The Whakatāne District Council has approved the minimum baseline concept design for the Whakatāne riverfront enhancement works at a Council meeting on Thursday, 16 April 2026.
The riverfront enhancements are being delivered as a result of Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s upgraded flood defences. The enhancement works aim to soften the visual impact of the floodwall and strengthen connections between the town centre and the awa.
The approved baseline design represents the minimum scope of work required to integrate the upgraded floodwall along the riverfront, while still securing external funding. The total project cost for the baseline design is $7.5 million, with $3.75 million funded by central government (via Kānoa/ Provincial Growth Fund) and $3.75 million funded through Council’s 2024–2034 Long Term Plan.
In making their decision, the Mayor and Councillors considered public feedback alongside the need to manage costs responsibly. By approving the baseline design and not including additional optional features, the Council will realise savings of approximately $2.1 million from the allocated 2024-2034 Long Term Plan budget.
An alternative option was considered but not supported, which would have involved undertaking even further reduced integration works, returning the Kānoa funding and releasing the remaining 2024-2034 Long Term Plan budget back to Council. Councillors agreed that proceeding with the baseline design struck the right balance between fiscal constraints and improving amenity.
Enhancement works focus on the area around the former iSITE building at 2 Kākahoroa Drive, the corner of The Strand and Quay Street, and the area extending down to the town wharf and surrounds.
Public feedback was sought during March on a baseline design, along with a range of optional additional features. The baseline concept was the lowest-cost option and aligned with the overall $7.5 million budget, with flexibility to include selected enhancements. Several refinements were made to the baseline design in response to feedback, including a simplified access ramp connecting the roadside to the area around the former iSITE building and a larger grassed area.
The baseline design includes a short-term recreation space at the corner of The Strand and Quay Street, which is earmarked for long-term commercial development and will involve the demolition of existing buildings. Public feedback supported doing the minimum required at this temporary site, and minor adjustments were made accordingly.
For the wharf and surrounding area, feedback supported a modified design that maximised seating and better access to the awa. There was also interest in shipping containers as a flexible option for retailers or food and beverage operators.
In relation to additional options, councillors have instructed staff to seek external funding that could co‑fund three additional design features from the remaining $2.1 million allocated in the 2024–2034 Long Term Plan budget. Councillors agreed to include three additional features, subject to funding being secured, those being an additional accessways and ramps, shade structures, and a basketball area adjacent to the Mātaatua Reserve.
The project will now move into the detailed design and consenting phase.