News
Mayor's Expectations for LTP 2024-2034
Central banks the world over have created unprecedented amounts of new money since the link between the USD and gold was severed in 1971. Monetary stimulus, which accelerated after the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), went into overdrive when COVID-19 hit the globe in 2020.
Council says financial impacts are extreme - “Our ‘ground zero’ is double-digits”
Councils are continually being asked to cut costs but keep delivering the same services, and that’s simply not possible.
Whakatāne District Council Chief Financial Officer and GM Business Partnering Gary Connolly says that the funding demands on local government are exceeding what it’s capable of achieving, and Whakatāne District Council is not exempt.
Mobile service vans to connect remote communities in Whakatāne District
Whakatāne District Council is launching two new vans to bring Council services and information closer to rural and isolated communities.
Major upgrade to Braemar water supply completed
A major and innovative upgrade of the Braemar Water Treatment Plant has been celebrated with representatives from all aspects of the project gathering onsite Tuesday (13 February) for an official blessing and opening ceremony.
38th Annual Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Awards open this weekend
Following weeks of preparation, staff at Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi / Whakatāne Library and Galleries are today putting the finishing touches on one the country’s longest standing art accolades ahead of opening weekend.
Council meeting live streaming launches this week
Whakatāne District Council will start live streaming Council and Committee meetings via from Thursday, 15 February 2024.
Whakatāne District Youth Council applications open for 2024
Applications are now open for the Whakatāne District Youth Council / Kaunihera Taiohi.
Submissions open for proposed Plan Change 8
Whakatāne District Council has opened community submissions for Plan Change 8, a proposed amendment to the Whakatāne District Plan aimed at increasing housing capacity within the district.
Changes to Whakatāne District kerbside recycling
Whakatāne District residents can now add plastics graded 5 and empty pizza boxes to the list of things they can recycle in their kerbside collections.
Temporary bacterial contamination health warning
Routine water monitoring has found poor water quality in the Whakatāne River at Landing Road bridge.
This temporary health warning means people should avoid any activity which results in contact with the water as well as fishing at this site.
Anyone suffering illness after contact with the contaminated water should seek medical assistance.
This health warning will be lifted when testing shows that the water quality has improved.
Signage advising the public about this health warning will be erected ASAP.
Heritage Gallery to temporarily close for maintenance
Te Pātaka Kōrero Heritage Gallery at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, will close on Monday for a period of three weeks to allow staff to carry out important maintenance works.
Manager Collections and Research Mark Sykes says the temporary closure of Te Pātaka Kōrero will dovetail with the closing of Whakatāne Galleries current exhibition.
Council signals rates increases
Whakatāne District Council has indicated large rates increases may be difficult to avoid due to the impacts of significant operating and infrastructure costs, coupled with the limitations to how councils are funded.
Extra security wrapped up for Christmas
The community safety camera (CCTV) project is now complete, just in time for Christmas. The project, made possible with Department of Internal Affairs Better Off Funding, includes the installation of 33 new cameras and the upgrade of 11 existing cameras. It also means there is now 24/7 live monitoring in place throughout the Whakatāne District.
Our people's success is the region's success
In a move towards economic empowerment, Toi EDA in partnership with Whakatāne District Council, Pacific Growth and Ministry for Social Development have enabled another successful Rebel Business School Aotearoa initiative in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Council’s Christmas gift – Landing Road roundabout opening in full this Friday
Whakatāne District Council is pleased to advise the Landing Road roundabout will open in full and on time, tomorrow morning (Friday, 15 December).
Whakatāne welcomes expedition cruise ships for inaugural season
In a significant milestone for Whakatāne tourism, a partnership with Inchcape Shipping Services McKay has paved the way to host an expedition cruise ship this summer.
Council supports plan change request to increase housing capacity
Increasing housing capacity in the district was a topic of discussion at today’s (7 December) Environment Energy and Resilience Committee meeting.
Future of Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub to be considered through Long Term Plan process
Whakatāne District Council’s Living Together Committee today received a comprehensive update on public feedback regarding the future of the Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub and recommended approach, marking another step forward for the significant project.
Life and works of Tame Iti explored in powerful exhibition
Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi is proud to announce the opening of Thou Shalt Not, an immersive exhibition featuring the multifaceted works of renowned Māori artist and activist, Tame Iti.
Council grapples with funding reality
Whakatāne District Council has been grappling with the reality of significant cost increases and what these will mean for the cost of Council services and facilities in the coming years.
Last week, elected council representatives were presented with some early funding scenarios for Council’s work programme for the next 10 years.
Mayor Dr Victor Luca says the financial landscape is now vastly different from what we were facing three years ago, and in fact, anything we’ve seen in recent history.
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