This update includes information on a heavy traffic exemption, proposed expansion of the CCTV network, and boat ramp fees.

Whakatāne District Council Aquatic Centre staff will be offering learn to swim lessons at the Edgecumbe pool, commencing 5 February.

Over 230 works of art have been submitted to the 2018 Molly Morpeth Canaday 3D Award from across the country, and judging is officially underway.

As part of an ongoing bylaw review, the Whakatāne District Council is proposing to introduce a new Traffic and Speeds Bylaw and revoke both Part 12 (Traffic and Speed Limits) and Part 4 (Mobile Trading) of its existing Consolidated Bylaw 2008. 

The Whakatāne District Council is considering a request to rename all or part of Short Street in Whakatāne as Gwenda Ruegg Lane.

Work will begin on the upgrading of the Kōhī Point-to-Ōtarawairere section of the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Walkway at the beginning of next week.

Water restrictions applying in Whakatāne and Ōhope have been reduced to Level 1 – voluntary conservation. That means the restrictions on hose and sprinkler use have been lifted, but the Whakatāne District Council is still asking people in Whakatāne and Ōhope to take voluntary conservation measures, to keep consumption at a reasonable level.