Council Launches Community Forums to Shape Western Bay Spatial Plans

Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC) is establishing Community Ideas Forums to help shape spatial plans for three key areas: Te Puna-Minden, Katikati, and Waihi Beach-Bowentown-Athenree. The planning process is expected to take two years and aims to ensure communities have a say right from the outset.

A forum of around 20 people will be set up for each spatial plan area, with members drawn from a diverse cross-section of the community. WBOPDC acting general manager of strategy and community Emily Watton said these kōrero are ones communities have been wanting for some time, and involving people from the start is key to getting the plans right.

While the forums will not hold formal decision-making powers, their input is expected to play a critical role in shaping council's planning and project outcomes. The plans will support the development of council's Long Term Plan 2027–2037 and will also contribute to a Regional Spatial Plan anticipated under new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).