Want to know more about key topics such as the SH2 Ōmokoroa Rd intersection upgrade, Te Puna/Lochhead/Pitua/Tangitu roundabout, and Te Puna Station Rd intersection improvements?

Join the one-on-one kōrero (conversation) with project leads and Kaimai Ward councillors.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is hosting a Community Forum Expo on Wednesday, May 7, at Te Puna School Hall from 7-9pm, providing the opportunity for people to connect with ward councillors Tracey Coxhead, Don Thwaites, Murray Grainger and Margaret Murray-Benge.

This is one of several Community Forum Expos across the region offering the community a direct line into the decisions and developments shaping their neighbourhoods.

“There is plenty happening within our Kaimai District with the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan and Local Water Done Well. We would like to answer any questions you may have about these or other matters concerning you. We look forward to seeing you there,” Kaimai Ward councillor Tracey Coxhead said in a statement.

These forums will also give people an opportunity to lodge service requests with the customer services team and learn about key topics including the upcoming elections, community funding and grants, kerbside recycling, and emergency management, with the opportunity to experience a natural hazard simulation through VR goggles.

“One factor I attribute to the expo’s success was the availability of staff who were working within the community on our current and upcoming project developments for Katikati and Waihī Beach,” said Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward councillor Anne Henry.

“These expos are really valuable for our residents to understand what council is up to in their area. We received feedback from the 50 or so residents who attended the Katikati event,” said Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward councillor Rodney Joyce.

If you’d like to stay in the loop, head to council’s Facebook page to register as ‘interested’ or ‘going’ on council’s Community Expo events to receive reminder notifications the week leading up to the forum. https://www.facebook.com/westernbaycouncil/

Key community projects are highlighted on council’s Your Place Tō Wāhi website (yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz), which is updated regularly to keep the community informed.

https://yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/hub-page/omokoroa

https://yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/hub-page/te-puna-minden

https://yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/hub-page/whakamarama