Local Council

Five new bus stops have been approved for Whakatāne to support the growing public transport network.

The three Eastern Bay of Plenty district councils have unanimously agreed to submit a joint proposal to establish an Eastern Bay of Plenty Unitary Council, marking a significant step in the region's response to the Government's local government reform programme.

A proposal to establish an Eastern Bay of Plenty unitary authority has moved a step closer after Whakatāne District Council and Ōpōtiki District Council voted to support its submission to Central Government.

Whakatāne Mayor Nándor Tánczos has labelled the Government’s decision to scrap all Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements “destructive and irresponsible”, saying it undermines years of work building constructive relationships between councils and tangata whenua.

Whakatāne District Council has endorsed the draft strategic direction that will guide the development of the Long Term Plan 2027-37 following its meeting last week.

Whakatāne District Council has agreed to progress work with Kawerau District Council and Ōpōtiki District Council on developing a proposal for an Eastern Bay of Plenty unitary council.

Bay of Plenty communities have highlighted environmental protection, effective service delivery, and maintaining connected regional services as key priorities in any future local government reform.