The Mayor and Councillors adopted a report today (6 July) to ensure a consistent approach in managing climate change and natural hazard resilience for buildings, businesses, and homes in the Whakatāne town centre. 

The report focused on a property owned by Whakatāne District Council at 2 The Strand, which is part of the Harbour Endowment Land commercial lease portfolio.

The two buildings on the land are the privately-owned Whakatāne Sportfishing Club and a Council-owned building, which is currently leased out to commercial businesses.

Council General Manager Strategy and Transformation Steven Perdia said before Council commits to extending any of the current leases, there’s a need to consider what the best use of 2 The Strand might be. 

“In the coming year, all the commercial leases will be due for renewal. But it’s not straightforward and there are several complex matters to consider for 2 The Strand.

"The main one being the buildings are on the wrong side of the floodwall and are offered no protection from flooding and severe weather events.”

The Council report recommended to start a due diligence process to gather more information to support decision-making. It also included a report into the Piripai spit fuse (Whakatāne spit) which confirmed the spit fuse will be ineffective on its own in providing flood protection to the town centre with sea level rise, increasing severity of weather events and storm surges.

“Knowing what we know now Council needs to consider the impacts of sea level rise, severity of storms, and floodwall heights increasing on its own buildings and as the land lease holder. As well as understanding the views of other key stakeholders.”

“We know we will need to have some tough conversations however one thing remains a priority and that is ensuring we get the best outcome for all involved,” Perdia adds.