A community-led and Council-supported research document exploring the causes and effects of homelessness and severe housing deprivation in our District is a critical new resource that will be used to determine future responses to these complex social issues. “Homelessness in the Whakatāne District – A Situational Overview” was completed over […]
Two men arrested and charged in relation to significant offending across Waikato and Bay of Plenty
Police investigating an aggravated burglary in Kawerau early yesterday morning have now made two arrests. Police received a report of a burglary at a commercial premises at Tarawera Mall at around 5:45am yesterday morning, Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson said. Two men, aged 24 and 19, face a raft of […]
Major safety work to start on Thornton Road
Some of the winding corners on Thornton Road will be eased as Whakatāne District Council starts major safety improvements on the busy road. Council Manager Transportation Martin Taylor said ensuring the community can travel the district safely is one of the highest priorities for Council. “Thornton Road is incredibly unforgiving […]
Final list of candidates for the Whakatāne District
After a flurry of last-minute nominations, it’s ‘game on’ for the healthy list of Mayoral, Council and Community Board candidates who have put their hands up to change the game this election. Whakatāne District Council has confirmed the final list of candidates after being confirmed by Election Services. The full […]
Lights on!
The Strand in Whakatāne has been lit up with more than 21,000 new fairy lights as part of Whakatāne District Council’s aim to enhance the space, create more vibrancy and improve safety in the town center. The ‘Light the Strand’ project replaced the existing tree lights with improved commercial grade […]
Kiss and Go zones installed at three kura
To make the journey to school safer for our tamariki, Whakatāne District Council is installing “Kiss and Go” zones outside three Whakatāne schools this week. The “Kiss and Go” zones will be installed outside Apanui School, St Joseph’s Catholic School Whakatāne and James Street School. Council Manager Transportation Martin Taylor […]
Senseless vandalism ruins community reserves
A spate of recent vandalism targeting community reserves and established gardens has local residents and Council staff shaking their heads. A social media post showing Mataatua Reserve’s turf left in ruins after vandals purposefully gouged skids through the grass has received widespread attention. However, Manager Open Spaces Operations Ian Molony, […]
Medium term plan for SH35 starts this week
From Tuesday 26 July 2022, State Highway 35 at Rahotautau, near the Motu River Bridge (between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha) will open to light traffic during the evenings. Heavy rain in the area had resulted in the washout of a large section of the road alongside the Motu river last […]