Have you given Your Place a voice?

What’s happening at your place? Do you have a great idea, or problem to solve?

Western Bay of Plenty District Council wants to understand what the hot topics are in your neighbourhood as part of our new journey to plan for change and growth.

If you haven’t already, you’re invited to take part in Your Place Tō wāhi – yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz – and give us your take on housing, journeys, businesses, rural places, our everyday lives, shared spaces, natural environments, historic and cultural heritage, and climate change.

In exchange for your two cents, we’ll put you in the draw to win a $100 grocery voucher. We’ve given out six vouchers to randomly drawn winners so far, and there’s six more up for grabs.

Rachael Davie, Group Manager Community and Strategy says Your Place Tō wāhi is your chance to tell Council what our priorities should be. We’re half way through this campaign already, and we’ve had some great feedback, but we want to hear from every corner of the Western Bay.

“This is the start of an ongoing discussion about the future of the Western Bay. We know our home is growing and that central government has some big changes planned. Your thoughts and ideas will guide us as we prepare, so please go online and share your feedback there’s not much time left.

“Opportunities to comment on all the ways Council touches your every day life don’t come around too often – so we want our community to make the most of this opportunity. Get in early and help fill our kete with shared knowledge so we can prepare the Western Bay for what’s to come.”

The Your Place Tō wāhi team is also travelling the District gathering your feedback. They’ve visited Katikati, Te Puna, Ōmokoroa and Tauriko and over the next few weeks, they head to Te Puke, Maketu, Waihī Beach and Pukehina to understand what’s happening in these patches.

At each location the team will have a barbeque loaded with hot sausages to give away to everyone who answers a few questions.

Rachael says, it’s been great to connect kanohi ki te kanohi with our communities and hear first-hand their thoughts and experiences, and it doesn’t stop here.

“Watch out for us at neighbourhood parks, playgrounds and at community events. We’re keen to make it as easy as possible for you to share your thoughts.”

“Don’t wait for another opportunity, meet us in person or jump online now. Your feedback will ensure that we protect and grow all the things you love about your place.”

Visit yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz to give your feedback online.

Join us kanohi ki te kanohi, in person at

• Saturday 2 July, 10am-1pm at Jubilee Park, Te Puke
• 7 July, 3-5pm at Park Road Reserve Playground, Maketu
• Saturday 9 July, 10am-1pm at Waihī Beach information centre, 26 Wilson Road, Waihī Beach
• Sunday 10 July, 10am-12pm at Pukehina Surf Club Polar Plunge, 723 Pukehina Parade, Pukehina

Feedback closes 15 July.

About Your Place / Tō Wāhi

Council’s District Plan sets out rules and areas in our District where we’d expect to see certain activities, events and development to occur. Like how close to the boundary you can build or extend your house, garage or other buildings. Or whether you can operate a business from your home.

Over the next couple of years Council is reviewing the nine topics covered by the District Plan. The feedback you share with us now and throughout the process will help to guide any future changes. All you need to know about this project, how to get involved and how to stay connected can be found at yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz