Keep up to date with current and upcoming road closures, roadworks, road reserve works, and emergency road status information in the Whakatāne District.
News
Council on track with water reforms, keeps future options open
Whakatāne District Council is continuing to make steady progress on the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms, with a new report confirming work is on track while longer-term options remain under consideration.
Have your say on what you pay - and how Council services are funded
Whakatāne District Council wants your help to shape how local services are funded - and what you pay when you use them.
Proposals now open for Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway restoration
Whakatāne District Council is now accepting proposals for the reinstatement of a walkway that connects West End with Ōtarawairere Bay on the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) opened last week, inviting plans for either repairing and reinstating the existing track or developing alternative routes without reliance on Council funding.
The RFP requires proposals to demonstrate how they will address geotechnical challenges, cultural and environmental considerations, and health and safety requirements in a way that is sustainable for the long term.
Whakatāne Art Gallery reopens with exhibitions celebrating Ngāti Awa heritage
Tuku iho cannot be hung on a wall. But it can fill a gallery.
This month, four exhibitions open at the Whakatāne Art Gallery, each one a different expression of the same thread, knowledge, stories, and practice passed down across generations.
The suite brings together Ngāti Awa artists in conversation with taonga/treasures, a community of weavers from Te Teko, intimate portraits of kuia that haven't been seen in Whakatāne for thirty years, and a dedicated space celebrating tamariki and mokopuna.
Next stage on riverfront works to get underway next week
Work along the Whakatāne Riverfront will move into its next stage next week, as Whakatāne District Council begin removal of the building at 2 The Strand as part of Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Project Future Proof to upgrade flood defences in the area.
Watermain renewal works underway on Stewart Street and Washer Avenue
Watermain renewal works are underway on Stewart Street and Washer Avenue as part of the Whakatāne District Council Watermain Renewal Programme.
Feedback open on proposal to enable flexible funding for household kerbside recycling
The Council is inviting the community to give feedback on a proposed change to how household kerbside recycling collections could be funded.
Updated tsunami evacuation maps for Whakatāne District
Updated tsunami evacuation maps are now available for coastal areas across Bay of Plenty, including Whakatāne District.
Community Reference Group workshop kicks off Awakeri Structure Plan conversations
The first Awakeri Community Reference Group workshop was held on Wednesday 15 April, bringing together 25 local participants for a three‑hour session focused on the future of Awakeri. The workshop marked an early step in developing the Awakeri Structure Plan and was designed to encourage open discussion, shared learning and the exchange of local knowledge.
Antenno app launches in Whakatāne District making it easier to stay informed and report issues
Whakatāne District Council is now using Antenno, a free app that helps residents stay informed and report local issues directly to the Council from their mobile device.
Council services availability - Anzac Day 2026
Anzac Day falls on Saturday, 25 April, with the public holiday observed on Monday, 27 April. Our main office will be closed on both days. Some council services may operate over the weekend, however opening hours may be reduced or services closed.
Edgecumbe planned water shutdown - Friday 17 April
Edgecumbe planned water shutdown notice for Friday 17 April.
Funding available to support local climate action and youth development
Whakatāne District Council is encouraging the community to take action on climate change, with two dedicated climate funds now open in partnership with Trust Horizon.
Council approves baseline design for Whakatāne riverfront enhancement
The Whakatāne District Council has approved the minimum baseline concept design for the Whakatāne riverfront enhancement works at a Council meeting on Thursday, 16 April 2026. The riverfront enhancements are being delivered as a result of Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s upgraded flood defences. The enhancement works aim to soften the visual impact of the floodwall and strengthen connections between the town centre and the awa.
Free cyclone greenwaste drop-offs at Whakatāne Resource Recovery Centre
Whakatāne District Council is offering free cyclone greenwaste drop-offs at the Whakatāne Resource Recovery Centre from Thursday, 16 April to Friday, 24 April, to support residents with Cyclone Vaianu clean-up.
State of Emergency lifted as Whakatāne District continues clean up
For immediate release: Tuesday, 14 April 2026
While severe weather conditions have now passed, significant hazards remain across the Whakatāne District and residents are urged to continue taking care following the impacts of Cyclone Vaianu.
The local state of emergency was lifted by Whakatāne District Council’s Emergency Operations Centre yesterday afternoon (Monday, 13 April).
Cyclone Vaianu has passed; caution still urged across Whakatāne District
Whakatāne District Council advises that Cyclone Vaianu has now moved through the district, with the most severe weather conditions easing this evening.
While this marks an important transition point, residents are urged to continue taking care, as a number of hazards remain across the district.
Following today’s events, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) staff, alongside the New Zealand Defence Force, completed an initial visual assessment of affected areas.
Cyclone Vaianu intensifies: Direct hit on Whakatāne District - get out now
The message is clear: Cyclone Vaianu is approaching the Whakatāne District. Residents in Ōhope, coastal Thornton, and anyone who feels unsafe are urged to evacuate inland before 12pm today.
Cyclone Vaianu changes track: increased risk to Whakatāne District
Whakatāne District Council is warning residents that the most concerning period of Cyclone Vaianu is expected this afternoon (Sunday 12 April). Gale force winds of up to 150 kilometres per hour, extremely strong storm surges and potentially 12-metre-high waves are forecast to coincide with high tide at 2.20pm today.
Risk to life: Further mandatory evacuations in Ōhope and Thornton as Cyclone Vaianu intensifies
Mandatory evacuation orders have been extended to additional areas of Ōhope and Thornton as Cyclone Vaianu intensifies, with residents in a number of other coastal and low-lying areas strongly urged to self-evacuate now.
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