Whakatane District Plan
Discovered something interesting about our district plan while talking to one of the planning staff recently. It was around the 25m boundary rule for rural properties where you can't build any closer without requesting consent, a significant extra cost. I openly questioned the rule, as my neighbour to be had a 50m wide section and asked him bluntly who came up with it, and why.
The answer was interesting, he didn't know, nor was there much information on the reasoning behind it. The most important point though is that even if council wanted to change it now, they couldn't because during the time the now operative plan went into consultation there were no submissions on that rule, hence even if they wanted to change it, there is no mechanism to allow that to happen.
Now whether that's the fault of Whakatane District council or the resource management act isn't really relevant, what is relevant is that when they put the next plan out for consultation then make sure you read and do your best to understand the parts relevant to you, and if you have a problem then submit on it. Yes, I know the plan runs to 700+ pages, and much of it makes a dictionary exciting but it determines what council and land owners can and cannot do.
I would add in closing that my experience recently when dealing with planning staff has been pretty good both as a property owner and real estate agent, if you want to know something then walk into the council offices and ask them, I have and it was worth the time and effort involved.
Andrew Broxholme
Edge Realty Whakatane
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (REAA 2008)
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Poll: Could having a bigger university presence bring new opportunities and energy to the Bay of Plenty?
As reported in The Post, the University of Waikato is planting roots in Tauranga as it works on “ambitious plans” to grow its Durham St campus. The goal? To see Tauranga recognised as a true “university city.”
We want to know: Could having a bigger university presence bring new opportunities and energy to the region? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
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68.4% Yes!
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21.1% Nah
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10.5% Mmm, let's wait and see
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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