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News
New exhibition embraces future through carving
With two exhibitions already in full swing, the exhibitions team at Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi – Whakatāne Library and Galleries are now set to welcome guests to a third showcase opening this weekend.
Council confirms Long Term Plan adoption date alongside positive credit rating
Whakatāne District Council has confirmed that the adoption of its Long Term Plan 2024-34 will take place at an Extraordinary Council meeting at 9am on Monday, 5 August 2024.
Whakatāne War Memorial Hall stadium to close for maintenance
Whakatāne War Memorial Hall indoor stadium will be closed to the public for a period of three weeks to allow contractors to carry out scheduled maintenance and improvement works at the facility.
Funds available now for creative projects
Organisations and individuals with creative projects in mind are encouraged to apply for funding now.
Local events finalists in New Zealand Events Industry Awards
Two Whakatāne-based events – The Local Wild Food Festival and Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne – have been nominated as finalists for the 2024 New Zealand Events Association Awards.
Eastern Bay artists spotlighted in two-gallery opening this weekend
Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi - Whakatāne Library and Galleries is thrilled to announce the opening of a two-gallery exhibition this weekend, showcasing the extraordinary work of two local Eastern Bay artists.
Take the lead. It’s dog rego time
Dog registration fees for the Whakatāne District are now active for the 2024/25 year, with discounts for those who pay their fees before 1 August.
Council adopts community-led climate pathway
At last week's Ordinary Council meeting, Councillors adopted 'Our Climate Pathway' — Whakatāne District’s Climate Change Strategy 2024-27 along with the accompanying Climate Change Action Plan.
This strategy, developed through a community-led process, marks a significant move towards collective, community-wide action on climate change.
Council acquires property at 144 The Strand
In a move towards revitalising the Central Business District (CBD), the Council has announced the purchase of the property at 144 The Strand (old Credit Union). This site has been identified as a strategic location within the CBD, playing a crucial role in the town's future regeneration efforts.
Long Term Plan 2024-34 adoption delayed
Whakatāne District Council has announced the adoption of its 2024-34 Long Term Plan has been delayed and will not be an item on the agenda at the upcoming 27 June Ordinary Council meeting.
Council services availability - Matariki 2024
Our main office will be closed Friday, 28 June in observance of Matariki. Most Council services will either have reduced opening hours or be closed entirely.
Whakatāne District Council wins big at Taituarā Awards
Whakatāne District Council is celebrating a double win at the Taituarā Excellence Awards.
For the second year in a row, the Council has been recognised in the Organisation and People Development category of the Taituarā Excellence Awards for its innovative Reimagining Work programme.
This category highlights projects focusing on organisational redesign, human resource management, leadership development, or other means of building staff and organisational capability.
Home stretch for Peace Street - expect road closures from next week
Home stretch for Peace Street - expect road closures from next weekWhakatāne District Council is advising caution for motorists travelling through central Whakatāne from next week, as changes to road layouts are rolled out around the Peace Street neighbourhood.
Reorua ki Whakatāne Fund Round Two Open
The second round of the Reorua ki Whakatāne fund, which is aimed at promoting the use of the Māori language in the township, has opened last week (Monday, May 27, 2024).
Temporary Mimiha Stream Bridge now open
A new temporary bridge over the Mimiha Stream on the road to Ruatāhuna and Lake Waikaremoana is now open.
Draft Road Naming and Addressing Policy approved for consultation
In a move to ensure road names reflect local history, culture, and identity, Whakatāne District Council Elected Members have approved the draft Road Naming and Addressing Policy to go out for public consultation.
The current policy was last reviewed in 2014. The current policy review aims to provide a clear, inclusive process for naming and renaming roads, better aligning with the Council's vision, strategic priorities and strategies.
The Council encourages public feedback on several key proposed changes, including:
New advertising screens lighting up Locky Docks
In partnership with Trust Horizon, Whakatāne District Council is excited to announce the addition of advertising screens to some of the district’s Locky Dock stations.
Three Waters consents replacement top priority for Council
Last week (30 May), Whakatāne District Council's Infrastructure and Planning Committee approved the Three Waters Consent Replacement Strategy, which outlines the Council’s approach to renewing resource consents for drinking water and wastewater.
The Council is already underway with a plan for stormwater management and has lodged a comprehensive consent that will cover stormwater discharges in the Whakatāne township catchment. Similar consents for other schemes will start gradually over the next five to 10 years.
Council to seek input on tiny homes to address housing shortage
In a move to help tackle the growing housing shortage, the Council is exploring changes to the rules for tiny homes and other small secondary dwellings under the Whakatāne District Plan.
This initiative aims to improve access to housing while minimising the impact on natural and physical resources, including infrastructure.
At the Environmental, Economic, and Resource Committee meeting last Friday (31 May), Elected Members approved a recommendation to engage with key stakeholders on the current issues surrounding tiny homes.
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