Keep up to date with current and upcoming road closures, roadworks, road reserve works, and emergency road status information in the Whakatāne District.
News
ShakeOut 2018
At 09:30am on 18 October 2018, New Zealand will be taking part in ShakeOut, an international earthquake drill and tsunami hikoi (walk). It's important that you, your family and friends know what to do in the event of an earthquake or tsunami so this is the perfect opportunity to prepare.
Council Chief Executive appointment announced
Whakatāne District Mayor Tony Bonne has announced that Stephanie O’Sullivan has been appointed Chief Executive of the Whakatāne District Council. Ms O'Sullivan will take up her new role on 19 November.
Council website tops national rankings
The Whakatāne District Council’s website has been ranked as the best local government site in the country, for the fourth year in a row.
Poetry Slam event at Te Kōputu
All local spoken word performers are invited to a poetry slam event at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi – the Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre – on Wednesday 26 September. Doors open at 5:15 pm and the event kicks off at 5:30 pm.
Hīkoi to celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week
Whakatāne District Council invited the community to join in its celebration of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week. The Council’s Pou Tikanga (Māori Cultural Advisor), Pouroto Ngāropō, guided staff on a hīkoi around significant sites in the Whakatāne CBD.
Eastern Bay schools join BikeReady initiative
Eastern Bay Road Safety Programme partners, ACC and NZTA, have invested in a national cycling education system through a programme called BikeReady. The BikeReady programme was established to assist people to develop skills suited to their stage of cycling, from learning bike-handling skills in primary school, through to learning to ride safely on the road.
Infinitely Varied displayed in exhibition of Kelliher Art Trust works
Whakatāne will be treated to a collection of prizewinning New Zealand landscape paintings from the Kelliher Art Trust collection, when a three-stop gallery tour lands in Te Kōputu in September.
Road Safety team farewells key member
The Eastern Bay Road Safety Programme's Alcohol and Drug Project Team said farewell last week to Lena Radford-Coles, a committed and inspirational member of the team. Lena was recognised by her colleagues for her contribution to the team, and in particular, her role in coordinating the highly successful two-day, marae-based alcohol and drug offender programme.
New exhibition captures memories through craft
The latest exhibition to grace the galleries of Te Kōputu sees a mixed-media display from artist Lauren Lysaght, which reflects on gender roles but is rooted in nostalgia. Kutarere Sunrise is a hearfelt tribute to Lauren’s father, Nelson Lysaght, a butcher who was born and raised in Kutarere.
Aquatic Centre reception to undergo makeover
The Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre’s reception area will be undergoing an upgrade next week, during which time an alternative entrance will be in place.
Civic Centre seismic strengthening solution welcomed
A detailed seismic rating and engineering study carried out on the Whakatāne District Council Civic Centre has indicated that the strengthening work needed to raise the centre’s earthquake resistance to a suitable standard for a public or commercial building may be able to be carried out well within the $3 million budget set aside for the project.
Final District Recovery update received
A final report on the Whakatāne District’s recovery from the April 2017 flooding disaster has been received by the Whakatāne District Council’s Policy Committee.
Council elected members’ remuneration increased
The Remuneration Authority has determined that Whakatāne District Council elected members will receive an increase in remuneration for the 2018/2019 year.
Perception survey findings received
The Whakatāne District Council’s annual Communitrak community perception survey has recorded steady results, with perceptions of 15 services or facilities improving or staying much the same, and a similar number decreasing slightly.
Harbour fund investment strategy framework
The Whakatāne District Council has agreed to develop an investment framework to safeguard and grow the $52 million of harbour-related assets it holds on the community’s behalf. A report setting out an investment strategy was received by the Council last week, with Council elected members endorsing a three-phase approach to investigating and implementing future investment options.
2018 Kiwi Junior League Festival coming next week
The countdown is on to the third annual Kiwi Junior Rugby League Festival, taking place Whakatāne – the North Island’s sunshine capital – at the end of next week.
Growing relationship acknowledged
Tūhoe - Te Uru Taumatua and the Whakatāne District Council have agreed to work together to define shared principles which will guide their growing relationship.
Collaborative approach to wharf redevelopment
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Limited and the Whakatāne District Council have formed a joint governance group to oversee the development of wharf facilities and related waterfront development options in Whakatāne.
Street-side fruit tree planting pilot project for Tāneatua
A Whakatāne District Council and Tāneatua community pilot project will see 21 new fruit trees planted in Tāneatua this week, in the road reserves on Howell, Amokura and Morrison Roads.
Pipe works to commence on Ōhope Hill
Work to install a new water main up the eastern, hill section of Ōhope Road will commence next week. Contractor Draintech will be carrying out thrusting work and pipe installation, which will require the southern (uphill) road shoulder, from the bottom of the hill to Brown Road, to be closed to traffic from 10 September. There will be no right turn available into Brown Road for up to four weeks while work is carried out in that area.
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