Keep up to date with current and upcoming road closures, roadworks, road reserve works, and emergency road status information in the Whakatāne District.
News
Long-awaited improvement works mark turning point for much-loved community hub
The Whakatāne War Memorial Hall (the Hall) is finally getting the attention the community has been asking for - with long-promised upgrades now underway and more significant improvements on the horizon.
Council directs staff to look for further savings in draft Annual Plan budget
The Whakatāne District Council today asked staff to look for cost reductions in the 2026/27 Annual Plan draft budget, on top of savings already identified, and present another version early next year.
Council hears from volunteers eager to restore Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway
Whakatāne District Council has heard from volunteers who want to help restore the West End section of the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway, demonstrating the connection the community has with this treasured track.
Volunteers presented their skills and dedication to the Council, showing their willingness to contribute toward bringing the walkway back to life.
The West End section of the walkway has been closed since a slip occurred following significant rainfall in 2022. A second slip in September 2023 further delayed reinstatement work and required additional investigation.
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.
Whakatāne District Mayor says rates capping well-intentioned but poorly thought out
Whakatāne District Mayor Nandor Tanczos says the Government’s announcement of a rates range, replacing the earlier proposal for a strict rates cap, is well intentioned but is likely to make things worse for ratepayers.
“We all want rates to go down, but what is being proposed is largely the same system that has failed across the Tasman, with pretty dire consequences for local communities in New South Wales and Victoria,” he says.
Joint statement from Eastern Bay Mayors on Simplifying Local Government announcement
As the Mayors of the Eastern Bay of Plenty, we acknowledge that change may be needed in how local government in Aotearoa New Zealand is organised, and we are willing to engage constructively in that discussion.
New rating revaluation shows dip in Whakatāne home and land values
Quotable Value’s three-yearly revaluation of the Whakatāne District shows Whakatāne home values dip by 2% while land values are down 9%. Property owners will soon receive a Notice of Rating Valuation in the post with an updated rating value for their property.
The new rating valuations have been prepared for 17,277 properties by Quotable Value (QV) on behalf of Whakatāne District Council. They show the total rateable value for the district is now $16.4 billion with the land value of those properties now valued at $8.3 billion.
Festive morning tea returns to celebrate Whakatāne District seniors
Whakatāne District Council is inviting our district’s seniors to join us for the annual Seniors' Morning Tea on Tuesday, 2 December, at the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall, starting at 9:30 am.
Nominations open for 2026 Community Board By-Elections
These By-Elections follow insufficient nominations in the triennial elections held on 11 October 2025. While Jesse Morgan-Ranui was appointed as a Councillor, Toi ki Uta Māori Ward, one position remains vacant on the Murupara Community Board (Galatea-Waiōhau Subdivision) and three positions are unfilled on the Tāneatua Community Board.
Whakatāne District Council Annual Report 2024/25 adopted
Whakatāne District Council has adopted its audited Annual Report for the 2024/25 financial year at a Council meeting held on 19 November 2025.
Heavy Rain Warning - 19 November
An Orange Heavy Rain Warning is in place for Whakatāne District until 11pm tonight (Wednesday, 19 November).
Whakatāne District Council and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa sign partnership agreement
Whakatāne District Council and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa have signed a Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreement, the first to be established within the Whakatāne District.
Pōhiri and inaugural meeting mark new triennium for Whakatāne District Council
Pōhiri and inaugural meeting mark new triennium for Whakatāne District Council.
Water Services Delivery Plan accepted by Department of Internal Affairs
Whakatāne District Council’s Water Services Delivery Plan has now been accepted by the Department of Internal Affairs, confirming the future delivery model for water, wastewater and stormwater services in the district.
Emergency preparedness works best when it works for everyone
Whakatāne District Council, in partnership with local emergency services and community groups, will host a hands-on Emergency Services Open Day. This family-friendly event is designed to bring together emergency responders, support organisations, and the public in a fun, educational, and inclusive way.
New Ōtūmahi Reservoir boosts water resilience for Edgecumbe and Te Teko
A major new water reservoir above Ōtūmahi Lane in Te Teko is now complete, marking a significant milestone in water resilience for the Edgecumbe and Te Teko communities.
Planning an event this summer? Don’t forget your liquor licence
As the summer season approaches, event organisers looking to sell or supply alcohol are reminded to submit their special licence applications early – at least 20 working days before their event.
From cargo shed to community event hub at Wharfside
From humble cargo shed to harbourside celebration space. Discover how the building at Port Ōhope wharf has been transformed into Wharfside - a stunning venue where the community can gather for everything from intimate family moments to celebrations of 250 guests. With panoramic harbour views and year-round availability, this is where memories meet the water's edge.
Whakatāne District Council Local Election 2025 Final results
Final results in the Whakatāne District Council local election have been declared, confirming three-term councillor and former Green MP Nándor Tánczos as Mayor.
Council services availability - Labour Day
Our main office will be closed Monday, 27 October 2025 in observance of Labour Day. Most Council services will either have reduced opening hours or be closed entirely.
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