Community engagement on the Whakatāne Riverfront Enhancement Project closed on 30 March 2026, with Whakatāne District Council receiving more than 260 pieces of individual feedback.
There was strong interest in the project, with feedback submitted in person, online, and through hard copy submissions. Pre engagement feedback from key stakeholders has also been included.
“All feedback is being collated ahead of a Council workshop on 8 April 2026. The workshop will give councillors the opportunity to digest community feedback alongside an amended baseline design before deciding which concept design(s) will move forward to the next stage.” explains Dr Leny Woolsey, General Manager Strategy and Growth.
The designs range from a baseline option with a total estimated cost of $7.5 million. Half of this cost is funded through central government investment (Provincial Growth Fund via Kānoa/MBIE), with the remaining half funded through Council’s 2024–2034 Long Term Plan.
In addition to the baseline design, there are optional enhancements that could be added using the remaining $2.1 million allocated in the 2024–2034 Long Term Plan budget. Alternatively, Council may choose to release this remaining funding back to Council budget. Another option could see the Council return the $3.75 million of central government funding to follow an even further reduced enhancement option.
A decision on which concept design(s) will proceed will be made by councillors at a Council Meeting on 16 April 2026.