Our Places

What’s happening now

The Our Places – Eastern Bay Spatial Plan has now been adopted by all four councils, marking a major step toward a more coordinated, long-term approach to growth and development in the Eastern Bay.

The plan provides a shared, 30-year vision for how and where growth could occur across the Whakatāne, Kawerau, and Ōpōtiki districts, supported by Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council and shaped by iwi, hapū and community input.

A key part of shaping the plan was engagement with the community and stakeholders in late 2024. More than 550 pieces of feedback were received during a five-week engagement period, during which we asked for input on three different growth scenarios. While there was strong support for greenfield development, we also heard a clear desire for a balanced approach, one that protects community character, supports Māori land development, and creates opportunities for affordable housing and local jobs. This feedback directly informed the final version of the plan, including alternative approaches to housing development based on what we heard from local communities. The Engagement Summary Report provides a comprehensive overview of all feedback received during the community engagement process.

With the Spatial Plan in place, councils are now moving into the implementation phase, with each district developing its own local growth strategy to guide future housing, infrastructure, and business development. These next steps will be tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of each district.

This isn’t the end of the conversation. In fact, it’s just the beginning. As projects roll out through Long Term Plans, District Plan changes, and local master planning, there will be plenty of opportunities to stay involved and help shape the Eastern Bay’s future.