Keep up to date with current and upcoming road closures, roadworks, and emergency road status information in the Whakatāne District.
Boil water notice - Rūātoki. Due to recent heavy rainfall, the Rūātoki Water Treatment Plant’s ultraviolet (UV) treatment system is currently unable to operate effectively. As a result, a Boil Water Notice is now in effect for all residents of Rūātoki. Read more about the boil water notice »
News
Flooding cuts Whakatāne District access to Ōpōtiki
Access between Whakatāne District and Ōpōtiki is currently cut off due to flooding and multiple road closures.
Both Wainui Road and State Highway 2 (Tāneatua to Kutarere via Waimana Gorge) are closed. Wainui Road is underwater, with surface flooding exceeding 200mm. Crews are onsite monitoring water levels and checking for underlying damage to the road.
As a result, there is currently no way to travel between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki. This is expected to cause significant disruption for commuters, travellers, and anyone trying to return home after work, school, or appointments.
Weather impacts - 29-31 July
Severe weather has recently impacted Whakatāne District. Here's the latest updates.
Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne a glowing success
Whakatāne's annual celebration of light, art and community spirit draws 8,000 visitors across eight magical nights. The glow has faded, but the memories remain.
The countdown is on, Whakatāne District - just 7 days to go
Friday 1 August is the deadline to enrol and get your nominations in for this year's local elections. If you want to vote, you need to be enrolled. If you want to stand, you need to be nominated. Both opportunities close at the same moment - 12 noon on Friday, 1 August 2025.
Riverside Whakatāne Holiday Park wins national award
Riverside Whakatāne Holiday Park is celebrating national recognition after taking home the Emerging Star Award at the 2025 Holiday Parks New Zealand (HPNZ) Conference.
New speed limits recommended for high-risk roads across Whakatāne District
Thursday 24 July 2025
Whakatāne District Council has taken a significant step towards improving road safety across the district, following a recommendation from the Infrastructure and Planning Committee to adopt a series of targeted speed limit reductions on high-risk local roads.
Heavy Rain Warning - 11-12 July
Heavy downpours and strong winds were felt overnight, and further showers are expected today.
Our district is saturated, so further slips, surface flooding, and rising rivers and streams are likely – especially near steep slopes and in low-lying areas. Please take care and drive to the conditions.
Report any issues:
- For urgent assistance, call us on 07 306 0500 (available 24/7)
- Non urgent assistance - log it here.
Kia noho haumaru – stay safe and look out for each other.
New variable speed zones introduced at Waimana and Te Mahoe Schools
New variable speed limits are now in place outside Waimana School and Te Mahoe School.
Pre-Election Report launches as Council gears up for local elections
The countdown to this year’s local elections is officially on, marked by the release of ‘All you need to know about the Council’ - Whakatāne District Council’s 2025 Pre-Election Report.
From pub chats to church votes: Council invites future leaders to get election-ready
Whakatāne District Council is stepping out of the chambers and into the community, with its second "Stand for Something | Tū Tūturu" candidate briefing session taking place at The Comm next Friday evening.
Legendary story brought to light by Tāme Iti at Whakatāne light festival
Imagine stepping into the very moment light was born into the world. This extraordinary experience awaits at Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne, where celebrated artist Tāme Iti and Te Mira Collective invite visitors to experience Ātea.
Weather effects - July 3-4 2025
All weather warnings and watches for Whakatāne District have been lifted.
Our crews are working to clean up various roads this morning and we will keep you updated on this, and any road closures during the day.
New community fund launched to drive climate action and youth development
Whakatāne District Council and Trust Horizon have joined forces to launch a new fund to support bold, local responses to climate change and youth development.
The Whakatāne Community Climate Action and Youth Development Fund opens for its first funding round today (1 July 2025), with $95,000 available in the 2025/26 year.
The fund aims to back projects that reduce carbon emissions, build community resilience, and support rangatahi into climate-related education and training.
Three strikes system targets kerbside waste contamination
Whakatāne District Council’s new ‘three strikes’ system to tackle bin contamination is now in effect, aiming to reduce the amount of recycling and greenwaste being sent to landfill and the costs that come with it.
Eastern Bay Councils Adopt 30-Year Plan for Growth and Development
Councils across the Eastern Bay have officially adopted the Our Places – Eastern Bay Spatial Plan (Spatial Plan), marking the beginning of a long-term, coordinated approach to managing growth, infrastructure, and development across the sub-region.
Council says yes to local water services, keeps door open for regional partnership
The Whakatāne District Council met today to confirm the future direction of water services in the district.
Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust to Ignite Creative Hub in Whakatāne's Historic Heart
A new chapter for the arts and community in Whakatāne is set to begin with the announcement of Ātea, a dynamic creative hub to be established at 266 The Strand, the iconic building formerly known as Wally Sutherland.
The project is being spearheaded by Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust, a collaboration between Tame Iti Limited and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
Council adopts 2025/26 Annual Plan with reduced rates increase
Whakatāne District Council has formally adopted its Annual Plan for the 2025/26 financial year, confirming an average rates increase of 11.7% (which aligns with the average across councils nationwide).
The increase of 11.7% represents a reduction from the previously forecast 12.7% for Year 2 of the Long Term Plan 2024-34.
Funding available for Whakatāne District projects
Applications are now open for two key funding opportunities designed to support te reo Māori initiatives and water-related projects in the Whakatāne District.
Register early and save - dog registrations now open
Dog owners across the Whakatāne District are encouraged to register their dogs early.
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