Stage One of Ōmokoroa Road Upgrade Now Complete
Stage one of the $13M Ōmokoroa Rd upgrade between SH2 and Prole Rd is complete, widening the road to four lanes with improved safety and infrastructure.
Ōmokoroa Toilet Relocation: Council Seeks Community Input
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking community feedback on the future of a public toilet at Ōmokoroa's Precious Family Reserve, with three opt
Minden Lookout Reopens with New Platform and Accessible Path
The Minden Lookout near Katikati has reopened with a modern, accessible viewing platform replacing the 1977 structure removed for safety reasons in 2024.
Katikati Shipping Container Terminal Moves to Hamilton
A controversial shipping container terminal at Katikati's northern entrance is relocating to Hamilton, ending months of community debate over noise and app
Katikati Community Shares Vision in Draft Spatial Plan Feedback
Katikati residents have had their say on the draft spatial plan, with results covering infrastructure, transport, town centres and reserve management now r
Western Bay Council Holds Workshops on Local Government Shake-Up
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is hosting six June workshops on local government reorganisation, with five possible merger scenarios on the table.
Katikati Bypass Included in Western Bay Regional Growth Deal
The Katikati Bypass is included in a new 10-year regional deal between Western Bay councils and the Government, with funding to come from asset recycling.
Western Bay council to consult communities on local government reform
Western Bay of Plenty District Council will consult communities from 25 May on central government local government reforms signalling a shift to fewer, lar
Te Hokinga Mai o te Kākā sculpture opens at Ōmokoroa wetland
A new sculpture, Te Hokinga Mai o te Kākā, has opened at the Wāhi ō Waipapa Wetland in Ōmokoroa, celebrating Pirirākau's connection to land and water.
Poripori Road to close eight weeks for slip repairs from May
Poripori Road near Katikati will be closed between Kumikumi Road and Tebbutt Road for about eight weeks from 11 May while slip repairs are carried out.
Mayoral Relief Fund distributes $205,300 to flood-affected households
Western Bay's Mayoral Relief Fund has paid out $205,300 to 36 flood-affected households and orchardists in the Katikati district, with grants ranging from
Bowentown's Tui Park playground set for community-shaped upgrade
Tui Park playground in Bowentown is being upgraded with new swings, a climbing frame and natural play features, shaped by community feedback.
Waihī Beach medical centre reserve proposal withdrawn after public backlash
PHCL has withdrawn its proposal to build a medical centre on a Waihī Beach reserve after 56% of the 409 submitters opposed the planned location.
Vandals damage new goals in blow to Katikati Football Club
Katikati Football Club is facing a $2500-plus repair bill after vandals damaged seven newly purchased goals at Moore Park ahead of the winter season.
WBOPDC seeks expressions of interest for Hot Springs Road reserve grazing
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking expressions of interest for a 10-year grazing licence on a recreation reserve at Hot Springs Road, Katika
WBOPDC proposes 8.13% rates rise in draft Annual Plan 2026/27
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is proposing an 8.13% rates rise in its draft Annual Plan 2026/27, with community consultation opening 20 March.
Spinal injury at Tauranga pool sparks regional diving ban
Bay Venues has temporarily banned recreational diving at most Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty pools after a teen suffered a spinal injury at Greerton Aq
Annika Lane rejoins Western Bay council in strategy role
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has appointed Annika Lane as general manager of strategy and community, starting 23 March 2026.
Western Bay councillors top national pay rise table with 57% jump
Western Bay of Plenty District councillors recorded a 57% average pay rise in 2025/26, topping a national table and drawing criticism from the Taxpayers' U
Community Quest days coming to Waihī Beach and Katikati
Western Bay of Plenty's Community Quest arcade-style family events visit Waihī Beach on 28 February and Katikati on 7 March to gather community feedback.
Katikati recovery event to connect storm-affected residents with support agencies
A Pathways to Recovery evening on 19 February in Katikati will bring together key agencies to support residents still navigating storm recovery.
