Pukehina Development Fund
A place for keep the community updated on where things are at, share consultation results, process and projects updates. Latest update as at September at the bottom of this page!
Keeping the community in the loop - latest update Sept 26th
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.
We aim to have the background mahi/work completed by the 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. The PRRA will also apply for funds for security cameras (as per feedback from the community).
There will be around 80k not currently allocated so we are checking to see if this could sit in an investment/interest earning account to be used for any other projects that were listed for example entrance signage, additional budget for coast care, community future).
31 respondents also recommended ‘Other’ project support. The key themes are listed below. Please note that a lot of these issues are the responsibility of other agencies like NZTA, DOC, WBOPDC roading, BOPRC and Chorus. The PRRA can certainly advocate for these things on behalf of our community, and do. We can also each help by putting in service requests via websites and phone to the respective agencies.
Infrastructure & Utilities
o Requests for improved drainage, flood protection, or stormwater systems (especially for low-lying coastal areas like Pukehina).
o Calls for better roads, signage, or public lighting.
Safety & Emergency Services
o Support for improved surf lifesaving infrastructure or beach safety patrols.
o Desire for local emergency response planning and civil defence readiness.
Youth & Families
o Playground improvements or additional recreational space for younger children (separate to the pump track).
o Requests for community events, youth activities, or programmes.
Community Services & Facilities
o Suggestions to create a dedicated community space or upgrade public toilets.
o Requests for a local information centre, noticeboard, or better signage for visitors.
Environmental & Cultural Enhancements
o Calls for native planting projects, pest control, or stream clean-up initiatives.
o Interest in installing pou whenua, interpretive signage, or features recognising mana whenua and local heritage.
Digital & Connectivity
o Several comments may have raised the issue of poor mobile coverage or internet service and suggested investment in digital infrastructure.
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September Update:
In conjunction with WBOPDC, project allocations have been finalised. We want to ensure that all funding allocated from the PDF is transparent and can be fully accounted for so updates will be posted here.
Two grant agreements have been set up by WBOPDC and are now completed. These are signed agreements with WBOPDC and will have project plans developed, that include funding milestones, reporting and evaluation. One is for the Midway Park Pump Track $100k, the other for the Walkway/Cycleway $150k. Please note that we have also secured $50k from WBOPDC towards the Walkway/Cycleway project so the grant agreement is for $200k.
A transfer to our Coast Care fund has been completed for $10k, and the Community Hall loan has been paid back in full. NB: we will return to a small maintenance fee on our rates bill for the hall.
A grant application process was run through WBOPDC's external Smarty Grant system with five local organisations applying for funding up to $25k each. Applications included project outline, benefits to the community, quotes for the requested activities/equipment and reporting. These projects were assessed by a team from Council. We're so pleased to share the successful projects here. All will have immense benefit to us as a community so it's fabulous that the fund has been shared in such a way.
1) Pukehina Fishing Club - much needed upgrades to the Fishing Club building including new heat pump, tv, kitchen upgrades- new stove and rangehood, indoor mats, carpet square, underfloor insulation, a pathway to the new container and upgrade to the honours board $23,168.10k
2) Pukehina Surf Rescue - acoustic panels for the ceiling of main area in new surf rescue building $25k
3) Te Wāhapu o Waīhi - a formed entrance way to the new Cutwater Road wetland that includes car parking area, signage and information boards, and planting $25k.
4) Pukehina Fire Brigade - equipment for the team to carry out duties and support community events including a new marquee, flags, rescue equipment for the fire trucks $25k.
5) Pukehina Hall Committee - equipment for the hall to be enjoyed by all! Sporting gear including Table tennis tables, dart boards, bowls and badminton nets, upgrades to the kitchen including new crockery, microwave, fridge and pie warmer, main hall equipment including new tables, projector and screen, mats and levelling of the floor, plus pathway from the back of the hall to the garage $20,102.70k.
Other: The PRRA is scoping out the possibility of additional security cameras (as per feedback from the community). If viable and appropriate an application will be completed using Smarty Grants and signed off by the Council committee.
NB: The remaining monies not currently allocated are still held by WBOPDC earning interest. We will provide an update to this amount end of October.
