Pedestrians and cyclists are already benefiting from a new courtesy crossing installed on Hinemoa Street recently. Located near the Awatapu Lagoon, the crossing includes 'dragon’s teeth' and 'red carpet' road markings, and a centre refuge island.

Starting this week, Whakatāne District Council seeks feedback on its draft climate change strategy and action plans. The documents are based on earlier feedback from the community, and follow international and national best-practice.

Essential maintenance work on the Tāneatua wastewater system during the next two to three months will require residents to take action to ensure any pressurisation of sewer lines does not result in water being expelled from their toilet bowls.

More than 160 people are currently working on roading, infrastructure and environmental projects throughout the District as part of the Kia Kaha Whakatāne programme - including more than 90 people who were formerly unemployed.

The Strategy and Policy Committee approved the draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plans for community consultation at a meeting held this week.

Before COVID-19, Matt was playing professional rugby in Japan, but like many people, his life changed dramatically amid the global pandemic. The Whakatāne Airport project has created work for a number of local contractors.

Whakatāne District Council is arranging to have the sand fuse on the western side of the Whakatāne River mouth (at the tip of the Opihi spit) lowered, to comply with Bay of Plenty Regional Council flood preparedness requirements.

The work of Whakatāne-raised artist Tina Tangiweto should be familiar to most locals - she's probably best known for her colourful murals in Kopeopeo, Waimana, and most recently at the Whakatāne Aquatic Centre.