Whakatāne Libraries & Galleries invites the public to support their community and clear or reduce their fines at the same time.

The popular 'Cans for Fines' initiative runs for the month of December and allows library members to donate a 410g can of food in exchange for two dollars off overdue fines. Cans should be undamaged and not rusty and can be delivered to the Whakatāne, Edgecumbe, Ōhope or Murupara Libraries. All food collected will be donated to the local food bank, and pet food will be gifted to the Whakatāne SPCA.

People who have overdue fines can donate as many cans as they like until the applicable fines have been cleared. The amnesty only applies to fines - not to fees and charges or lost and damaged books.