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.

Climate change and resilience

Climate change poses a huge challenge for communities as more frequent extreme weather events require us to rethink how we live and where. Local authorities are at the forefront of efforts to respond, with responsibilities for environmental planning and regulation, as well as civil defence. Many councils have plans to reduce emissions in their area and are working to help their communities adapt to a warming world.

Climate change and resilience

Climate change poses a huge challenge for communities as more frequent extreme weather events require us to rethink how we live and where. Local authorities are at the forefront of efforts to respond, with responsibilities for environmental planning and regulation, as well as civil defence. Many councils have plans to reduce emissions in their area and are working to help their communities adapt to a warming world.

  • Ensure that in the event of a civil defence emergency the contingency plans included in the ten year plan are in place.

    Explore promoting Whakatāne as New Zealand's biggest carbon neutral city by encouraging carbon neutral aligned business growth.

    Promote the existing council policy on climate change with a view to turning it into action.

  • Continue to make carbon emission reduction a key focus for council and the wider community.

    Ensure the spatial plan provides for housing and business development in safer zones.

    Progress the civil defence base and establish robust community plans for evacuation in the event of a tsunami, flood event or earthquake.

  • Expand council investment in renewable energy and reinvest energy savings into the community, eg free pool access for local school children.

    Review resilience across the district to ensure that every community is prepared and connected in an emergency.

    Strengthen civil defence preparedness to respond to climate emergencies and re-establish monitoring of White Island (Whakari).

  • Ensure that in the event of a civil defence emergency the contingency plans included in the ten year plan are in place.

    Explore promoting Whakatāne as New Zealand's biggest carbon neutral city by encouraging carbon neutral aligned business growth.

    Promote the existing council policy on climate change with a view to turning it into action.

  • Continue to make carbon emission reduction a key focus for council and the wider community.

    Ensure the spatial plan provides for housing and business development in safer zones.

    Progress the civil defence base and establish robust community plans for evacuation in the event of a tsunami, flood event or earthquake.

  • Expand council investment in renewable energy and reinvest energy savings into the community, eg free pool access for local school children.

    Review resilience across the district to ensure that every community is prepared and connected in an emergency.

    Strengthen civil defence preparedness to respond to climate emergencies and re-establish monitoring of White Island (Whakari).