Think about the Whakatāne riverfront on a good day. Kids scootering, people strolling along the water, somewhere to sit in the sun and with easy access down to the awa.

Now’s the chance to help shape that experience.

With Stages 1 and 2 of Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Project Future Proof complete, Whakatāne District Council is inviting feedback on concept designs for the Whakatāne Riverfront Enhancement, focused on restoring and improving key public spaces alongside the new floodwall.

Engagement sessions begin next week.

The concept designs cover the riverfront area around the former Whakatāne iSITE building, the nearby corner of The Strand and Quay Street, and along to Mataatua Reserve.

The work will be delivered in stages and aims to create a welcoming, accessible riverfront that reflects community and cultural values, softens the visual impact of the floodwall and strengthens connections between the town centre and the awa.

“We want our communities to be involved in how the riverfront looks and feels for years to come,” said Leny Woosley, general manager strategy and growth.

“Councillors asked us to prepare a baseline concept design, which is the simplest and lowest-cost option.

“This alone comes in at a cost of $7.5 million, half of which is funded through a central government grant.

“The baseline design includes landscaping, access ramps and green spaces to enjoy but we want to hear what else our communities think is important to include, what isn’t and why.”

Potential additions could include new river access ramps, a widened boardwalk, timber seating and benches and play structures. A pump track and basketball courts have also been presented as options.

To make it easy for people to view the designs and talk to the team, the council is hosting four community engagement sessions.

Each session will begin with a short introduction, then people are welcome to stay, explore the plans and discuss ideas with the project team.

The council is particularly interested in feedback on the baseline design, including anything people feel may have been missed, as well as which potential additions the community would like to see included or not included and why.

Feedback will be used to help councillors decide which options are progressed and finalised.

The enhancement work is funded through $3.75 million from central government (Provincial Growth Fund via Kānoa/MBIE) and $7.6 million from the council’s 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan budget for riverfront enhancement work.

Funding conditions require Council to match the central government contribution dollar-for-dollar.

Community engagement sessions
■Monday, March 16, 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm at 2 Kākahoroa Drive (former Whakatāne isite building).

■ Tuesday, March 17, 12pm to 2pm at 2 Kākahoroa Drive (former Whakatāne isite building) and 5pm to 7pm at the Whakatāne District Council Chambers