In 2013, Council began planning for an update of the Whakatāne River Greenway Concept Plan to provide direction and a framework for the future development of the walkway and reserves adjacent to the Whakatāne River.
The Whakatāne Greenway extends for approximately 8 km from the Te Hau o te Rangi Tutua Reserve at Te Haehaenga past the central business district to the rural and suburban settings of Whakatāne South and Awatapu.
The draft plan has been developed with reference to relevant Council strategic plans, with input from key stakeholders and with consideration for national and international trends.
It provides a framework for guiding future use and development of the Whakatāne River Reserves and will provide a basis for future Council decisions.
Wider community input was sought for the draft plan, and submissions closed 5 pm Monday, 21 July 2014.
Details on the concept plan are available via the documents below.
- Whakatāne River Greenways concept plan - (PDF, 2.6 MB)
- Map: Awatapu to bridge - (PDF, 1 MB)
- Map: Bridge to Yacht Club - (PDF, 1.7 MB)
- Map: Yacht Club to Heads - (PDF, 1.7 MB)
Objectives of the River Greenways Concept Plan
- Maximise the benefit of identified riverside reserves for residents and visitors to the Whakatāne District
- Provide connectivity and continuity between and access to the reserves and between communities
- Encourage public enjoyment and participation by providing different experiences and highlighting unique features of the Whakatāne Greenway by:
- Providing Recreational activities for a wide range of users
- Improving amenity, functionality and ecology of the reserves
- Celebrating the rich cultural and historical values of the reserves