Community Quest fun days to shape Western Bay's future
Western Bay of Plenty District Council's Community Quest brings arcade-inspired family fun days to Katikati and beyond to help plan the region's future.
Mayoral Relief Fund opens for Western Bay storm victims
Western Bay of Plenty residents hit by January's storm have until 15 February to apply for support from the council's Mayoral Relief Fund.
Local bus route feedback session coming to Katikati in February
Katikati residents can give feedback on the Town Connector Route 85 bus service at a community meeting on 12 February at the Katikati Community Centre.
Public Invited to Have Their Say on Katikati Town Connector Bus
Locals are invited to give feedback on the Katikati Town Connector (Route 85) at a public session on 12 February at the Katikati Community Centre.
Western Bay council seeks feedback on Waihī Beach medical centre proposal
Western Bay council is consulting on a proposal to lease part of Beach Road Recreation Reserve at Waihī Beach for a new medical centre. Feedback closes 8 F
Three new constables to boost Katikati police staffing
Three new constables are joining the Katikati police team in February 2026, boosting section staffing from two to three and improving community responsiven
Dave Hume Pool hosts community pool party after upgrade
Dave Hume Pool in Katikati is hosting a free community pool party on 24 January following the completion of upgrade works at the heated complex.
Katikati Youth Park Project Hits $100k Fundraising Milestone
Katikati's Moore Park Youth Park project reaches $100k in fundraising and signs a Deed of Agreement with WBOPDC, marking a major step forward for local ran
Community Asked to Have Say on New Waihī Beach Medical Centre
Western Bay council is seeking public feedback on a proposal to build a new medical centre on the Beach Road Recreation Reserve at Waihī Beach. Submissions
Bowentown Domain Café Proposal Open for Community Feedback
Bowentown Beach Holiday Park has applied to operate a public café at Bowentown Domain, with WBOPDC seeking community feedback before making a final decisio
Western Bay Mayor Urges Community Support and Kindness This Summer
Western Bay Mayor encourages community kindness and support this summer amid economic challenges, looking forward to collaborative progress in 2026.
Katikati's Upgraded Dave Hume Pool Opens for Summer
Katikati's Dave Hume Pool has reopened after a $2.5m upgrade featuring a new learn-to-swim pool, outdoor gym, and improved accessibility.
Extra Kerbside Collections Planned for Waihī Beach Area This Summer
Waihī Beach, Bowentown and Athenree will receive extra kerbside rubbish and recycling collections over summer to help manage holiday waste.
Katikati Streets to Close for A&P Show in February 2026
Western Bay of Plenty District Council will close Stewart Street and Major Street in Katikati for the A&P Show on 1 February 2026.
Katikati College Unveils New Tohu and Revamped House System
Katikati College has launched a new tohu and four environment-inspired houses after two years of community consultation, replacing symbols dating to 1955.
Western Bay council adopts 2024/25 annual report with record investment
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has adopted its 2024/25 Annual Report, highlighting record capital investment of $134 million and a return to surplu
Waihi Beach community asked to have say on new medical centre proposal
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking public feedback on a proposal to build a new medical centre on the Beach Road Recreation Reserve at Waihi
Ōmokoroa reserve land swap proposed to fix subdivision access
A land exchange at Kaimai Views Reserve in Ōmokoroa is proposed to allow a nearby subdivision to access Sentinel Avenue. Public feedback closes 8 February
New tsunami inundation maps released for Western Bay of Plenty
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has released updated tsunami inundation maps showing areas at risk from two offshore earthquake scenarios.
Dave Hume Pool set to reopen December 17 after major revamp
Katikati's Dave Hume Pool reopens 17 December after a major upgrade including new pool liners, a disability hoist and extended seasonal hours under Bay Ven
Bowentown Holiday Park seeks consent to open café for public
Western Bay council is seeking public feedback on a plan to open a café at Bowentown Holiday Park, open to park guests and the general public.
