Council building redevelopment project
Over time, the functions of local government and the expectations of what councils deliver have continued to increase and evolve. Technology has changed the way we work, the workforce has increased, building laws have been amended in relation to earthquake strengthening, and standards and expectations for workplaces have changed. Added to this, there is no air conditioning through most of the main Council building, making work conditions more difficult in the extremes of summer and winter temperatures. In essence, after 30 years, the main Council office is no longer fit for purpose.
A significant upgrade of the main Council office will be undertaken from 2021-2023 to address issues and concerns with the building, and make a range of improvements to ensure it will be fit-for-purpose into the future. The project will provide for core health, safety and security upgrades, greening components to improve the environmental sustainability of the building, and enhancements to provide flexible and multi-functional use of space, with increased meeting rooms and collaborative work spaces. Council Chambers and public meeting rooms will be moved from upstairs to the ground floor to make it easier for the public to access Council, and make modern meeting spaces available for the community to use.
Whakatāne Boat Harbour Development
Throughout New Zealand and the world, commercial boat harbours and marinas are centres of economic activity. They provide hubs of infrastructure to support marine trades, marine tourism operators and fishing.
Whakatāne has a thriving boat building industry, but we need improved infrastructure for launching (getting the boats into the water), finishing, and supporting the quantity of vessels built here. Currently, there is a shortage of marine infrastructure in the North Island and boats based in Whakatāne must travel out of the region for maintenance.
In 2018 Council identified that the marine industry would contribute to supporting the region through economic development and increased local employment. The creation of additional berthage and marine maintenance facilities in a dedicated boat harbour was devised as a way to deliver such a strategy.
As a result, a transformational partnership was formed between the Crown, Te Rāhui Lands Trust, Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Limited and Whakatāne District Council to create the Te Rāhui Herenga Waka Whakatāne 2021 Limited Partnership.
The Partnership is set to develop a fit-for-purpose boat harbour on Te Rāhui Trust land which will provide safe berthage for around 60 charter boats, aquaculture boats, fishing boats and any vessels needing berthage , away from the river. At the same time, the project will ensure long-term holistic benefits to the whenua, the beneficiaries of the Te Rāhui Lands Trust, Ngāti Awa and the Whakatāne District through employment opportunities, and economic uplift of Māori owned land.
The development of the harbour will provide an on-site marine training school, a boatyard and a travel lift which will allow more people to be trained and positioned for the jobs created through the project. When all the associated businesses and services are considered, it is anticipated the boat harbour will provide employment for as many as 600 people. It is designed to world-class marine environmental standards.
View the Project here.
Whakatāne Town Wharf Remediation Project
The construction of the Whakatāne Town Wharf began more than 100 years ago in 1919. It was extended in 1936 and 1940 and has become a much loved town feature. In order to ensure the wharf is strong and safe for many years to come it requires maintenance and strengthening. This will include replacing and strengthening piles and concrete structures underneath the wharf.
View the Project here.
Active Whakatāne
Active Whakatāne is a strategy that aims to make active modes of travel like walking, cycling and scootering around the district easier and safer for all ages and abilities.
The strategy was developed with the community and strives towards promoting a healthier, safer and more active lifestyle for our district through education and purpose-built infrastructure.
View the Strategy here.