Background
Following community feedback during the 2025 Annual Plan consultation, Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC) made the decision to stop and repurpose the Pukehina Development Fund (PDF) to support existing community projects in the Pukehina area.  (This fund was originally for a Wastewater Scheme which won't be taking place).  From May - June, the Pukehina Residents and Ratepayers Association (PRRA), with support from WBOPDC, lead the next phase of community consultation.

July Update:

• We invited the communities input on how the PDF should be distributed among a range of existing community projects - identified through long-term planning and previous community kōrero.

• We mailed out a Project Booklet to ratepayers in the targeted rate area - Pukehina Parade, Costello Cresent and Gardiner Place. 

• We had an amazing turnout of over 100 people to the community open afternoon on 31st May.  Thanks to the reps from our local clubs who came along too.

• We received 116 submissions on the proposed allocation of the Fund - see summary table below. 

• Comments and main themes included:

  • Widespread enthusiasm for the Pump Track and Cycleway/Walkway – especially to support youth and active lifestyles.

  • Requests for refurbishment to improve functionality and accessibility of the community hall.

  • Continued support of environmental protection in particular Coast Care and dune protection and estuary restoration.

  • Desire for some funds for the local organisations listed.

  • A minority of comments questioned spending priorities or preferred a more conservative investment approach.

• The submissions and feedback went to Council on the 28th June.  Council gave very positive feedback on the consultation process and number of submissions and approved the funds for allocation. 

• With WBOPDC, we are now finalising the project allocations, grant agreements and grant application process to ensure all funding is transparent and accountable.   We aim to have the background mahi/work completed by the end of July with grants available for use end of August.  Main results of the consultation are:

  • The Hall loan will be paid off and we will return to a small maintenance fee on our rates bill.

  • A grant agreement between WBOPDC & the PRRA will be developed and these projects will go ahead: the Pukehina Walkway/Cycleway, Pump track at Midway Park and some additional budget for Coast Care.  

  • A grant application process, using the Smarty Grants system will be developed so the named organisations (Pukehina Fire Brigade, Pukehina Fishing Club, Pukehina Surf Rescue, Te Wāhapu o Waīhi and Hall Committee), can apply for funding of up to $25k to support projects or equipment that directly benefit the community and environment.  

  • There will be around 100k not currently allocated so this will sit in an account with WBOPDC to be used for any other projects that were listed e.g., security cameras, signage, other etc).  This will be earning interest.