Western Bay of Plenty District Council

19/06/2026

🚸 School's almost back in session for speed limits.

Over the next week, new variable school speed signs will be installed outside six schools across the Western Bay:

📍 Matahui School
📍 Ōmokoroa Point School
📍 OneSchool Global (Ōropi)
📍 Ōropi School
📍 Paengaroa School
📍 Te Kura o Te Moutere o Matakana

When operating during school drop-off and pick-up times, the speed limit outside these schools will reduce to 30km/h, helping create safer environments for tamariki travelling to and from school.

This is the first stage of a district-wide programme, with electronic signs planned for a further 19 schools from July. The programme is part of a nationwide requirement for councils to introduce variable speed limits outside schools by 1 July 2026.

If you're travelling near a school, keep an eye out for the new signs and remember to slow down when they're in operation. A small change in speed can make a big difference to safety.

For more information, read the media release and visit Your Place Tō Wāhi:
🔗 https://www.westernbay.govt.nz/council/news-and-updates/news?item=id:2yjhf4hf417q9sa6i4en
🔗 https://yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/updated-speed-management-plan-2

⚠️ PLEASE NOTE: The image below shows an example of what the new signs will look like. The operating times displayed on each sign will vary depending on the individual school's start and finish times.

18/06/2026

🎉 Well, Western Bay... we threw you the challenge of letting us know your thoughts on Local Government Reform, you answered the call and now it's back to us to review!

After community workshops, online surveys, interactive maps, a Spotify playlist, plenty of posts, and more than a few memes, we've now got plenty of rich insights and thoughts from you to help guide councillors' thinking and shape the design of any potential Head Start proposal.

Take a look at the infographic below to see some of the key themes and insights that came through during the community conversation. While we're still busy going over the feedback, what has come through is an openness to exploring change, alongside support for further analysis and investigation to help inform decisions ahead of the 9 August deadline.

A huge thank you to everyone who got involved. Whether you attended a workshop, completed the survey, sent us a message, or shared your thoughts in the comments (yes, we saw those too 👀).

We'd also like to acknowledge the many Council staff who worked behind the scenes to organise events, answer questions, analyse feedback, and help turn a complex piece of reform into something our community could engage with.

📋 What happens next?

We're busy going over all your thoughts and queries ahead of a Council meeting on 30 June (9:30am kick off) to discuss the results, consider the community's feedback, and determine the next steps.

Thank you for being a part of this conversation, Western Bay. Whatever your view on Local Government Reform, your voice has helped ensure our community's perspective is part of the discussion 🤝

17/06/2026

👀 What's Elijah got his eye on?

Well, hopefully it's more World Cup glory and not the price of PAYT rubbish tags and greenwaste drop-offs from 1 July here in the Western Bay 😬😅

From next month:
🗑️ PAYT rubbish tags will increase from $4.80 to $5.20 (RRP)
🌿 Loose greenwaste drop-offs will increase from $30 to $45 per cubic metre

The changes help cover rising waste collection, transport and processing costs, while also creating a fairer approach to greenwaste pricing by bringing loose greenwaste charges in line with existing bagged greenwaste fees.

If you're after the lowest-priced PAYT tags, they're available at Council libraries and service centres at the recommended retail price.

For all the details, check out the media release below 👇

https://www.westernbay.govt.nz/council/news-and-updates/news?item=id:2yjsdj7b81cxbyzrcbhc

⚽️ And while we're talking about keeping an eye on things, a huge shoutout to the All Whites and Elijah Just after yesterday's opening match against Iran, with Elijah bagging two goals in a memorable performance.

📸 Photo credit: All Whites

16/06/2026

📢 Your say is wanted on two District bylaws!

Not every consultation is about big projects, growth plans, toilets (well, actually this one kind of does 😅) or major infrastructure. Sometimes it's about the everyday rules that help keep our communities safe, tidy, and enjoyable for everyone.

We're reviewing two bylaws and we'd like your feedback:

🐔 Animals (Excluding Dogs) Bylaw – covers how animals such as poultry, pigs and other animals are kept across the District, helping manage nuisance issues and protect public health and wellbeing.

🚶 Public Places Bylaw – sets rules for activities in public spaces, including things like public facilities, obstructions, waste, advertising and vehicle crossings.

No major changes are proposed, but before Council decides whether these bylaws should continue as they are, we want to hear from you.

📝 Have your say:

⛲ Public Places Bylaw:
yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/public-places-bylaw

🐔 Animals (Excluding Dogs) Bylaw:
yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/animals-excluding-dogs-bylaw

⏰ Consultation closes at 5pm on Thursday 2 July 2026.

For more information about the review and what these bylaws cover, check out the media release below.

15/06/2026

❤️ National Volunteer Week | Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu ❤️

This week (14–20 June) we’re celebrating the people who quietly make a huge difference across the Western Bay.

From restoring native forests and wetlands, to supporting community organisations, running local events, mentoring others, sharing knowledge, and lending a helping hand when it's needed most, volunteers are the heartbeat of our communities.

This year's theme is Your Year to Volunteer - Tōu tau ki te tūao - recognising the incredible people already giving their time while encouraging others to give volunteering a go.

Across the Western Bay, community groups are marking the week with volunteer events, forest workdays, restoration projects, workshops, morning teas, training opportunities, and community celebrations. A huge shout-out to organisations including Katch Katikati, Bay Conservation Alliance, Maketū Ōngātoro Wetland Society, Envirohub, SociaLink, Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust, and many others helping make our district a better place to live, work and play. Check out the comments below to see the different kaupapa they have on this week 👇

👏 To every volunteer: thank you for the time, energy, skills and passion you give. Your contribution helps strengthen our communities, support our environment, and create connections that make the Western Bay such a special place.

