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News
Simple swaps for Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July is the perfect time to start making simple swaps for single-use plastics, preventing a huge amount of waste heading to landfill and our oceans. Whakatāne District Council General Manager Community Services Mike Naude says 'The Big Four' alternatives are easy pickings for those not sure where to begin.
Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw review consultation open
Whakatāne District Council is seeking feedback on a proposal to amend its Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw Review to allow natural burials as a new alternative method of burial, and for burials to be able to take place on Sundays.
Local economy given immediate kickstart through additional Provincial Growth Fund funding
An immediate cash injection of $2.5 million from the Government will go towards a suite of projects aimed at transforming the Whakatāne riverfront and CBD, boosting employment and stimulating the regional economy.
Water main renewal project begins
Physical works on the Whakatāne District Council water main renewal project begins this week. Water mains in the affected areas were identified as requiring replacement after reaching the end of their expected service life.
Change to dog control fees
Dog registration fees in the Whakatāne District will increase slightly for the 2020/21 year, which starts on 1 July. While the fees remained the same for the past three years, an increase in operational costs means the Council can no longer hold fees at their current level.
Kia Kaha Whakatāne projects stimulate employment and training
Whakatāne District Council has been successful in securing $8.229M to undertake a range of projects aimed at creating the equivalent of 130 full-time jobs in the next six months.
New exhibition 'Social Amnesia' explores history
A provocative exhibition by Whanganui print maker Vanessa Wairata Edwards will be unveiled next week at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi. Social Amnesia discusses the uncomfortable silences that face society while attempting to confront the colonial history of New Zealand.
Active Whakatāne Strategy in motion
In a move to further connect our communities, the Whakatāne District Council Strategy and Policy Committee formally adopted the Active Whakatāne Strategy last week.
Remediation of Whakatāne Town Wharf marks first step in District's future
Whakatāne District Council is pleased to announce that with the release of tender documents to industry, it is officially underway with the first of the infrastructure projects associated with the Whakatāne Regeneration Programme.
Annual Plan consultation begins
Consultation on the draft 2020/2021 Annual Plan and budget begins on Monday, 25 May. The Council is seeking community feedback on the key proposals outlined in the consultation document, which relate to changes in the work programme and budgets set-out for 2020/21 in the Long Term Plan.
Murupara water treatment taking place on Monday
The Murupara water supply will receive a one-off sanitising treatment from 10am on Monday, 25 May to remove a recurring contamination. The collective decision was made following a series of hui with community leaders. Treatment takes about three hours and residents may notice a very slight chlorine taste and smell while in progress.
Air Chathams flights resume
After a hiatus during lockdown, the Air Chathams team is thrilled to resume flights from Sunday, 24 May. Duane Emeny, Airline & Charter General Manager, says the unprecedented COVID-19 circumstances have been challenging, but local support has ensured the airline will once again take to the Eastern Bay skies.
Innovative options available for book lovers
While it may not be completely back to business as usual, Whakatāne Library staff have designed some crafty ways to keep patrons happy.
Recycling Returns
The move to Alert Level 2 means the Council's kerbside glass collection service can resume. The first collection will take place on Monday, 18 May 2020. Please place glass bottles and jars without lids in your glass collection crate.
Ōhope stormwater and erosion improvement project beginning
A project to improve the management of stormwater and erosion along the Ōhope Beach dune system is due to begin soon.
Murupara Water Supply Update - 7th May 2020
Council regularly tests the water in the pipes of the Murupara Water supply which is untreated, high-quality water. Recent testing has recorded higher than normal levels of a contaminant in the supply. While it is not currently a public health risk at the levels recorded, Council has been unable to reduce those levels over this period, and there is concern that it could become a health risk if not actively managed.
Discover Our Local campaign launched to support Eastern Bay of Plenty businesses
An Eastern Bay of Plenty campaign aims to help local businesses get back on their feet after a double blow to the local economy following the Whakaari/White Island eruption and COVID-19.
Council explores immediate economic relief options
Three months' rent relief for Council leaseholders, refunds for affected bookings and credit for memberships are some of the measures agreed on by Whakatāne District Council elected members at Council’s 30 April meeting.
Dogs still part of your bubble at Level 3
Continued complaints to Whakatāne District Council have prompted a reminder for owners to keep dogs on leads at all times, even as we enter Alert Level 3 next week.
Council takes stepped approach for recovery plan
Whakatāne District Council has developed a plan to help the District withstand and recover from both COVID-19 and the earlier Whakaari/ White Island eruption impacts.
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