Whakatāne District Council

Whakatāne-Ōhope General Ward
The Whakatāne District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of ten councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). four councillors will be elected from the Whakatāne-Ōhope ward. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Whakatāne District Council election.

Jobs and economy

Many councils help support local business and economic development. Some promote tourism in their area, or provide business support services and grants.

Jobs and economy

Many councils help support local business and economic development. Some promote tourism in their area, or provide business support services and grants.

  • Boost youth employment opportunities.

    Revitalise Whakatane's CBD by supporting plans for new and existing businesses that contribute to community vibrancy and job creation.

    Support local business growth.

  • Build on natural assets and encourage domestic tourism initiatives, particularly ecotourism, food tourism and cycling and mountain biking.

    Support businesses in the district to thrive by working closely with retailers and business owners on actions which will enable growth.

    Work with the police, businesses and retailers on solutions for youth crime, drugs and ram-raiding in the wider community.

  • Continue investing in the successful in-house marketing that supports bringing domestic tourists to Whakatāne.

    Highlight the outstanding home grown businesses from the eastern Bay of Plenty that now lead on the local and world stage such as Surtees, Extreme and Wai Manuka.

    Support further business ideas that rely on innovation, technology and high paying wages.

  • Ensure council procurement policies support local contractors and the local economy.

    Work with business owners and retailers on policies and strategies to promote and enable growth.

    Build council's relationship with tangata whenua for shared outcomes and prosperity.

  • Boost youth employment opportunities.

    Revitalise Whakatane's CBD by supporting plans for new and existing businesses that contribute to community vibrancy and job creation.

    Support local business growth.

  • Build on natural assets and encourage domestic tourism initiatives, particularly ecotourism, food tourism and cycling and mountain biking.

    Support businesses in the district to thrive by working closely with retailers and business owners on actions which will enable growth.

    Work with the police, businesses and retailers on solutions for youth crime, drugs and ram-raiding in the wider community.

  • Continue investing in the successful in-house marketing that supports bringing domestic tourists to Whakatāne.

    Highlight the outstanding home grown businesses from the eastern Bay of Plenty that now lead on the local and world stage such as Surtees, Extreme and Wai Manuka.

    Support further business ideas that rely on innovation, technology and high paying wages.

  • Ensure council procurement policies support local contractors and the local economy.

    Work with business owners and retailers on policies and strategies to promote and enable growth.

    Build council's relationship with tangata whenua for shared outcomes and prosperity.