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News
Eastern Bay Councils Adopt 30-Year Plan for Growth and Development
Councils across the Eastern Bay have officially adopted the Our Places – Eastern Bay Spatial Plan (Spatial Plan), marking the beginning of a long-term, coordinated approach to managing growth, infrastructure, and development across the sub-region.
Council says yes to local water services, keeps door open for regional partnership
The Whakatāne District Council met today to confirm the future direction of water services in the district.
Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust to Ignite Creative Hub in Whakatāne's Historic Heart
A new chapter for the arts and community in Whakatāne is set to begin with the announcement of Ātea, a dynamic creative hub to be established at 266 The Strand, the iconic building formerly known as Wally Sutherland.
The project is being spearheaded by Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust, a collaboration between Tame Iti Limited and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
Council adopts 2025/26 Annual Plan with reduced rates increase
Whakatāne District Council has formally adopted its Annual Plan for the 2025/26 financial year, confirming an average rates increase of 11.7% (which aligns with the average across councils nationwide).
The increase of 11.7% represents a reduction from the previously forecast 12.7% for Year 2 of the Long Term Plan 2024-34.
Funding available for Whakatāne District projects
Applications are now open for two key funding opportunities designed to support te reo Māori initiatives and water-related projects in the Whakatāne District.
Register early and save - dog registrations now open
Dog owners across the Whakatāne District are encouraged to register their dogs early.
Council services availability - Matariki 2025
Our main office will be closed Friday, 20 June in observance of Matariki. Most Council services will either have reduced opening hours or be closed entirely.
From resident to representation: Stand for something this election
Whakatāne District Council today launches its 2025 local election campaign – Stand for Something: Tū Tūturu.
The campaign calls on people from all walks of life to step up, be heard, and lead where they live. It also encourages residents and ratepayers to enrol, vote and help shape the future of the Whakatāne District.
Whakatāne District Council Chief Executive, Steven Perdia says local government needs voices that reflect the diversity, aspirations, and lived experiences of our people.
First Council buildings set to go solar
Whakatāne District Council is flicking the switch on solar, with installations set to begin in the coming weeks at three key Council facilities.
Between June and September, grid-tied solar systems will be installed at the Dog Pound, Whakatāne Resource Recovery Centre, and the Main Council Building on Commerce Street. These will be the first Council-owned buildings to transition to solar energy, marking a significant milestone in Council’s sustainability journey.
“This is a really exciting step for our organisation,” says Lou Hunt, Climate Change and Resilience Manager.
Council introduces three strikes system to tackle bin contamination
Whakatāne District Council is introducing a three strikes system to help reduce contamination in kerbside recycling and greenwaste bins.
Severe weather effects - 4/5 June
The Whakatāne District experienced widespread effects to a period of intense rain and strong winds.
Power down: Drop off your old batteries on 14 June
If you’ve got a collection of old household batteries lying around, now’s your chance to drop them off safely and for free.
Whakatāne District Council is hosting a ‘Battery Take Back’ event on Saturday, 14 June from 10am to 12pm at the Whakatāne Resource Recovery Centre. The event is open to all and is a simple way to dispose of used batteries responsibly.
Radio 1XX will be on hand with spot prizes, and Council staff will be available to answer questions about battery disposal and other recycling options.
Have your say on safer speeds across the Whakatāne District
The Whakatāne District Council is inviting the community to share its views on proposed speed limit changes.
Council services availability - King's Birthday 2025
Our main office will be closed Monday, 2 June in observance of the King's Birthday. Most Council services will either have reduced opening hours or be closed entirely.
Community invited to comment on further submissions to Plan Change 4
The Whakatāne District Council is inviting further submissions on Plan Change 4 (PC4): Building Platform Level, which proposes updates to the District Plan to improve how flood risk to buildings is managed and simplify the consenting process.
What’s next for local water services?
Community consultation on the future delivery of Whakatāne District’s water services has now closed, and Whakatāne District Council is thanking everyone who took the time to have their say.
Time is running out to have your say on the future of local water services
The Whakatāne District Council is reminding residents that time is nearly up to share their views on the future of local water services, with the Local Water Done Well formal consultation closing at 5pm this Sunday, 18 May.
Over the past few weeks, elected members and staff have been out in the community, talking with residents and gathering feedback on a proposal that will shape how water services are delivered across the district for years to come.
Rangatahi Road Safety Roadshow focuses on rural students
More than 250 rangatahi from across the Eastern Bay of Plenty took part in this year’s 2025 Rangatahi Road Safety Roadshow, which focused on delivering practical road safety education to rural schools.
Whakatāne District Council approves Plan Change 5 to safeguard accessible parking
Whakatāne District Council has today approved Plan Change 5: Accessible Parking, following extensive community consultation.
Council adopts new Procurement Policy to boost transparency, value and local outcomes
A revised Procurement Policy has been adopted by Whakatāne District Council to bring its approach in line with modern best practices, support local outcomes, and strengthen financial and risk management.
The revised policy was approved at today's Council meeting (8 May, 2025) and replaces the previous version, which was last updated in 2012.
Procurement and Risk Manager Ingrid McNiven said the review of the policy was timely and essential.
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