Kauri Point Historic Reserve Cultural Concept Plan Open for Feedback
Council and hapū group Te Kō Rōpu seek community feedback on a cultural concept plan for Kauri Point Historic Reserve, with submissions closing 7 December
Council Addresses Roadside Mowing Cuts, Promises Extra Pre-Christmas Run
Western Bay of Plenty Council pledges an extra pre-Christmas mow after community backlash over cuts to roadside mowing, with NZTA funding reductions to bla
Community Feedback Sought on New Waihī Beach Medical Centre Proposal
Western Bay of Plenty District Council seeks public feedback on a plan to build a new medical centre on part of Waihī Beach's Beach Road Recreation Reserve
Draft Plan to Protect Historic Pā Sites at Kauri Point Released
A draft cultural concept plan for Kauri Point Historic Reserve near Katikati has been released, with community feedback open until 7 December 2025.
Bay of Plenty Council Team to Inspect Backyard Ponds for Invasive Pests
Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity staff are inspecting Western Bay backyard ponds this summer to identify invasive aquatic species threatening loc
New $2.1M Panepane Wharf Opens on Matakana Island
The new $2.1M Panepane Wharf on Matakana Island has officially opened, replacing an ageing 1980s structure and strengthening the vital link to the mainland
Katikati Police Charge Woman After iFixed Burglary Recovery
A Katikati woman has been charged with burglary after police executed search warrants and recovered stolen property from the iFixed tech store break-in.
Freedom Campers Reminded to Follow Rules Across WBOP This Summer
WBOP District Council reminds freedom campers to follow the rules this summer, with fines of $400 for breaches and key seasonal site closures in effect.
First Wahine Māori Chair Elected to Toi Moana Regional Council
Matemoana McDonald becomes the first wahine Māori chair of Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council following the 2025 Local Body Elections.
WBOPC WanderWalks Summer Series Returns for Dogs and Owners
Western Bay of Plenty District Council's WanderWalks Summer Series is back, offering five free guided dog walks at locations across the district from Novem
Freedom Campers Urged to Follow Rules in Western Bay of Plenty
Western Bay of Plenty District Council reminds freedom campers of rules at 46 designated sites, with $400 fines for breaching seasonal restrictions.
Western Bay CCTV Fund Opens With $50,000 to Spend on Safety
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is offering $50,000 through its CCTV Fund to install public safety cameras across the rohe — apply by 14 November.
Re-elected Katikati-Waihī Beach Councillors Outline Term Priorities
Re-elected councillors Allan Sole and Rodney Joyce share their priorities for the Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward, including wastewater, jobs and the Katikati by
Maketū's Shane Beech Wins Council Seat After Three-Year Wait
Shane Beech wins Western Bay of Plenty District Council seat for Maketū-Te Puke ward after three-year absence from local politics.
Council Stands by Te Puke Plaza Project Despite Resident Criticism
Te Puke Council defends plaza refurbishment project against criticism over design and parking availability in town centre.
WBOP Residents Urged to Cast Final Vote Before Election Close
Western Bay of Plenty residents had until midday 11 October to vote in the 2025 Local Body Elections, with a referendum on the Māori Ward also on the ballo
Whitebaiters urged to protect flood infrastructure during season
Bay of Plenty Regional Council is asking whitebaiters to steer clear of flood protection structures this season, warning tampering with floodgates puts com
Council Launches Community Forums to Shape Western Bay Spatial Plans
WBOPDC is setting up Community Ideas Forums to develop spatial plans for Te Puna-Minden, Katikati, and Waihi Beach over the next two years.
Bay Venues Awarded Contract to Manage Te Puke Memorial Pool
Bay Venues awarded four-year contract to manage Te Puke Memorial Pool with focus on expanding learn-to-swim programmes and community access.
Western BOP Council Opens Summer Sports Field Bookings for 2025–26
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is taking bookings for summer sports fields and hard courts for the 2025–26 season running October to March.
Candidate Videos Go Live for Western BOP Local Body Elections
Western BOP candidates have recorded 90-second video profiles ahead of local body elections. Voting opens 9 September and closes midday 11 October 2025.
