Alterations to the boundary between Kawerau District and Whakatane District

Overview:

Amended investigation process

On 23 March 2023 the Commission amended the reorganisation investigation process document for its investigation into the proposed boundary change between Kawerau District and Whakatane District. The amended process incorporates additional engagement steps, and changes to the investigation timeline.

You can read the amended process document and related public notice here:

Kawerau reorganisation initiative – amended investigation process (PDF, 445KB)

Public notice - 27 March 2023

Tell us what you think

The Commission is investigating the Kawerau District Council reorganisation initiative. We asked for feedback from the public about the proposed changes to the boundary between Kawerau District and Whakatane District.

For further detail on the proposed changes, you can read the consultation document and related public notice here:

Kawerau reorganisation initiative – consultation document (PDF, 6.7MB)

Public Notice - 28 October 2022

Public feedback closed on 31 March 2023.

Next step: Further engagement with affected landowners.

Reorganisation investigation process

At its meeting on 20 October 2022, the Commission adopted a reorganisation investigation process document for its investigation into the proposed boundary change between Kawerau District and Whakatane District.  The process document was adopted following consultation with affected local authorities, iwi and hapū. You can read the process document and related public notice here:

Kawerau reorganisation initiative – investigation process (PDF, 700KB)

Public Notice - 28 October 2022

Next step:  Commission undertakes investigation

Agreement to investigate reorganisation initiative

On 21 June 2022 the Commission agreed to undertake a reorganisation investigation in relation to the Kawerau District Council reorganisation initiative.

Having agreed to investigate the initiative, the Commission notified the affected local authorities, iwi and hapū.

Next step:  Commission drafts, adopts and notifies investigation process document after consultation with affected local authorities, iwi and hapū.

Receipt of reorganisation initiative

The Kawerau District Council lodged a reorganisation initiative dated 7 April 2022 with the Commission.  The initiative proposed changes to the boundary between Kawerau District and Whakatane District.  The effect of the proposed changes would be to transfer four parcels of land in three separate areas from Whakatane District to Kawerau District.  The affected areas that would become part of Kawerau District if the proposed changes were to proceed are shown in the map here:

Map - Kawerau District Council – Proposed boundary changes (PDF, 6.2MB)

Kawerau District Council considers that the proposed boundary change would better support further expansion of the Putauaki Trust Industrial Park and address two historical anomalies associated with the existing boundary.

You can read the original reorganisation initiative here:

Kawerau District boundary reorganisation initiative (PDF, 7.2MB)

Next step:  Commission decides to investigate/not investigate reorganisation initiative.