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."
The Strategy encompasses 330 public spaces across the district - from sports reserves and playgrounds to cemeteries and scenic reserves - providing a unified approach to planning and decision-making.
"Rather than managing open spaces in isolation, this Strategy brings all work together under one umbrella," Ms Pickles said.
"It establishes the framework so future Long Term Plans can refer back to this strategy when making specific priority and funding decisions for open spaces."
The Strategy sets the direction for open space planning over the next decade and beyond, ensuring decisions are made with long-term sustainability in mind. It identifies how parks can contribute to broader council objectives including stormwater management, food security, and climate adaptation, while establishing clear criteria for future investment decisions.
"Working shoulder-to-shoulder with iwi, hapū and whānau ensures the protection of taonga while creating spaces that reflect unique cultural identity," Ms Pickles said.
"Community Plans give locals input into shaping neighbourhood open spaces."
The Strategy establishes three planning phases over 10 years, with the next Long Term Plan process using this framework to prioritise specific projects and determine their impact at the open spaces level. This coordinated approach ensures all open space decisions align with wider district priorities.
From the coastal reserves of Ōhope to the community spaces of Murupara, the Strategy provides the foundation for strategic decision-making rather than ad-hoc planning.
The adopted Strategy will be available on the Council website.