Keep up to date with current and upcoming road closures, roadworks, road reserve works, and emergency road status information in the Whakatāne District.
News
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.
Whakatāne District declares State of Local Emergency – West End residents must evacuate
A State of Local Emergency was declared for Whakatāne District at 8.55am today (Saturday, 11 April 2026), by Acting Mayor Julie Jukes.
Council urges coastal residents to prepare for evacuations as Cyclone Vaianu approaches
Whakatāne District Council is urging coastal residents, particularly those in Ōhope Beach, to prepare now, with evacuations likely tomorrow (Saturday, 11 April) due to the expected impacts of Cyclone Vaianu.
Cyclone Vaianu: Local safety information
Updates regarding Cyclone Vaianu.
The Council urges residents to prepare early as Cyclone Vaianu approaches
Whakatāne District Council is closely monitoring Cyclone Vaianu, a Category 3 storm forecast to begin impacting parts of the country from early Sunday morning.
Strong community interest in Whakatāne Riverfront Enhancement project
Community engagement on the Whakatāne Riverfront Enhancement Project closed on 30 March 2026, with Whakatāne District Council receiving more than 260 pieces of individual feedback.
There was strong interest in the project, with feedback submitted in person, online, and through hard copy submissions. Pre engagement feedback from key stakeholders has also been included.
Community gets behind planning the future of Awakeri
Interest in shaping the future of Awakeri has been positive, with strong community support for involvement in the Awakeri Community Reference Group. Final nominations have now closed for the Awakeri Community Reference Group, with 33 people confirmed to take part.
Whakatāne Youth Council welcomed for 2026 term
The 2026 Whakatāne District Youth Council were formally welcomed this week with a mihi whakatau, shared kai, and their first meeting.
Committee backs next step toward safer parking enforcement
Whakatāne District Council has agreed to progress the next stage of introducing licence plate recognition technology for parking enforcement, following a decision by the Projects and Services Committee at its meeting today (2 April 2026).
Matatā wastewater project moves closer to resource consent
The Matatā community will soon have the chance to hear the latest on the town’s long-running wastewater project, as the project team prepares ahead of lodging the resource consent in the coming months. Nicholas Woodley, Manager Policy, Planning and Consents for Whakatāne District Council said the project had reached an important point, with a large amount of detailed work taking place over the last few months nearly finalised.
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