Eastern Bay Councils Adopt 30-Year Plan For Growth And Development
Councils across the Eastern Bay have officially adopted the Our Places – Eastern Bay Spatial Plan (Spatial Plan), marking the beginning of a long-term, coordinated approach to managing growth, infrastructure, and development across the sub-region.
The plan has been jointly developed by Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki, and Kawerau District Councils, along with Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council, in partnership with iwi and central government. It sets out a shared vision for how the Eastern Bay could grow and change over the next 30 years, focusing on housing, infrastructure, employment, land use, and climate resilience, while protecting the qualities that make the region unique.
Independent Chair of the Project Governance Group, Vaughan Payne, says the adoption is a major milestone built on collaboration, community input and shared commitment.
'This Spatial Plan is the result of strong partnerships across councils, iwi, government agencies, and local communities,' says Mr Payne.
'Throughout 2024, we listened carefully to the feedback of more than 550 individuals, groups and community organisations. Another strong feature of this plan is capturing the future aspirations of our iwi partners. That input helped us refine our direction, including shaping an alternative growth scenario for Whakatāne to reflect the community's aspirations for where and how development should occur.'
'Councils have worked together every step of the way. The plan's adoption now sets the stage for the next phase – local implementation that reflects each district's needs and future potential.'
Each council will now lead the next phase of work to reflect their district's priorities, starting with growth strategies and master planning, and continuing engagement with communities, iwi and stakeholders.
Whakatāne District Council will lead the development of a Local Growth Strategy to guide where and how growth will be supported. The strategy will focus on greenfield areas, housing and the infrastructure needed to support new communities.
Whakatāne District Council Mayor, Victor Luca, says it's time to put plans into action.
'We're now moving from the big picture to the local detail - creating a Local Growth Strategy that clarifies where growth will happen and how we'll support it.
'We'll continue working closely with our community to understand their vision, especially on matters like climate resilience, housing supply and infrastructure. We want to protect what we value while also creating new, connected, future-ready communities.
'It is also important to emphasise that as we move forward, this spatial plan, like any plan, may evolve as new information, data and evidence come to light.'
In Ōpōtiki, the focus will be on advancing the Hukutaia Growth Area and unlocking opportunities created by the Ōpōtiki Harbour Development.
Ōpōtiki District Council Mayor, David Moore, says the joint approach has strengthened planning across the region.
'I think the process of building the Spatial Plan together through community engagement, feedback and workshops has helped us make more consistent decisions across the sub-region. The plan can be used to advocate for central government funding and provision of services such as health, education, and policing.
'By approaching our challenges together, we've created a stronger, more joined-up plan for the future.'
Kawerau District Council will continue its work on a local housing and economic development strategy, focusing on Stoneham Park and enabling more business activity.
Kawerau District Mayor, Faylene Tunui, says the plan helps ensure the town remains people-centred, now and into the future.
'Those who call the Eastern Bay home see it as that – their home. This is where we choose to live and raise our families, work and earn a living, either working for someone else or by starting a business, and contribute and volunteer our skills to help our community thrive.
'The Spatial Plan helps us honour the experience of our past while laying a strong foundation for those who come next. Implementation will focus on making sure our people have real opportunities to get ahead, with housing, jobs, and investment that meet their needs.'
Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair, Doug Leeder, says the adoption of the plan is an important turning point.
'The Spatial Plan is an essential tool that will help us coordinate development and optimise resources in a way that will have intergenerational benefit,' says Mr Leeder. 'Its adoption is the first step in a 30-year journey to collectively shape a vibrant future and create a cohesive sub-region, with community input guiding us every step of the way.'
While the Spatial Plan provides a blueprint, each council will continue to carry out further engagement through upcoming projects such as District Plan changes, Long Term Plans, and master planning at the local level.
'We want to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of this plan,' says Mr Payne. 'Your voice has helped shape it and will continue to guide what happens next.'
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Ōpōtiki District Council Mayor, David Moore, says the joint approach has strengthened planning across the region. 'I think the process of building the Spatial Plan together through community engagement, feedback and workshops has helped us make more consistent decisions across the sub-region. The plan can be used to advocate for central government funding and provision of services such as health, education, and policing. 'By approaching our challenges together, we've created a stronger, more joined-up plan for the future.' Kawerau District Council will continue its work on a local housing and economic development strategy, focusing on Stoneham Park and enabling more business activity. Kawerau District Mayor, Faylene Tunui, says the plan helps ensure the town remains people-centred, now and into the future. 'Those who call the Eastern Bay home see it as that – their home. 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