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News
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy celebrated
Whakatāne District Council’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policy was adopted at the Living Together Committee meeting on 6 March 2025.
Better Off Funding projects reach milestone dates
Whakatāne District Council is making strides in delivering community-focused projects thanks to funds from the Department of Internal Affairs Better Off Funding.
The funding allocation of $5.66 million was received in December 2022, with the total amount invested as of 31 January 2025 reaching $3.3 million. These funds have helped the Council fast-track key projects that benefit the community.
Eastern Bay tamariki break wheels day record
Wheels Day hit record numbers across the Eastern Bay with more than 1,000 tamariki wheeling to school in celebration of the annual event.
The Eastern Bay Road Safety Team visited eleven schools, three in Ōpōtiki, three in Kawerau, and five in Whakatāne, turning ordinary school days into wheel-tastic adventures. Lucky participants scored big with 45 road safety prize packs and 20 board games for choosing wheels over traditional transport.
Mayor and Councillors provide direction on Annual Plan budget
The Whakatāne District Mayor and Councillors have asked staff to prepare an Annual Plan budget that reduces the rates increase for the 2025/26 year by a percentage and applies savings to reduce Council’s operating deficit faster.
The 2025/26 Annual Plan is the second year of the Council’s approved 10-year Long Term Plan which forecasted an average 12.7% annual rates increase.
Making room to grow: Huna Road housing development one step closer
A panel of independent commissioners have shown their support to the rezoning of approximately 15 hectares of land on Huna Road Whakatāne from ’Future Urban’ to ‘Residential’ zones to enable future housing development.
This rezoning of Huna Road, including 12 Huna Road (Julians Berry Farm), 30A Huna Road, and 234A State Highway 30, is expected to provide capacity for 150 to 175 house sites, including medium-density residential areas and papakāinga housing, all connected to council infrastructure such as water supply, wastewater, and roading.
Council’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy a step closer
Feedback around the Whakatāne District Council’s draft Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy was discussed at a Council briefing today (Wednesday 19 February), including potential changes.
Community feedback invited for proposed Plan Change 4
The Whakatāne District Council is seeking community input on Plan Change 4 (PC4): Building Platform Level. The proposed change to the Whakatāne District Plan aims to better manage flood risk to buildings and simplify the consenting process.
Manager Policy, Planning and Consents Nicholas Woodley says the purpose of the current rule is to manage flood risk and help keep buildings dry; however improvements have been identified for the way in which the rule is applied.
Upcoming night works - Commerce Street
Night works will be underway along Commerce Street from 6pm this evening, finishing up at 6am Friday (weather dependant).
Celebrating artistic excellence: Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 2025
The Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 2025 has once again shone a spotlight on the incredible talent within the contemporary art scene of Aotearoa.
Drive smart near schools, choose a safe drop-off spot
As students head back to school over the next week, roads will be busier with more traffic and distractions. With more activity on the roads, the risk to both drivers and children increases, making road safety even more important.
Hinemoa Street stormwater pump station upgrade progressing well
The Whakatāne District Council is continuing its efforts to improve stormwater infrastructure in the Hinemoa Street area with a significant pump station upgrade well underway.
Council services availability - Waitangi Day 2025
Our main office will be closed Thursday, 6 February 2025 in observance of Waitangi Day. Most Council services will either have reduced opening hours or be closed entirely.
Council services availability - Auckland Anniversary 2025
Whakatāne District Council's main office will be closed Monday, 27 January 2025 in observance of Auckland Anniversary. Most Council services will either have reduced opening hours or be closed entirely.
Council launches tree harvest on Valley Road
Whakatāne District Council will begin harvesting pine trees at two Council-owned sites on Valley Road from next week.
Draft budget options for 2025/26 presented to Mayor and Councillors
Whakatāne District Council has identified potential budget savings for next year’s Annual Plan, thanks to cost-saving measures and a slight easing of interest rates and inflation pressures. At today’s Extraordinary Council Meeting, Elected Members provided guidance on how these savings could shape the draft 2025/26 budget.
Council Chief Executive Steven Perdia emphasised the financial challenges the Council is facing.
Changes to rubbish and recycling collection days over the holidays
With Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falling on a Wednesday this year, there will be changes to kerbside rubbish, recycling, and green waste collections for some residents.
Whakatāne District Council explores future of water services
As councils across New Zealand deliberate on the future delivery of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater, the Whakatāne District Council has taken the next step towards ensuring sustainable and efficient water services for the community.
At today’s (12 December) Council meeting, elected members considered options to protect and provide the community’s water services under the Government’s new ‘Local Water Done Well’ (LWDW) legislative requirements.
Making room to grow: Hearings mark another step for Plan Change 8
The future of the district’s housing stock was back in the spotlight this week with public hearings held for those wishing to voice their feedback on Plan Change 8 (Huna Road).
Council services availability end-of-year 2024
Whakatāne District Council's main office will be closed from midday Tuesday, 24 December 2024 and will re-open Monday, 6 January 2025. Most Council services will either have reduced opening hours or be closed entirely during this period.
Illegal tree removal leads to significant prosecution for Ōhope Golf Club
The Ōhope International Golf Club (the Club) has been sentenced for unlawfully removing over 500 native trees, including mature pōhutukawa, from a protected coastal dune area.
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