The Whakatāne District Council will retain its current ward arrangements and number of elected members for the next two elections and proceed with the amalgamation of the current Whakatāne and Ōhope Beach Community Boards.

Work has commenced on renewing parts of the raised pedestrian crossings on The Strand. There are five crossings to be renewed, with an aim toward completion before Labour Weekend.

The onset of magpie breeding season could see the re-emergence of aggressive behaviour to protect the birds’ nests from ‘intruders’.

The Whakatane District Council is to undertake a full feasibility study on the proposed redevelopment of the Whakatane War Memorial Hall.

A report on the Whakatāne District Council’s forthcoming solid waste contract procurement process highlights a possible change in the way recyclable material is collected and processed.

A strategy for the development of a network of cycle trails connecting Eastern Bay of Plenty communities has now been adopted by the Ōpōtiki, Kawerau and Whakatāne District Councils.

Whakatāne District Council has rewarded Lex and Daphne Green from Otakiri for making their earlybird dog registration payment this year. Mrs Green was thrilled to be taking home the main prize of a kennel and run and pet food, all valued at $750, to their lucky springer spaniel, Bryn.

Members of the Whakatāne community are invited to unlock their inner poet at a special poetry evening to be held at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi - Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre - on Thursday, 27 August to celebrate National Poetry Day.

A build-up of sand on the spit adjacent to the Whakatāne River mouth will be removed to reduce the potential for flooding issues caused by an extreme rain event.