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News
Extra security wrapped up for Christmas
The community safety camera (CCTV) project is now complete, just in time for Christmas. The project, made possible with Department of Internal Affairs Better Off Funding, includes the installation of 33 new cameras and the upgrade of 11 existing cameras. It also means there is now 24/7 live monitoring in place throughout the Whakatāne District.
Our people's success is the region's success
In a move towards economic empowerment, Toi EDA in partnership with Whakatāne District Council, Pacific Growth and Ministry for Social Development have enabled another successful Rebel Business School Aotearoa initiative in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Council’s Christmas gift – Landing Road roundabout opening in full this Friday
Whakatāne District Council is pleased to advise the Landing Road roundabout will open in full and on time, tomorrow morning (Friday, 15 December).
Whakatāne welcomes expedition cruise ships for inaugural season
In a significant milestone for Whakatāne tourism, a partnership with Inchcape Shipping Services McKay has paved the way to host an expedition cruise ship this summer.
Council supports plan change request to increase housing capacity
Increasing housing capacity in the district was a topic of discussion at today’s (7 December) Environment Energy and Resilience Committee meeting.
Future of Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub to be considered through Long Term Plan process
Whakatāne District Council’s Living Together Committee today received a comprehensive update on public feedback regarding the future of the Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub and recommended approach, marking another step forward for the significant project.
Life and works of Tame Iti explored in powerful exhibition
Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi is proud to announce the opening of Thou Shalt Not, an immersive exhibition featuring the multifaceted works of renowned Māori artist and activist, Tame Iti.
Council grapples with funding reality
Whakatāne District Council has been grappling with the reality of significant cost increases and what these will mean for the cost of Council services and facilities in the coming years.
Last week, elected council representatives were presented with some early funding scenarios for Council’s work programme for the next 10 years.
Mayor Dr Victor Luca says the financial landscape is now vastly different from what we were facing three years ago, and in fact, anything we’ve seen in recent history.
Public feedback instrumental in shaping Council’s response to climate change
Councillors last week approved the strategic framework and actions which will feed into the draft Climate Change Strategy.
The draft Strategy will go out for public consultation alongside the 2024-34 Long Term Plan in March/April next year.
The framework and actions are the result of a collaborative approach with Council, stakeholders, partners, and communities who’ve worked together to craft a road map for the district addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Leaks easier to detect with water meter installation
Water meters will soon be installed in every property within the Matatā Water supply scheme as part a phased programme of work which will run into 2024.
While the project has a focus on residential properties within Matatā, ageing water meters in some commercial properties will also be replaced.
Whakatāne District Council Manager Three Waters, Glen Cooper said the project will allow better management of the water network and more effective identification of leaks.
Waimana-Nukuhou North Memorial Hall upgrade complete thanks to Better Off Funding
Seismic strengthening work, along with a minor refurbishment to Waimana- Nukuhou North Memorial Hall, is now complete. These works have been carried out to ensure the building is structurally sound and equipped as a key civil defence centre for outlying communities in the wider Whakatāne District.
New fees and charges ready for roll-out after community feedback
Whakatāne District Council’s fees and charges are set to change from Friday, 1 December after consultation with the community.
The proposed increases were largely a result of inflation, rising interest rates, and cost pressures affecting Council activities.
Whakatāne District Council’s General Manager of Strategy and Transformation Steven Perdia said community feedback was incredibly important during this review.
Council supports innovative biodiversity credit system
A central government initiative to support the protection and restoration of native wildlife has been out for consultation and Whakatāne District Council has thrown its support behind the idea.
Whakatāne District Council’s Manager Strategy and Performance Dr Leny Woolsey said like many other parts of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Whakatāne District has significant areas of indigenous biodiversity and Council wants to do all it can to protect and restore it.
Annual over 80's event on the horizon
Whakatāne District residents over the age of 80 are encouraged to circle Tuesday, 5 December in their calendar for the annual festive morning tea.
Whakatāne crowned most beautiful large town at annual awards
In a night of celebration and recognition it was the natural beauty and community pride of Whakatāne which shined bright, taking out the accolade for most beautiful large town at the annual Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards.
The beautiful awards (which were held Thursday 9 November) are New Zealand’s longest-running sustainability awards and provide a benchmark for environmental excellence. Run annually since 1972, the awards inspire, recognise and acknowledge those individuals, schools, community groups, towns and cities working passionately to keep New Zealand beautiful.
Council seeks clarification on landing fees
Whakatāne District Council has sought clarification of the Beacon’s coverage of airport landing fees changes in its November 1 edition.
In the article, Air Chathams chief operating officer Duane Emeny said he had been advised there would be an increase in the airport costs but that there needed to be more consultation.
“In fact, I’m fairly sure that it is a legal requirement for there to be consultation on an increase in airport charges and there definitely hasn’t been in this case,” he said in the story.
Landing Road roundabout to open from tomorrow
Whakatāne District Council is pleased to advise that from tomorrow (Friday, 10 November) traffic will flow around the new Landing Road roundabout, but not yet into Hinemoa Street.
The site has been under construction since early September while major upgrades are carried out on the roundabout road surface and underlying structural pavement, and underground water services. Safety and layout improvements are also being implemented in the area.
Let’s get it right - keep greenwaste green
Ongoing issues with people putting things that don’t belong in their greenwaste collection has prompted Whakatāne District Council to issue a plea to residents – let’s get it right.
Public views considered at hearings and deliberations for Council’s fees and charges
Fairness and consistency were key themes that came through at Whakatāne District Council’s Hearings Committee Meeting on the proposed 2023/24 Fees and Charges Schedule on Thursday (26 October).
Sparking connections at heart of new arts strategy
A thriving arts and cultural presence is essential to achieving Whakatāne District Council’s Long Term Plan vision, ‘more life in life’. To support this, Elected Members have adopted the first district-wide Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy – Te Rautaki Toi, Ahurea me Auahatanga.
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