Western Bay Council Adopts New Kaimai Ward Reserves Plan
Western Bay of Plenty District Council adopts a refreshed Kaimai Ward Reserve Management Plan covering 63 reserves and nine newly named sites.
Matahui Distillery applies for on-licence to sell alcohol
Amatis Limited is seeking an on-licence for Matahui Distillery at 270 Matahui Road, Katikati, to sell alcohol seven days a week.
Katikati Community Centre's advocate role at risk without funding
The Katikati Community Centre needs $100,000 to save its community advocate role, which supported 344 families in 2024 and could end in August 2026.
Matahui Distillery Applies for On-Licence in Katikati
Amatis Limited has applied to the Western Bay of Plenty District Licensing Committee for an on-licence to operate Matahui Distillery in Katikati.
Council Introduces Camera Technology to Monitor Parking in Te Puke
Te Puke introduces vehicle-mounted camera technology to monitor parking violations and improve town centre parking turnover and staff safety.
Western Bay Libraries Launch New Fire-Safe Battery Recycling Service
Western Bay of Plenty District Council launches fire-safe battery recycling units at libraries and service centres including Te Puke to improve safety and
Western Bay Council Election: Voting Packs Out from 9 September
Western Bay of Plenty voting packs arrive from 9 September, with voting closing midday 11 October. Find out how and where to cast your vote.
Toi Moana Regional Council Candidates Named for Bay of Plenty Election
Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council has confirmed candidates for its local body elections, with contested races in every constituency.
Eight Candidates Vie for Western Bay Mayoralty
Eight candidates including the incumbent mayor are standing for the Western Bay of Plenty mayoralty, with voting opening next month.
Dave Hume Pool Eyes Major Upgrade After 51 Years Serving Katikati
Katikati's Dave Hume Swimming Pool is set for a major upgrade, with plans for better accessibility, a longer swim season, and a new outdoor gym.
Western BOP Libraries Get Fire-Safe Battery Recycling Units
Western BOP District Council has installed fire-safe battery recycling units at Katikati, Waihī Beach, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke libraries to make disposal safe
SH2/Ōmokoroa Rd Roundabout Upgrade Works to Begin
Road-widening works at the SH2/Ōmokoroa Rd roundabout near Katikati begin within weeks, bringing two phases of traffic changes over roughly three months.
Katikati Portrait Exhibition Opens at Local Library
A free exhibition tracing Katikati's history from its earliest days opens at the town library on 4 August, marking 150 years since Ulster Irish settlement.
Katikati Dog Park Set for Agility Upgrade After Community Fundraising Push
Katikati's Dog Exercise Park is set for an agility upgrade, with a community fundraiser and a Dog Tricks Workshop on 27 July helping to raise funds for new
Illegal Concrete Dumping at Thompson's Track Costs Council Thousands
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking public information after large-scale illegal dumping, including reinforced concrete, was found at Thompso
Western Bay's $160k Community Matching Fund Opens for Applications
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has opened its $160,000 Community Matching Fund for applications, supporting social, environmental and cultural proj
Waihi Beach Opens $5m Community Hub Te Ara Mātauranga
Waihi Beach's new $5m Te Ara Mātauranga library and community hub opens — four times bigger, with deep tangata whenua design connections.
Katikati Dog Park Seeks $11k in Sponsorship for Agility Equipment
Katikati's new Dog Park off Henry Road needs $11,346 in community sponsorship to install agility equipment for dogs of all sizes. Find out how to help.
Council Calls for Candidates Ahead of 2025 Local Elections
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has opened nominations for the 2025 local elections, including a new Waka Kai Uru Māori Ward.
WBOP Council Approves 8.92% Rates Rise After Budget Errors
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has approved an 8.92% rates rise for 2025/26 after budget errors were uncovered, adding up to $206 for homeowners.
