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News
Council withdraws plan change on bird scaring devices
Whakatāne District Council has decided to withdraw a proposed plan change that would’ve introduced new rules for the use of audible bird scaring devices, such as gas guns, in the district.
The decision follows a pre-hearing mediation process, where Council staff, the kiwifruit industry and affected residents agreed to work together to find alternative solutions to reduce the noise impacts of bird scaring on the community.
Internationally acclaimed artist joins light festival line up
Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne returns this winter, bringing some extra sparkle with internationally acclaimed local artist Sarah Hudson (Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Pūkeko) creating a light installation.
Ms Hudson is part of Mataaho Collective, a group of four Māori female artists who recently won one of the world's most sought-after prizes in the art world - the Golden Lion for their immersive installation Takapau at the Venice Biennale International Exhibition.
Next step for Long Term Plan
Whakatāne District Council Elected Members approved the draft Long Term Plan for audit at the Environment, Energy and Resilience Committee meeting held last Friday, 31 May 2024.
Fund opens for recreational water projects and activities
Local not-for-profit organisations, charitable trusts, and individuals involved with projects or activities directly related to recreational water use are invited to apply for funding from Whakatāne District Council.
Council services availability - King's Birthday 2024
Our main office will be closed Monday, 3 June in observance of the King's Birthday. Most Council services will either have reduced opening hours or be closed entirely.
Council prepares submission to Māori Wards Bill
Whakatāne District Council is preparing a submission on the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill, in anticipation that public submissions will be called for on the Bill.
Voting begins for Galatea-Waiōhau residents
Residents in the Galatea-Waiōhau subdivision can expect to receive new voting papers in the post for the Murupara Community Board by-election.
Awatapu Off-road Trail on hold for now
Funding restrictions and tight timeframes have seen the wheels come loose on an off-road trail in Awatapu.
Council embraces the digital era with launch of ePlan
Navigating the details of the Whakatāne District Plan is now a simple click away, thanks to the launch of a new ePlan tool.
New challenge for Whakatāne District Council CE Steph O’Sullivan
Whakatāne District Mayor Dr Victor Luca has announced that Council Chief Executive Steph O’Sullivan will leave the organisation mid- July 2024 to take up the Chief Executive role at Waipa District Council.
“While this news has come as a surprise, I have always anticipated our CE would be moving on to further her career at some stage. It is the natural order of these things. Steph is a driven and dedicated public service professional, this move is a great opportunity for her and I wish her the very best.”
Ōpihi Spit sand fuse lowering to commence next week
Work to remove a build-up of sand on the spit adjacent to the Whakatāne River mouth will start this Wednesday, 8 May to reduce the potential for upstream flooding issues during extreme rain events.
River access improvements to begin at Wairaka Centennial Park
Improvement works on the river-edge area of Wairaka Centennial Park in Whakatāne are set to commence next week.
Council pushes pause on central shared-use pathway
A proposed shared-use pathway through the Peace Street drainage reserve has been deferred indefinitely following community feedback opposing its development.
Sticky initiative to reduce food waste
Despite growing concerns about the cost of food increasing year-on-year, Kiwi households are still throwing away more than $3.2 billion worth of food every year.
Whakatāne Aquatic & Fitness Centre closing for maintenance from Monday
Members of the public are reminded Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre will close for three weeks from this Monday (29 April) to allow contractors to carry out scheduled maintenance and improvement works.
Work begins on new wastewater pump station and pipe network
This week, work begins on the planned Ferry Road wastewater pump station and pipe network project. This marks a significant step to modernise essential infrastructure to meet community needs and address environmental challenges.
The existing pump station on Ferry Road, which has been serving the community for more than 60 years, is no longer fit-for-purpose. The new pump station being built will include safety enhancements and electrical upgrades, and allow for increased pumping capacity, ensuring optimal performance well into the future.
Infrastructure and Planning committee considers road safety interventions
A high-risk section of Thornton Road known as ‘Blueberry Curves’ will have safety improvements and a reduced speed limit implemented by 2026, following agreement by elected members at today’s (11 April) Infrastructure & Planning committee meeting.
Heavy Rain Warning + Severe Thunderstorm Watch - 12 April 2024
A Heavy Rain Warning and Severe Thunderstorm Watch are in place today (Friday, 12 April).
Whakatāne Aquatic & Fitness Centre to close for maintenance
Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre 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.
Last week to provide thoughts on Council’s draft Long Term Plan
Whakatāne District Council is reminding communities that the Mayor and Councillors are keen to hear from people before the draft Long Term Plan formal consultation process finishes this Friday, 12 April.
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