Whakatāne Town Centre and Riverfront
Te Ara Hou is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise the Whakatāne town centre and riverfront area, strengthen ties with each other and our awa, and create long-lasting social, environmental, cultural and economic benefits for our community and future generations.
This opportunity to reimagine Whakatāne is being made possible through a partnership between Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa and Whakatāne District Council, with funding support through the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF).
Te Ara Hou is a key component of the Whakatāne Regeneration Programme which also includes the proposed Boat Harbour Development that was also successful in receiving PGF funding.
The first Te Ara Hou capital works project - the remediation of the Whakatāne Town Wharf, which literally sets the platform for realising the following two stages - is already underway. The other two physical projects are the creation of a town centre heart and riverfront promenade.
We're excited about the possibilities of Te Ara Hou and for the future of our place. We need your input to make sure the plan for the town centre heart and riverfront promenade truly reflects our community, and our collective aspirations and values.
Stage 1 Consultation Summary
Stage 1 engagement for the Whakatāne Town Centre and Riverfront Revitalisation Programme is now complete. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this consultation process. Just under 1400 pieces of feedback have now been analysed, revealing the community’s top six themes for the town centre and riverfront areas.
Stage 1 Consultation Summary Document - (PDF, 3.3 MB)
Te Ara Hou Stage One Consultation Final Summary Report - (PDF, 3.1 MB)
The top six themes are:
- Create spaces for activities and events, and encourage family-friendly activities
- Create and encourage pedestrian-friendly streets, alternative transport options and improve disability parking
- Connect to the river, create a wide promenade with hospitality and public facilities
- Retain car parking and/or change car parking facilities (including parking building/s)
- Enhance natural environment connections, promote green spaces and parks
- Greater recognition of local Māori culture and enhancing connections
This information will be used to inform concept designs for the town centre and riverfront that will be brought back to the community for a second round of engagement in 2021. The dates for this engagement will be publicised well in advance. Watch this page, visit our Facebook page and/or subscribe below to keep up to date with what's happening with Te Ara Hou projects.
Location of consultation sites within CBD
Site one - Town centre heart with adjoining commercial development
Establish a central destination that will draw people into the heart of our town, and reconnect with our natural and cultural landscapes. This will be edged by new commercial offerings to increase vibrancy, rejuvenate and grow our local economy.
Site two - Riverfront promenade
Create a seamless, open promenade adjoining our riverfront to connect our revitalised town centre to the emerging tourism precinct at the eastern end of town. This will provide a widened pedestrian friendly path to improve access to the river, enable our community to interact with the cultural and natural landscape and create spaces for events and recreational opportunities.
Have your say - Kōrero Mai
Stage 1 of the Town Centre and Riverfront engagement is now closed.
To be a part of the second stage of consultation register your interest on our consultation portal Kōrero Mai.
Our website will continue to be updated and we will also keep you up-to-date through social media and other local media channels. You can contact us by email on info@whakatane.govt.nz or call Council on 07 3060 500.
Other projects that closely align with Te Ara Hou
There are a number of projects, in different stages, that connect or integrate with Te Ara Hou. Although not part of the Te Ara Hou programme, we are working closely with these projects, looking for connections and ways to work together, to save money and enhance the eventual outcomes from these projects. These include:
Project Future-Proof
Town Centre Flood Defence Upgrade - Bay of Plenty Regional Council work to address climate change effects and existing seepage issues relating to CBD stopbanks and floodwalls.
Find out more about this project on boprc.govt.nz
Innovating Streets
Looking at how we can rethink the use of our streets and transition into safer and more liveable spaces. Innovating Streets will enable the trial activation on a temporary basis of part of Te Ara Hou.
Find out more about this project »
Whakatāne Regeneration Programme
Te Ara Hou is a key part of the Whakatāne Regeneration Programme, which also includes a range of related projects, such as the proposed Boat Harbour Development, which has also attracted Provincial Growth Fund funding.
Find out more about this project »