And if you've ever thought about volunteering, maybe this is your sign. Your Year to Volunteer starts now!

12/06/2026

Kia ora Western Bay.

We've had a bit of fun on social media this week... but unfortunately, we need to finish on a more serious note.

Over the past couple of weeks, we've received reports of four-wheel drives and motorbikes being driven across several reserves and public spaces across the Western Bay, including Bowentown, Waihī Beach and Katikati. We've also had reports of trail bikes being ridden at speed on shared pathways and trails, creating safety risks for walkers, cyclists and families enjoying these spaces.

Not only does this behaviour damage reserves and create costly repairs, but some of the affected areas hold significant cultural and historical importance to our community and mana whenua. These places are more than just open spaces, they're taonga (treasures) that tell the story of our district.

As winter conditions make reserves softer and more vulnerable, the damage caused by vehicles can be even more severe.

Our reserves, parks, pathways and coastal spaces belong to all of us. They're places to connect, exercise, relax and learn about the history of our rohe (district). It's up to all of us to help care for these spaces and protect them for future generations to come.

If you see vehicles or motorbikes being driven on reserves, please let us know. If it's safe to do so, details such as vehicle registration numbers, photos or videos can help with investigations.

📞 0800 926 732
📧 [email protected]
📱 Report through the Antenno app

For dangerous driving, contact Police immediately on 111. Non-emergency reports can be made via 105.

For more information and to read the full media release, check out the link below.

11/06/2026

🎵 Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today... 🎵

There's an update Western Bay, for freedom camping 🚐

If you've got a self-contained vehicle, it's time to check your certification. The old unregulated blue sticker system is coming to an end, and the new mandatory green warrant is now the standard.

⏰ The transition period ended on 7 June 2026, meaning blue stickers are no longer valid.

To continue using areas reserved for self-contained vehicles, you'll need to:

✅ Get a green warrant certifying your vehicle as self-contained
✅ Display your green warrant when staying in self-contained-only areas
✅ Have a fixed toilet installed (portable toilets no longer meet the requirements)

These changes were introduced through national legislation in 2023 and apply across New Zealand.

Before you hit the road for your next adventure, make sure your vehicle is ready to go.

Find out more and check what you need to do before your next trip: https://www.westernbay.govt.nz/recreation/camping-and-freedom-camping

10/06/2026

Last week we made a Spotify playlist. This week we're once again flexing our creative muscles and we're making (auto generating) memes!

We've currently got two big consultations out in the community and we thought we'd check in to see how they're doing.

Drumroll please! 🥁 we can confirm that currently, there are 40 more submissions on the future of a reserve toilet than there are submissions on the future shape of local government in our region.

We're not saying one topic is more important than the other... buuuut we are saying the toilet currently has a 40 submission lead. Let that sink in (pun intended) 😬😅

Whether you're passionate about porcelain or passionate about the future of local government, we'd love to hear from you.

Because while memes are fun, these decisions are real.

Check out both consultations below and have your say before someone suggests we solve local government reform with a public toilet poll.

🏠 Local Government Reform 👉 https://yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/local-government-reform
🚽 Precious Reserve 👉 https://yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/precious-family-reserves-toilet

10/06/2026

FYI Western Bay if you're travelling through Takitimu Drive Toll Road and SH2 in Tauranga👇

Major road closures on SH29 and SH2 Tauranga – 12 to 15 June

People driving through Tauranga will see significant closures on SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road and SH2 Takitimu Drive from Friday 12 June to Monday 15 June.

We need these closures to safely complete works where SH2 and SH29/Takitimu Drive meet. This includes road widening, pavement work, barrier installation and layout changes.

Expect delays around SH29 Tauriko and SH2 near Fifteenth Avenue. Allow extra time, slow down and follow traffic management on site.

Closure details:

SH2 Takitimu Drive northbound to Tauranga CBD: SH29 to Eleventh Avenue

• Friday 12 June: 8pm–6am
• Saturday 13 June: 7pm–6am
• Sunday 14 June: 7pm–4am

Detour: Cameron Road

SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road northbound: SH29/SH36 Tauriko to SH2 Fifteenth/Eleventh Avenue

• 8pm Friday 12 June – 4am Monday 15 June

Detour: SH29A

Southbound lanes remain open.

Rain dates: 19–23 June (weather dependent).

This work supports Takitimu North Link Stage 1, a 6.8km 4-lane expressway between Tauranga and Te Puna. As a Road of National Significance, it will provide a safer, more reliable alternative to SH2, support economic growth, and improve travel reliability for people and freight across the region. Read the traffic bulletin here: http://journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-bulletins/update-super-weekend-of-works-planned-for-sh29-sh2-next-week

09/06/2026

🚧 We've got an update for you Western Bay on the largest infrastructure project in our district!

A major milestone has now been reached on the Te Puke Wastewater Treatment Plant project, with ground improvement works complete. This prepares the site for construction of the main treatment tanks, where wastewater will be treated.

This project is one of Council's biggest infrastructure investments and will help support Te Puke's future growth while meeting environmental standards.

🔨 The next stage of work includes two large concrete pours this month. Because of the size of the pours, work will start early in the morning and there will be more concrete trucks travelling to and from the site than usual over a two-day period.

🤝 We continue to work closely with nearby residents to keep them informed about upcoming work and what they can expect. Traffic management will be in place, and all drivers have been briefed on safety requirements around pedestrians, cyclists and neighbouring properties.

While there may be some temporary disruption for those living closest to the site, this work is an important step towards delivering a modern wastewater treatment plant for Te Puke.

✅ The project remains on track, with the new plant expected to be operational in 2028.

For project updates, FAQs, timelines, photos and construction information, visit the Your Place Tō Wāhi project page:
https://yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/tpwwtp