Affordable community facilities and services with a “unique local edge” will be a key focus for the Whakatāne District Council’s newly-appointed Community Services General Manager, Mike Naude.

Formerly the Council’s Places and Open Spaces Manager, Mr Naude says he is looking forward to leading a community-driven team which is committed to delivering projects and services which celebrate the District’s distinctive culture.

“As a community, we have a definite point of difference, and that should be reflected in everything we do,” he says. “Our gardens, parks, libraries, Museum, aquatic centres and other facilities all say something about us, and my intent is to ensure that all of these assets make a positive statement about the personality and approach of our District and our people.”

He points to the Wairaka Centennial Park development on the Whakatāne riverfront as one example of utilising an outstanding location to create a community resource of national standing.

“The phenomenal success of Te Kōputu – the Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre – is now being built upon though the Museum redevelopment project, ensuring that our District has arts, culture and heritage facilities which will continue to meet the community’s needs for decades to come. That’s an exciting thing to be part of, and I’m anticipating that the Community Services group will be involved in many other initiatives which will help to deliver on the priorities our communities and Community Boards have identified.”

A Whakatāne resident for the past 19 years, Mr Naude is a former member and chairman of the Whakatāne Community Board. “Community service has always been very important to me, and this new role offers another great opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of the wider District.”