Local Growth Strategy vs Spatial Plan
Council is working with regional partners to finalise the Our Places: Eastern Bay Spatial Plan — a shared regional view of future development challenges, opportunities, and likely growth areas over the next 30+ years.
The Spatial Plan looks at how housing, infrastructure, transport, community needs, and the environment need to be planned for the future. It’s initially focusing on Whakatāne, Kawerau, Ōpōtiki, rural settlements, and the Rangitāiki Plains, where housing and business growth pressures are strongest. Iwi, hapū and whanau values, aspirations, and priorities have been woven throughout the plan.
Preparing the Spatial Plan has involved a range of technical work and extensive engagement with iwi/hapū, stakeholders, and the community. It tells a regional story of growth and change - and will guide Council’s work, influence regional and central government processes (such as regional deals and the Regional Infrastructure Fund), and shape future projects with our partners.
So, why a Local Growth Strategy?
Alongside the regional work, each council is preparing its own local growth plan, with further local engagement.
For the Whakatāne District, this will be the Whakatāne District Local Growth Strategy, which will:
- Complement the direction set in the regional Spatial Plan, but work at a more local scale.
- Cover both spatial (land use) and non-spatial (e.g. climate change community resilience, community wellbeing) considerations.
- Build on technical work and community engagement already completed for other plans, such as the Long Term Plan, Climate Change Strategy and risk assessments.
- Draw on similar local approaches developed in other parts of New Zealand, such as Waikato District, Horowhenua District and Porirua City.
Why it matters
Having a clear local growth strategy will:
- Give the community, iwi/hapū, developers, investors, and central government greater certainty about how we plan for growth.
- Help create more local employment opportunities and increase housing supply.
- Support district-wide wellbeing and environmental outcomes.
- Build developer confidence to invest in new residential and commercial development.
News
4 December 2025: Local Growth Strategy charts a course for homes, jobs and environment
Whakatāne District Council is asking for community input into its Local Growth Strategy, after approving the draft for consultation at its meeting today. This 30-year blueprint outlines how the Council will support new housing development and essential infrastructure while protecting the environment, preparing for natural hazards, partnering with iwi, hapū and whānau, and working with local communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Local Growth Strategy?
The Local Growth Strategy is a 30-year plan that sets out how the Whakatāne District will encourage and manage growth in a sustainable way. It looks at housing, infrastructure, economic development and community wellbeing.
- Why do we need a Local Growth Strategy?
Our district is growing, and we need a clear plan to ensure development happens in the right places, supports our communities and protects our environment.
- How does the Local Growth Strategy relate to other plans?
The Local Growth Strategy works alongside the Our Places - Eastern Bay Spatial Plan and aligns with regional and national planning frameworks.
Growth and Development
- What are the main challenges the strategy addresses?
Key challenges include housing shortages, an aging population, natural hazards, infrastructure capacity, growing businesses and creating jobs.
- Will the strategy change where people can build homes?
Yes. The Local Growth Strategy (along with the Spatial Plan) identifies Priority Growth Areas and sets out the actions needed to make more land available for housing and business development.
- How does the strategy consider climate change and natural hazards?
The Local Growth Strategy includes measures to reduce risk from flooding, coastal hazards, and other climate-related impacts.
Infrastructure and environment
- What's the timeline for infrastructure upgrades like wastewater, roads, or drainage?
There are no confirmed timelines yet. Detailed infrastructure planning will follow the master plan or structure plan process the Priority Growth Areas, and be informed by technical investigations and community input.
- How will growth deal with stormwater, flooding and peat soils?
Technical investigations will help identify suitable areas for development in each priority growth area. Drainage, stormwater management, and soil conditions will guide where and how growth can safely occur.
- How will transport, walking/cycling and road safety be addressed?
Transport planning will be integrated into master planning or structure planning processes for each priority growth area. This includes safe connections for vehicles, walking and cycling routes, and speed management to make movement safer for everyone.
Impact and Benefits
- How will the strategy benefit the district?
It will help create more housing options, improve infrastructure planning, support local businesses and enhance community wellbeing.
- Does the strategy support iwi and hapū aspirations?
Yes. Partnership with iwi and hapū is a guiding principle of the Local Growth Strategy.
Community engagement
- How can I stay informed and involved?
Stay engaged by attending events, providing feedback during consultation periods, or contacting the project team directly at local.growth@whakatane.govt.nz
- Will there be consultation for zoning changes affecting properties?
Yes. Any zoning changes would go through formal consultation under the relevant legislation.
- How much weight will community and iwi views carry in final decisions?
All feedback from mana whenua, landowners, and the wider community will be considered when shaping the plan and future decisions.
- Will growth increase my rates?
Infrastructure investment does have cost implications. The timing and funding of any investment will be considered through the Long Term Plan, which balances growth with other Council priorities.
- Is growth going to happen anyway?
Yes, growth is expected. The aim is to balance community values, the environment, and infrastructure capacity, so growth occurs in the right places at the right time.
Stay in touch with us
You're welcome to stay in touch local.growth@whakatane.govt.nz meet with us or provide feedback as the plan develops.