Local Council

The draft Bay of Plenty Regional Public Transport Plan 2026-2036 is now open for public feedback, with the regional council focusing on making better use of existing services and current investment.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts has urged the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to hold off on major decisions affecting Quayside Holdings until local government reforms are finalised.

Months after a major slip closed Motu Road, repair work is scheduled to begin later this month, bringing relief to cyclists and local communities.

Ōpōtiki District Council has adopted its 2026-27 Annual Plan, confirming an average rates increase of 8.7% for the coming financial year, significantly lower than the 16% projected in the district's Long-Term Plan.

Whakatāne District residents will face higher waste management costs from July next year, with fees at refuse and recycling centres set to rise by 10% following increased transport costs linked to changes in landfill disposal.

Work to remove the council-owned buildings on the corner of The Strand and Quay Street will begin soon as part of the wider Whakatāne Riverfront Enhancement Project.

Whakatāne District Council has adopted its Annual Plan for the 2026/27 financial year, confirming an average rates increase of 9.1% after finding additional savings across the organisation.

Whakatāne District Council has started a conversation about making water charges “fairer” and “clearer” for the district; however, decisions are yet to be made.