Keep up to date with current and upcoming road closures, roadworks, road reserve works, and emergency road status information in the Whakatāne District.
News
First Open Spaces Strategy approved to guide future of the District
The Whakatāne District Council Living Together Committee has approved a new vision for the future of the District, adopting the first-ever Open Spaces Strategy that establishes a long-term framework for managing 1,440 hectares of parks and reserves.
"Open spaces are the heart of communities - they're where we live, relax, connect, and explore," said Alexandra Pickles, General Manager Community Experience.
"This Strategy consolidates everything Council does with open spaces and creates clear connections to broader council priorities."
It's not a rubbish bin. Only garden waste in your greenwaste bin.
From nappies to mattress foam, spray paint cans, tarpaulins, garden hoses and bags of general rubbish, Whakatāne District Council continues to find all sorts of things in kerbside greenwaste bins that simply don’t belong.
Council adopts updated Dangerous, Affected and Insanitary Buildings Policy
Whakatāne District Council has formally adopted its updated Dangerous, Affected and Insanitary Buildings Policy 2025, setting out how the Council will manage buildings that may pose a risk to people, neighbouring properties, or the wider community.
The policy, required under the Building Act 2004, sets out the steps the Council will take when a building is found to be dangerous, could be affected by a dangerous neighbouring building, or is insanitary. It replaces the 2019 policy and will be reviewed again within five years, as required by legislation.
New speed limits adopted for high-risk roads across Whakatāne District
Whakatāne District Council has formally adopted a series of speed limit changes across the district.
Council adopts plan for local water services delivery
Whakatāne District Council has formally adopted its Water Services Delivery Plan.
Stand for Something – Strong field of candidates step up for Whakatāne District elections
The Whakatāne District Council elections are heating up with a strong field of candidates stepping up to shape the future of local leadership.
With nominations now officially confirmed by Election Services, voters across the district will have genuine choices across nearly all positions - including six contenders for the mayoralty and contested races across most wards and community boards.
“Six candidates for mayor shows strong community interest in local leadership,” said Chief Executive, Steven Perdia.
Understanding climate change risks in the Whakatāne District
Climate change is already affecting our communities, and more frequent, intense weather events are expected in the years ahead.
To help us plan and adapt, a comprehensive Climate Change Risk Assessment for the Whakatāne District has been completed and was presented to the Environment, Energy and Resilience Committee today.
Flooding cuts Whakatāne District access to Ōpōtiki
Access between Whakatāne District and Ōpōtiki is currently cut off due to flooding and multiple road closures.
Both Wainui Road and State Highway 2 (Tāneatua to Kutarere via Waimana Gorge) are closed. Wainui Road is underwater, with surface flooding exceeding 200mm. Crews are onsite monitoring water levels and checking for underlying damage to the road.
As a result, there is currently no way to travel between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki. This is expected to cause significant disruption for commuters, travellers, and anyone trying to return home after work, school, or appointments.
Weather impacts - 29-31 July
Severe weather has recently impacted Whakatāne District. Here's the latest updates.
Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne a glowing success
Whakatāne's annual celebration of light, art and community spirit draws 8,000 visitors across eight magical nights. The glow has faded, but the memories remain.
The countdown is on, Whakatāne District - just 7 days to go
Friday 1 August is the deadline to enrol and get your nominations in for this year's local elections. If you want to vote, you need to be enrolled. If you want to stand, you need to be nominated. Both opportunities close at the same moment - 12 noon on Friday, 1 August 2025.
Riverside Whakatāne Holiday Park wins national award
Riverside Whakatāne Holiday Park is celebrating national recognition after taking home the Emerging Star Award at the 2025 Holiday Parks New Zealand (HPNZ) Conference.
New speed limits recommended for high-risk roads across Whakatāne District
Thursday 24 July 2025
Whakatāne District Council has taken a significant step towards improving road safety across the district, following a recommendation from the Infrastructure and Planning Committee to adopt a series of targeted speed limit reductions on high-risk local roads.
Heavy Rain Warning - 11-12 July
Heavy downpours and strong winds were felt overnight, and further showers are expected today.
Our district is saturated, so further slips, surface flooding, and rising rivers and streams are likely – especially near steep slopes and in low-lying areas. Please take care and drive to the conditions.
Report any issues:
- For urgent assistance, call us on 07 306 0500 (available 24/7)
- Non urgent assistance - log it here.
Kia noho haumaru – stay safe and look out for each other.
New variable speed zones introduced at Waimana and Te Mahoe Schools
New variable speed limits are now in place outside Waimana School and Te Mahoe School.
Pre-Election Report launches as Council gears up for local elections
The countdown to this year’s local elections is officially on, marked by the release of ‘All you need to know about the Council’ - Whakatāne District Council’s 2025 Pre-Election Report.
From pub chats to church votes: Council invites future leaders to get election-ready
Whakatāne District Council is stepping out of the chambers and into the community, with its second "Stand for Something | Tū Tūturu" candidate briefing session taking place at The Comm next Friday evening.
Legendary story brought to light by Tāme Iti at Whakatāne light festival
Imagine stepping into the very moment light was born into the world. This extraordinary experience awaits at Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne, where celebrated artist Tāme Iti and Te Mira Collective invite visitors to experience Ātea.
Weather effects - July 3-4 2025
All weather warnings and watches for Whakatāne District have been lifted.
Our crews are working to clean up various roads this morning and we will keep you updated on this, and any road closures during the day.
New community fund launched to drive climate action and youth development
Whakatāne District Council and Trust Horizon have joined forces to launch a new fund to support bold, local responses to climate change and youth development.
The Whakatāne Community Climate Action and Youth Development Fund opens for its first funding round today (1 July 2025), with $95,000 available in the 2025/26 year.
The fund aims to back projects that reduce carbon emissions, build community resilience, and support rangatahi into climate-related education and training.
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