Keep up to date with current and upcoming road closures, roadworks, road reserve works, and emergency road status information in the Whakatāne District.
News
Strong community interest in Whakatāne Riverfront Enhancement project
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.
Community gets behind planning the future of Awakeri
Interest in shaping the future of Awakeri has been positive, with strong community support for involvement in the Awakeri Community Reference Group. Final nominations have now closed for the Awakeri Community Reference Group, with 33 people confirmed to take part.
Whakatāne Youth Council welcomed for 2026 term
The 2026 Whakatāne District Youth Council were formally welcomed this week with a mihi whakatau, shared kai, and their first meeting.
Committee backs next step toward safer parking enforcement
Whakatāne District Council has agreed to progress the next stage of introducing licence plate recognition technology for parking enforcement, following a decision by the Projects and Services Committee at its meeting today (2 April 2026).
Matatā wastewater project moves closer to resource consent
The Matatā community will soon have the chance to hear the latest on the town’s long-running wastewater project, as the project team prepares ahead of lodging the resource consent in the coming months. Nicholas Woodley, Manager Policy, Planning and Consents for Whakatāne District Council said the project had reached an important point, with a large amount of detailed work taking place over the last few months nearly finalised.
Henderson stormwater improvements boost resilience during heavy rain
The upgraded Henderson Street stormwater pump station in Whakatāne is now complete and delivering stronger protection during heavy rain, following its successful operation during last week’s storm event.
Council seeks feedback on how shared spaces are used across the district
Whakatāne District communities will soon be able to help shape how the district’s shared spaces are used, cared for and enjoyed, following approval of six draft bylaws for public consultation.
Consultation will be delivered through a single, districtwide campaign – ‘Shaping our shared spaces’ – bringing together the review of six draft bylaws that guide how people, animals, activities and vehicles interact across the district’s public spaces. The approach emphasises shared responsibility for public spaces and encourages broad participation from across the district.
Heavy Rain Warning - 26-28 March
MetService New Zealand has issued a Heavy Rain Warning for our district for 42 hours from 9am Thursday to 3am Saturday.
Buddle Street wastewater upgrade
Work is set to begin on a new underground wastewater pump station at the corner of Buddle Street and Kakahoroa Drive, as part of a wider upgrade to the wastewater network in Whakatāne.
New online tool helps Whakatāne District communities understand climate risks
Whakatāne District Council has released a new online mapping tool to help people better understand how climate change and climate-related hazards could affect different parts of the district, now and into the future.
Call for community to help shape the future of Awakeri
Imagine having a real say in how Awakeri grows over time. Helping shape ideas early, sharing local knowledge, testing possibilities and helping define what good growth looks like for the future of the township. That is the opportunity now being offered through a new Community Reference Group, which is being established as part of the Awakeri Structure Plan.
Help shape the future of the Whakatāne riverfront
Think about the Whakatāne riverfront on a good day. Kids scootering, people strolling along the water, somewhere to sit in the sun and with easy access down to the awa. Now’s the chance to help shape that experience. With Stages 1 and 2 of Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Project Future Proof complete, Whakatāne District Council is inviting feedback on concept designs for the Whakatāne Riverfront Enhancement, focused on restoring and improving key public spaces alongside the new floodwall.
Whakatāne tourism growth outpaces national trend
Whakatāne is firmly on the map as one of New Zealand’s standout tourism success stories, with new figures showing visitor spending in the district is growing faster than almost anywhere else in the country.
The latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor reveals tourism expenditure in the Whakatāne District rose 6.9 percent in the year to December 2025, climbing to around $171 million, up from $160 million the year before.
Council’s Annual Plan confirms cost-savings approach
Whakatāne District Council has today approved its draft Annual Plan budget for 2026/27, locking in confirmed cost savings and using them to reduce an on-going operating deficit. In addition, a portion is being set aside to allow for cost contingencies due to the current volatile economic environment.
Whakatāne District Council explores new scheme to ease cost-of-living pressures
Whakatāne District Council has signalled its in-principle support for the establishment of a nationwide Ratepayer Assistance Scheme (RAS).
Planning ahead for Awakeri's future
As the Whakatāne District looks ahead to where future generations will live, work and raise their families, Awakeri’s strategic potential is being explored. Whakatāne District Council is now in the early stages of structure planning to guide how the area could grow while retaining its rural village feel.
Voting closes soon for 2026 Community Board by-elections
Voting for the Whakatāne District Council Community Board by-elections closes next week, but there is still time for residents to have their say.
Council opens door for community proposals to restore Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway
Whakatāne District Council's Projects and Services Committee has agreed to invite community proposals to repair and re-establish the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway between West End, Ōhope and Ōtarawairere.
At its meeting this morning (19 February), the Committee agreed to enable community groups to submit proposals either to restore the existing track or to develop alternative routes.
Staff were also directed to investigate whether funds allocated to the track repair from the the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment can be used to support a community-led project.
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