakatāne, to reduce the potential for future supply interruptions.
Civil Defence alert systems being tested this weekend
Apps, alerts and some fixed sirens will be tested this weekend, as Bay of Plenty Emergency Management carries out their second alerting test of the year.
Outdoor pool enclosure may be included in annual plan
A proposal to enclose the outdoor pool at the Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre will be considered as part of the Whakatāne District Council’s 2019/20 Annual Plan, provided the necessary external funding is secured to support the project.
Talk printmaking and creativity with visiting artist Melanie Yazzie
Volcanic Artist in Residence Melanie Yazzie invites community members to join her for an informal artist talk and creative forum at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi - the Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre - on Thursday.
Recycling drop-offs – sorting required
Anyone dropping-off recyclable waste at the Whakatāne District Council’s Whakatāne or Murupara transfer stations will now be required to sort and place items in the appropriate receptacles.
Exciting art exhibitions closing soon
Two exciting art exhibitions at Te Kōputu – Whakatāne’s Library and Exhibition Centre – are both coming to a close on 25 November, offering art lovers a last chance to appreciate some outstanding, locally inspired works.
The Great Coast Clean-up needs you
Waste-Zero-Whakatāne is teaming up with KG Kayaks and the Department of Conservation to bring The Great Coast Clean-Up to our region on Saturday, 10 November. The purpose of the event is to remove as much plastic, rubbish and waste as possible from our coastal environment, from Matatā in the Whakatāne District to Ōpape in the Ōpōtiki District.
Aquatic Centre Open Day coming up
If you're keen to find out more about what the Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre has to offer, then head along to the Open Day on Saturday, 3 November from 9 am until 2 pm. Whakatāne District Council is partnering with Sport Bay of Plenty to help the community see what’s available at the Aquatic Centre.
Museum tours available
Tours of the new Whakatāne Museum and Research Centre - Te Whare Taonga ō Taketake - will be available to interested community members on weekdays from Monday 12 November until Friday 23 November, ahead of the facility’s opening for research and community engagement activities.
Active Whakatāne project needs community input
People living throughout the Whakatāne District are being asked to contribute to a new initiative which aims to make it easier and safer to use our roads, pathways, tracks and open spaces, and gain access to services and activities.
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