We help create the conditions for a vibrant, resilient and sustainable local economy - so people can live well, find work and training opportunities, and run successful businesses in the Whakatāne District.
We work alongside local businesses, communities, iwi and hapū, regional partners and central government. The Council’s contribution includes planning and regulation, infrastructure and services, land and facilities, and advocating for local priorities.
- For residents: Supporting jobs, skills and training pathways, and well-planned growth.
- For businesses and investors: Enabling investment, reducing barriers where we can, and advocating for infrastructure and services that support growth.
- For our place: Supporting a year-round visitor economy and experiences that reflect our people, places and environment.
We also support the visitor economy through destination management, tourism marketing, and by helping grow high-quality visitor experiences and events.
What we aim to achieve
The goal is to foster a thriving Whakatāne District economy where people have opportunities to live, work, train and prosper locally.
We focus on outcomes that support long-term prosperity:
- Support local businesses and industry growth so enterprises can thrive, innovate and expand.
- Enable investment that aligns with community values, builds on local strengths and enhances job opportunities.
- Support a skilled and adaptable workforce through training pathways, education partnerships and employment opportunities.
- Plan and enable infrastructure (transport, housing and digital readiness) that supports sustainable growth.
- Champion projects and partnerships that lift wellbeing outcomes, strengthen Māori economic participation and build resilience across our economy.
- Unlock visitor economy opportunities by enhancing experiences, supporting operators, and showcasing our natural, cultural and adventure assets.
How we contribute
We support economic development in a range of ways:
- Strategic planning and regulatory leadership: Plans, policies and consenting processes that support sustainable growth.
- Infrastructure delivery: Investing in community assets and services that enable business and residential development.
- Partnerships and advocacy: Working with iwi and hapū, neighbouring councils, regional bodies, sectors, community organisations, businesses and central government to align effort and amplify impact.
- Local insight and leadership: Using evidence and economic intelligence to support confident business and investment decisions.
We act as a catalyst and connector - setting direction, enabling action and supporting partner- and community-led initiatives.
Strategies and plans
Our work is guided by key regional and district plans. Together, they help align growth planning with infrastructure investment, housing supply, workforce development, and strong connections between communities, iwi and hapū, business and government.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Economic Development Strategy
Economic development doesn’t stop at district boundaries. We worked closely with Ōpōtiki District Council, Kawerau District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to develop a shared strategy to lift prosperity across the Eastern Bay.
- Coordinated infrastructure and growth planning
- Enabling housing supply and workforce development
- Supporting priority industries and innovation
- Attracting investment to the Eastern Bay
- Removing shared constraints that limit opportunity
Our Places – Eastern Bay Spatial Plan
A shared regional view of development challenges, opportunities and likely growth areas over the next 30+ years.
Whakatāne District 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 covers housing, infrastructure, economic development and community wellbeing.
Destination Management Plan (coming soon)
Regional Deals framework
In 2024, the Government launched the Regional Deals framework to work more closely with regions and support local growth. In response, the Eastern Bay of Plenty councils (Kawerau, Ōpōtiki, Whakatāne and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council) put together a joint proposal based on existing plans and what communities have already said.
The focus was on the infrastructure needed to support more homes and jobs and this document explains the thinking behind that proposal.
Although it was written for central government, it reflects what matters to people in the Eastern Bay: affordable and resilient housing, fair access to services, iwi‑led development, and places where whānau can thrive. It doesn’t replace any formal plans or funding processes. Instead, it shows how a future partnership with central government could help support the region’s long‑term wellbeing.
Tourism and events
We work with partners to support destination management, tourism marketing and events that contribute to a strong year-round visitor economy.
Economic data and insights
Use these tools to explore trends and snapshots for Whakatāne District (economy, population and community data).
Infometrics – Regional Economic Profile
Infometrics – Whakatāne District Quarterly Economic Monitor
Stats NZ – Place and ethnic group summaries (Whakatāne District)
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