The accessway between Short Street and the Whakatāne Aquatic Centre is to be named after the late Gwenda Ruegg, in recognition of her significant contributions to swimming and theatre.

A request from the Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board to name the accessway 'Gwenda Ruegg Way' was considered by the Whakatane District Council’s Projects and Services Committee last week.

Community Services General Manager Mike Naude reported that the Council's Road Naming Policy did not apply in this instance, as the accessway lies within Council recreation reserve and was essentially unnamed.

Committee members adopted a recommendation, by a majority vote, that the section of roadway from the Francis Street intersection to the Aquatic Centre be named Gwenda Ruegg Way, in accordance with the community’s wishes.