Community Quest fun days to shape Western Bay's future

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is launching a series of family fun days called the Community Quest, inviting locals to help shape the long-term future of key towns across the district. Starting later this month, events will be held at Waihī Beach, Katikati, Te Puna-Minden, and Te Puke, with an online option also available for those who can't attend in person.

Council interim general manager of strategy and community Emily Watton says the Quest is designed to make community engagement enjoyable for all ages, featuring activities such as rock climbing walls, parkour, circus try-outs, face painting, music, and free games. Participants trade their feedback for free food and prizes in a relaxed, nostalgic arcade-inspired setting.

The spatial plans being developed will guide decisions on housing, infrastructure, and what should be protected across these communities over the next 30 to 50 years. Watton says the council wants to make these important decisions alongside the people who call these places home. The Katikati event is scheduled for Saturday, 7 March from 10am to 1pm at Moore Park, with the Katikati War Memorial Hall as the wet-weather venue. More information is available at yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).