Local Government Elections 2025: Nominations Open for WBOP and BOPRC
Nominations are open for the 2025 local government elections covering Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
$6.1m Bridge Opens in Te Puke After 2023 Washout
Te Puke's $6.1m No. 4 Road bridge opens after two years, restoring vital rural community link destroyed in January 2023 washout.
Western Bay District Rates to Rise 8.92% in 2025–26
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has set an average rates rise of 8.92% for 2025–26, below the long-term plan forecast but above earlier indications.
Waihī Beach Gets a Brand-New Library Opening 1 July
Te Ara Mātauranga — Waihī Beach's new 400m² library and service centre — opens 1 July, replacing a facility less than a quarter of its size.
Te Puke Heritage Plaza Refurbishment Begins
Te Puke Heritage Plaza undergoes $200,000 refurbishment next week to create a more welcoming green space and revitalize the town centre.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair Doug Leeder Steps Aside
Bay of Plenty Regional Council chair Doug Leeder will not stand for re-election in October 2025 after more than a decade leading the organisation.
Public Asked to Shape Ōmokoroa Domain Marine Upgrade Plans
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking public feedback on an $8.2m upgrade to Ōmokoroa Domain's marine facilities, closing 22 June 2025.
Katikati RSA to Hold Annual General Meeting in June
The Katikati RSA will hold its 2025 AGM on 18 June at the Katikati Bowling Club, with officer elections and financial statements on the agenda.
Western Bay District Council pushes for greater voter engagement in 2025 elections
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is encouraging voter turnout and candidacy for the 11 October 2025 local elections, which bring major structural cha
Major infrastructure upgrades underway on Boucher Avenue
Western Bay of Plenty begins nine-month Boucher Avenue upgrade project in mid-June, including road, stormwater and water pipe improvements in Te Puke.
Government funding changes wind down youth job support programme
Te Puke's Mayors Taskforce for Jobs programme, which supported 170+ young people into employment, is winding down due to government funding changes from Ju
Fluoride to Be Added to Western Bay Water Supplies from June
Western Bay of Plenty District Council will add fluoride to Athenree and Wharawhara water supplies from June 2025, under a Director-General of Health direc
Waipuna Hospice Warns It Could Disappear Without More Funding
Waipuna Hospice CEO David Bryant warns the organisation could vanish from communities within years unless a critical Health NZ funding gap is addressed.
Maketu-Te Puke Community Expo Scheduled for May 21
Maketu-Te Puke Community Expo on May 21 offers residents chance to meet council staff and learn about local projects and upcoming elections.
Kaimai Ward Community Expo Coming to Te Puna on 7 May
Western Bay of Plenty District Council hosts a free Kaimai Ward Community Expo at Te Puna School Hall on 7 May, covering roading, reserves and elections.
Waihī Beach–Athenree Shared Pathway Plan Opens for Community Feedback
Western Bay District Council has released a draft plan for the Ahi Pātiki shared pathway linking Waihī Beach and Athenree, with community feedback open unt
Te Puke Hosts Free Hazardous Waste Disposal Day
Te Puke free hazardous waste disposal day on May 25 lets residents safely dispose of household chemicals, pool products and garden sprays. Registration req
SH2/Ōmokoroa Road Roundabout Nears Full Completion
The SH2/Ōmokoroa Road roundabout is nearly done, with a final skid-resistant surface to be laid in spring as part of the $43m Western Bay upgrade.
Public Meeting Called Over Katikati Quarry Expansion Proposal
Project Parore is holding a public meeting on 23 April to discuss the proposed 50ha expansion of the J Swap Katikati Quarry under the Fast-track Approvals
Katikati Police Welcome New Station Support Officer
Katikati Police have welcomed Olivia Henderson as their new station support officer, a move expected to free up frontline staff for more time in the commun
Drivers Warned to Plan Ahead for Busy Easter and Anzac Holiday Roads
NZTA warns Bay of Plenty and Waikato drivers to plan ahead for heavy Easter and Anzac Day traffic, with multiple roadworks causing delays on key routes.
