Waihi Beach community asked to have say on new medical centre proposal

Residents are being invited to share their views on a proposal to build a new medical centre at Waihi Beach, with Primary Health Care Ltd (PHCL) having approached Western Bay of Plenty District Council to lease part of the Beach Road Recreation Reserve for the project. PHCL, a charitable organisation that currently operates the Waihi Beach Medical Centre on Wilson Road, says a new facility is needed to meet the growing health needs of the community.

Council has agreed in principle to explore the proposal, which would require the reclassification of the reserve. However, before any decision is made, council is seeking public feedback. Residents can have their say online at yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz, pick up a hardcopy feedback form from Te Ara Mātauranga – Waihi Beach Library and Community Hub, or attend an in-person session at the same venue on Saturday 13 December between 10am and 1pm.

Feedback closes at 11:59pm on Sunday 8 February 2026.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).