FAQs
Waihī Beach Library and Service Centre,106 Beach Road, Waihī Beach 3611
Barkes Corner Head Office, 1484 Cameron Road, Tauranga
Or any of our other service centres.
How do I have my say?
Explore this online hub where you can complete our survey. We want to make it easy and fun for you to share your ideas and thoughts.
Drop in to the information session held at the Athenree Hot Springs & Motor Camp, on Wednesday 20 October, between 4-6pm. More information sessions will follow, register on this website to be notified when new sessions are added. Or fill out and return a postcard mailed to all households in Athenree, Bowentown and Waihī Beach.
Post your feedback to Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Private Bag 12803, Tauranga Mail Centre, Tauranga 3143.
Deliver your feedback to
Email your feedback to haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz
What's the plan?
For many years there has been a community desire to connect Waihī Beach to Athenree with a shared pathway and remains one of the Waihī Beach Community Board’s top priority projects.
A shared pathway would provide connectivity between Waihī Beach and Athenree and from an important section of the trail network that will eventually transit across the Western Bay of Plenty District, connecting with other regions.
Funding ($150,000 shared between Council and the Waihī Beach Community Board) has been approved for the investigation of a Waihī Beach to Athenree Shared Pathway Connection.
The proposed path includes a 2.5 metre wide boardwalk, 380 metres long across the estuary from Island View, connecting to a 440 metre long surfaced path through Dr North Reserve to Pōhutukawa drive. The design will be mobility scooter and wheelchair friendly with an elevated section over the Waiau Estuary channel to allow small boats to pass under.
What were the design considerations?
The environment and cultural history of the whenua is important to us so we’ve taken into consideration landscape and ecological impacts, utilising existing ‘gaps’ in the mangroves on the eastern side of the estuary and situating the path with a backdrop of pōhutukawa on the western side. This will ensure the least invasive approach to marine life and sunlight for plants adjacent to the path.
Why should I provide feedback?
Your feedback is critical in helping Council create a path that will provide connectivity between Waihī Beach and Athenree.
What's the difference between pre-engagement and formal engagement?
Pre-engagement is where we ask for your initial thoughts and ideas on the key topics.
Formal consultation is set by the legislation, it determines how long we will consult with you and the consultation topics will be guided by your thoughts and ideas from pre-engagement.
What happens after I provide feedback?
Your ideas and thoughts will guide the preparation of a publicly notified resource consent application scheduled for 2022. You will have another opportunity to express your view on the final design as part of the resource consent public notification and submission process.
Follow this project for updates and news.