The new public space to the east of the Seascape subdivision at Port Ōhope is to be named the Bob Byrne Reserve, in recognition of former Mayor and Borough and District Councillor Bob Byrne’s significant contributions to the wider community.

Speaking to a report received by the Whakatāne District Council today (14 September), Mayor Tony Bonne said he was honoured to support the proposed naming of the reserve.

“Bob Byrne was a Councillor on the former Whakatāne Borough Council from 1971 till 1976, including three years as Deputy Mayor, and then served as an elected member of the District Council from 1976 till 1989, the final three years as Mayor following an earlier term as Deputy Mayor,” he said. “Bob’s outstanding leadership following the devastating Edgecumbe earthquake of 1987 is well-remembered by many, but his community service extends across many activities, some of which are not so widely-known.

“In his younger years, he was a member of successful Whakatāne Rowing Club crews; was a Bay of Plenty ballroom dancing champion; and was an accomplished cornet player for the Whakatāne Brass Band. Bob’s community service was recognised by Rotary International with a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1988 and he was also a charter member of the Whakatāne Lions Club and served on the committee which raised money to build the Mary Shapley Retirement Home.

“Robert Norman Byrne was awarded an MBE in the 1988 New Year’s Honours and he continues to serve as a Justice of the Peace. Bob is also a philanthropist of considerable note, quietly supporting many community organisations and individuals over the years.”

The reserve naming was supported by the Ōhope Beach Community Board and will be formalised through a community ceremony in the near future.