Councillors last week approved the strategic framework and actions which will feed into the draft Climate Change Strategy.

The draft Strategy will go out for public consultation alongside the 2024-34 Long Term Plan in March/April next year.

The framework and actions are the result of a collaborative approach with Council, stakeholders, partners, and communities who’ve worked together to craft a road map for the district addressing the challenges posed by climate change.  

Seismic strengthening work, along with a minor refurbishment to Waimana- Nukuhou North Memorial Hall, is now complete. These works have been carried out to ensure the building is structurally sound and equipped as a key civil defence centre for outlying communities in the wider Whakatāne District. 

A central government initiative to support the protection and restoration of native wildlife has been out for consultation and Whakatāne District Council has thrown its support behind the idea. 

Whakatāne District Council’s Manager Strategy and Performance Dr Leny Woolsey said like many other parts of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Whakatāne District has significant areas of indigenous biodiversity and Council wants to do all it can to protect and restore it.

In a night of celebration and recognition it was the natural beauty and community pride of Whakatāne which shined bright, taking out the accolade for most beautiful large town at the annual Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards.

The beautiful awards (which were held Thursday 9 November) are New Zealand’s longest-running sustainability awards and provide a benchmark for environmental excellence. Run annually since 1972, the awards inspire, recognise and acknowledge those individuals, schools, community groups, towns and cities working passionately to keep New Zealand beautiful.

Whakatāne District Council is pleased to advise that from tomorrow (Friday, 10 November) traffic will flow around the new Landing Road roundabout, but not yet into Hinemoa Street.

The site has been under construction since early September while major upgrades are carried out on the roundabout road surface and underlying structural pavement, and underground water services. Safety and layout improvements are also being implemented in the area.

Fairness and consistency were key themes that came through at Whakatāne District Council’s Hearings Committee Meeting on the proposed 2023/24 Fees and Charges Schedule on Thursday (26 October).

The second annual Mayoral Youth Community Awards, held last month, celebrated the achievements of 12 local young people across a range of categories.

The community safety camera (CCTV) project, made possible with Department of Internal Affairs Better Off Funding, is one step closer to completion after monitoring and delivery contracts were awarded this month.

Our main office will be closed Monday, 23 October 2023 in observance of Labour Day. Most Council services will either have reduced opening hours or be closed entirely.