The region is rich in forestry resources and has some of the country's best dairy farms and a fast developing horticultural industry. Opportunities exist for additional processing facilities particularly in horticultural products and forestry. Tourism potential is unlimited in a region with such bountiful natural resources. The district is serviced by excellent air, rail and road transport links.

The largest urban area is Whakatane (including Ohope) with smaller centres at Edgecumbe, Murupara, Te Teko, Taneatua and Matata. Some 70% of residents live in these urban centres. The district population of 32,814 (2001 Census) is proportionately younger than the national average, with 66% under 44 years.

Commercial and Industrial
Whakatane township is the major service and administration centre for the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Headquarters for the Whakatane District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Bay of Plenty Electricity and Carter Holt Harvey Packaging are all based in the town.

Many national chain stores are located in Whakatane together with a wide range of specialty shops. A major redevelopment of the central business district was completed in 2002 and a shopping mall opening the commercial centre out to the riverside area to the north has increased retail space and opportunities. Retail areas include the CBD, Kopeopeo and The Hub located at the entrance to Whakatane. Theatre entertainment and a range of restaurant and cafe facilities have enhanced Whakatane's lifestyle values, with the aquatic centre boosting leisure and sports activities. Tourism numbers peak in summer and have a positive effect on the economy of the town. The Otuawhaki Visitor Information Centre, which opened in November 2002, continues the town focus on the river.

Industrial land is available in Whakatane adjacent to the southern and western highway access routes. Some undeveloped or under-utilised commercial zoned land is available in the central business district.

Manufacturing
Two large companies dominate the manufacturing sector of the Whakatane District, Fonterra in Edgecumbe and Carter Holt Harvey Packaging. Other significant engineering and service industries are associated with these companies, as well as the nearby Norske Skog Tasman pulp and paper mill and SCA Tissue mill at Kawerau.

There is also a large food processing plant at Taneatua processing asparagus and fruit and a water bottling plant at Otakiri.

Agriculture and Horticulture
Dairying has long been the District's agricultural mainstay, with farm conversions steadily increasing the number of dairy units. The resulting growth in milk production has averaged 2 to 3% each year for a considerable period, supporting the main industry of the Rangitaiki Plains, Fonterra Edgecumbe processing plant. There are 1,002 farms in the Whakatane District. 47% (467) are dairy farms and 189 are beef farms.

The fertile soil of the district also supports a variety of horticultural activities including market gardens, apple, avocado and kiwifruit orchards and floriculture. An increase in kiwifruit production has resulted in major expansion of the Eastpack kiwifruit packhouse at Edgecumbe.

Information from New Zealand Statistics 2004 Business Demography Data for Agriculture has been used. In the past six years there has been a 9% increase in the number of kiwifruit farms which along with dairy farming is a significant and growing industry in Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Forestry
The district has an area of approximately 433,000 ha, of which one-third is planted in exotic forests. Rising harvest volumes in recent years have seen an increasing proportion of the district's log output exported in unprocessed form.

The pulp and paper mills at Whakatane and nearby Kawerau represent about half of the total New Zealand employment in the pulp and paper industry and support many more service industry jobs.

The close proximity to the Port of Tauranga is an important factor. This port handles about 1,000 cargo vessels a year and is New Zealand's largest export port by volume. Most parts of the Whakatane district are less than 100 kilometres from the port and enjoy excellent road or rail access. Growth opportunities are available in timber processing before export. Promising business establishment possibilities include sawmills to produce packaging lumber for the Asian market and large cut lumber for both the domestic and export markets.

Tourism and Recreation
The Whakatane district and Ohope Beach in particular have long been popular holiday destinations. The population in parts of the district trebles in the summer time. Having an active volcano off-shore, dolphin watching, deep sea fishing and diving, plus trout fishing, walking and tramping, makes the district an attractive destination for adventure-seeking domestic and international tourists. Tourism is the fastest growing local industry and investment opportunities abound.

Whakatane hosts a variety of events throughout the year including the country's largest tuna fishing tournament, a significant summer arts festival and major sporting events such as national touch rugby, triathlon, multi-sport and jet boat sprint competitions.

New netball courts, an Aquatic centre, new hockey turf complement the well established sports facilities.

The district has clubs and grounds for a wide range of sporting activities including rugby, soccer, tennis, squash, bowls and golf.

Charter and Commercial Fishing
The Charter fishing fleet operating from Whakatane continues to grow. There are currently upwards of 30 charter fishing, dolphin watching, sightseeing and other specialized charter vessels working out of the port and an additional 6 applications from vessels for berths which cannot be satisfied until additional wharf space is constructed.

There is also a resurgence in commercial fishing after a decline from 15 years ago when quotas were introduced and there are now 6 commercial fishing vessels operating primarily because of the tuna fishing but others are involved in boutique type operations such as crabbing.