Dave Hume Pool Katikati Set for Major Upgrades Ahead of 2025/26 Season
Katikati's Dave Hume Pool will reopen for 2025/26 with a new learn-to-swim pool, disability hoist, extended season and a range of facility upgrades.
Youth-led $129,000 park upgrade planned for Katikati
A $129,000 youth-led park project in Katikati will be delivered in three stages, providing spaces for young people to gather, be active and connect.
Katikati-Waihī Beach Forum to Spotlight Key Local Projects
Western Bay of Plenty District Council hosts a community forum expo in Katikati on 9 April, covering local projects, water reform and emergency management.
Athenree Recycling Centre Cuts Back to Sundays Only
Athenree Recycling and Greenwaste Centre moves to Sunday-only opening from April 2025, as kerbside recycling cuts the number of drop-off visits across the
Western Bay Council Seeks Feedback on Draft Annual Plan with 8.13% Rates Rise
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is consulting on its Draft Annual Plan 2026/2027, proposing an 8.13% rates rise and $5.8m in extra roading funding.
Waihī Beach Library Given Te Reo Name by Local Hapū
Te Whānau a Tauwhao hapū gifts the name Te Ara Mātauranga to the new Waihī Beach library and community hub, due to open in July.
Western Bay Wander Walk Series Wraps Up with Doggy Day Out at Ōmokoroa
Western Bay's Wander Walk series wraps up with a free Doggy Day Out at Ōmokoroa Sportsgrounds on 28 March, featuring agility, training tips and family fun.
Western Bay Property Values Drop 2% in Latest Rating Revaluation
Western Bay of Plenty's new rating valuations show a 2% district-wide drop in total rateable value since 2022, with land values falling 8.5%.
Grandmother to Support Accused Dog Owner Despite Losing Grandson in Attack
The grandmother of Timoti Tu'uaki Rolleston-Bryan, killed in a Katikati dog attack in 2024, says she will support the woman charged over his death in court
Waihi Beach Library and Community Hub Reaches Concrete Milestone
The new $5.5 million Waihi Beach library and community hub has reached a key construction milestone with its concrete floor poured, on track to open by Jul
Temporary Roundabout Marks Milestone in Ōmokoroa SH2 Upgrade
A temporary roundabout opened at the SH2 and Ōmokoroa Road intersection on 7 March, marking a key milestone in the Western Bay of Plenty upgrade.
Free Cybersecurity Seminar to Help Protect Te Puke from Online Scams
Western Bay of Plenty District Council hosts free cybersecurity seminar in Te Puke on March 20 to help residents protect themselves from online scams.
Western Bay Council Opens Winter Sports Field Bookings for 2025
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is taking bookings for winter sports fields and hard courts for the 2025 season running April to September.
Katikati Medical Centre Closes Books to New Patients
Katikati Medical Centre has closed its books to new patients, citing chronic underfunding, six-week wait times, and GP burnout affecting practices nationwi
GP Funding Crisis Pushes More Practices to Close Books
NZ GPs warn of practice closures and closed books as funding pressures mount, with GenPro chairman Dr Angus Chambers calling for urgent action on primary c
Western Bay Council Warns Against Dumping Garden Waste in Reserves
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is warning that dumping garden waste in reserves is illegal and threatens native bush, wildlife and costs ratepayers
Katikati Reserve to Be Given Formal Māori Name
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking public submissions on a proposal to formally name a Katikati reserve Paeahi Wanakore Reserve.
Katikati Menz Shed settles into its forever home
Katikati's Menz Shed has moved into a new purpose-built home at Middlebrook Drive and is opening its doors to the wider community in 2025.
Katikati Market Square gets the green light from council
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has approved a new market square for Katikati, linking the memorial hall and library in time for the town's 150th an
Bay of Plenty Regional Council to spray pest plants at Western Bay estuaries
Bay of Plenty Regional Council will spray the herbicide Haloxyfop at several Western Bay estuaries between 27–31 January to control pest plants.