The Whakatāne District Open Spaces Strategy is the first comprehensive plan for managing and developing the district's parks, reserves, playgrounds, sports facilities, walkways, and other public open spaces over the next 10 years. It establishes a framework for how the Council will plan, protect, develop, and manage approximately 1,440 hectares of open space across 330 public sites.
Vision: As the environment flourishes, the people thrive / Ka ora te taiao, ka ora te hapori.
The strategy is built on three core principles:
- Tiaki taiao (Caring for the environment) - protecting natural resources and long-term sustainability.
- Oranga hapori (Community wellbeing and inclusion) - creating accessible spaces that support physical activity and social connection.
- Hononga (Connection) - developing opportunities for people to connect with place, environment, and each other.
Open Spaces Strategy 2025-35 - (PDF, 2.25 MB)
Open Spaces Strategy 2025-35 Supporting Documents - (PDF, 3.5 MB)
Why did we do this?
The Council developed this strategy because growing population and evolving communities are increasing demand on open spaces. This first comprehensive approach aims to:
- Protect and manage responsibly through sustainable practices and strong community relationships.
- Support thriving communities with inclusive spaces that promote health, wellbeing and social connection.
- Deliver strategically using data-driven planning, environmental sustainability, and coordinated partnerships.
The strategy ensures open spaces remain accessible, high quality, and fit for purpose as the district changes and grows.
The journey
The strategy was developed through extensive community consultation, gathering feedback from multiple sources including the Long-Term Plan, recreation hub planning, arts strategy input, resident surveys, and community plans from Awatapu, Matatā, and Edgecumbe.
What the community told us:
- Preserve existing spaces ("We have lots of spaces and need to keep them").
- Improve maintenance and ensure consistent quality across townships.
- Recognize green spaces as vital for mental health.
- Integrate food sovereignty and climate action into open spaces.
- Value natural beauty and flexible, multi-use areas.
Implementation: The strategy rolls out over three phases across 10 years, with major projects including wetland restoration at Awatapu lagoon, accessible play spaces, new cemetery development, and Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub upgrades.
The approach centers on mahi tahi (working together) with iwi, hapū, whānau and communities, and toitūtanga (sustainability) guiding all decisions and delivery.
Media releases
First Open Spaces Strategy approved to guide future of the District
The Whakatāne District Council Living Together Committee has approved a new vision for the future of the District, adopting the first-ever Open Spaces Strategy that establishes a long-term framework for managing 1,440 hectares of parks and reserves. Read more the full media release