Meeting the community’s needs in the most affordable way is a key priority for Council. Here are just a few of the highlights from the 2014/15 financial year.

A report to be received by the Whakatāne District Council on Thursday proposes a number of new water supply initiatives for Rangitāiki Plains communities.

The current one-hour parking restrictions applying to some Whakatāne CBD streets and parking areas, excluding The Strand and the northern end of Boon Street, are set to be extended to two hours.

The Awakeri War Memorial Hall may be transformed into a tourism venture, subject to stakeholder feedback and successful property sale negotiations.

The Whakatāne District Council’s Policy Committee has adopted a recommended ‘blanket approval’ for operators to fly drones over Council-owned or managed public open spaces.

Whakatāne District Council elected members and staff are inviting the business sector and wider community to participate in the annual CBD Spruce-up working bee, which this year has been extended to include the Kopeopeo retail area.

A report to be received by the Whakatāne District Council’s Policy Committee on Thursday, 26 November recommends approval in principle to negotiate the sale of the little-used Awakeri War Memorial Hall.

The recently constructed culvert at the western end of The Strand has now had its finishing touches added, in the form of handrails and steel panels inspired by the reeds and harakeke (flax) which once grew in the area.