2509 days ago

Draft Annual Plan submissions closing soon

Richard Parfitt from Whakatāne District Council

Submissions on the Whakatāne District Council's draft 2019/20 Annual Plan will close at 5pm on Monday, 29 April, so now is the time to have your say!

Key focus areas highlighted for feedback in the Council’s Annual Plan consultation document include:

Whakatāne waterfront and town centre regeneration

Bringing forward planned road safety and active transport improvements

Enclosing the outdoor pool at the Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre

Earthquake strengthening the Whakatāne District War Memorial Hall

Implementing a managed retreat process for Matatā properties threatened by debris flows

Cost increases for water and wastewater services

A targeted rate for Whakatāne CBD businesses, proposed by the EPIC (Events Promotion Initiatives and Community) group, to fund a town centre marketing and promotion strategy

Changing the way debt limits are set in the Council’s financial strategy.

The consultation document also provides a table of indicative rating costs for communities and sectors throughout the District. While cost increases vary, the average increase proposed across the District is 4.16 percent. That compares to the 2.88 percent increase signaled for the year in the 2018-29 Long Term Plan.

For further information and guidance on how to make a submission, visit the Annual Plan 2019/20 - Consultation page on our website.
www.whakatane.govt.nz...

Image
More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Get up to $30,000 back* with your new home

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village by 31 March 2026 and receive a $30,000 credit on settlement or sign up to a serviced apartment and receive a $10,000 credit on settlement*.

Imagine a new smart TV, your next getaway or furniture for your new home. With more money staying in your pocket, it’s yours to spend!

Discover the lifestyle that awaits.

*Participating villages only, Terms and conditions apply.

Image
11 days ago

Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!

William Hansby Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.

Image
30 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

Image