Whakatāne District Council is asking for community input into its Local Growth Strategy, after approving the draft for consultation at its meeting today. This 30-year blueprint outlines how the Council will support new housing development and essential infrastructure while protecting the environment, preparing for natural hazards, partnering with iwi, hapū and whānau, and working with local communities.
The strategy focuses on five key moves:
- Unlocking greenfield development in resilient locations
- Enabling iwi and hapū aspirations
- Revitalising the Town Centre–Kopeopeo corridor
- Leveraging economic strengths
- Prioritising housing and wellbeing for young people and seniors
The strategy provides a clear framework for zoning land for housing, providing the infrastructure needed and partnering with iwi and the private sector to support investment in new homes.
Whakatāne District Mayor, Nándor Tánczos, says the strategy is critical to addressing the district’s housing challenges:
“We just don’t have the houses to meet the need. Affordable rentals are almost impossible to find and first home buyers struggle to get into the market. This strategy sets out a pathway forward, by planning for growth in the right places, supporting infrastructure and working alongside iwi and private developers. There are no quick fixes but the only way to complete a journey is to get started.”
The Mayor also welcomed a recent announcement by the Minister for Housing, launching the Housing Investment Plan and confirming the allocation of the Budget 2025 Flexible Fund.
“It’s great to see the government recognising the housing pressures we’re facing in the Eastern Bay by making us a priority area. Their investment approach aligns with our Local Growth Strategy and will help us deliver more homes for whānau Māori, sole parents, older people and others in need.”
The Housing Investment Plan is designed to enable delivery of 650–760 homes nationally, with a focus on regions of highest need, including the Eastern Bay of Plenty. From early 2026, the government will invite housing providers to put forward proposals for building new homes. These proposals will need to show how they meet local housing needs and can deliver homes within the next few years. Providers will also be encouraged to work in partnership and bring land or funding to help make these projects happen.
“The District Council has already mapped out where housing could happen and how we’ll support it with infrastructure and partnerships, so that should give us a head start. The Government isn’t putting up capital so providers will need to find other ways to access their up-front costs, but the fund does guarantee an income stream on a cost basis, because a market rent often won’t give enough return on a new home due to the high cost of building. Hopefully this gives enough juice to enable providers to deliver the homes our communities need.”
Public consultation on the draft Local Growth Strategy is expected to begin in February 2026, giving the community an opportunity to have its say on the district’s future growth.
For more details on the Government’s Housing Investment Plan, visit: https://www.hud.govt.nz/our-work/housing-investment-system