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Overview
Welcome to Whakatāne. The Whakatāne District in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is one of the most diversely beautiful areas in New Zealand.
Below you will find information about our region from business opportunities to education and health services.
Featured Overview Listings
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Whakatane is host to many natural and man made attractions that has made our town an activity destination in its own right.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
We offer a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate most sports and gatherings.
SPORTS CLUBS & SOCIETIES
Find contact details, website links and information about local sporting clubs, societies, community organisations and support groups.
WHAKATANE FOOD BANK
Whakatane Food Bank. Are you in need of food assistance or support services? We're here to help.
WHAKATANE PHOTO GALLERY
Images captured by Jos's Photography, Colour and Light and Whakatane.info Ltd. Unique perspectives that showcase the essence of Whakatane.
Overview Listings
ABOUT OUR DISTRICT
The Whakatane District in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is one of the most diversely beautiful areas in New Zealand. Sandy beaches are predominant along the 54 kilometres of coastline that stretches from Otamarakau in the west to Ohiwa in the east. Central areas include fertile lowlands and farming areas on the Rangitaiki Plains through to Murupara. Te Urewera National Park in the south, which makes 41% of the district, is protected native forest and is home to a rich array of flora and fauna. The total area of the district covers 433,000ha or 4,442km2.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
The number of business units in the Whakatane district increased by 9% between 2003 and 2004 based on Statistics NZ information. Business/financial services and community social and personal services increased by 142 businesses, there are fourteen more businesses in the construction sector and 12 more in retail. The business units in the district that employ 100 people or more are Fonterra (Edgecumbe), Carter Holt Harvey (Whakatane), Pacific Health (Whakatane Hospital), Environment Bay of Plenty and Whakatane District Council.
EDUCATION IN WHAKATANE
There are 30 primary schools in the district, one intermediate school and 5 secondary schools. if you are wanting to study in Whakatane, there are a number of tertiary institutions available within the district and some private training establishments. The most significant being Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi (University of Awanuiarangi) which offers degree courses in Maori Studies and teacher training. The 33 Kohanga Reo institutions are the backbone of the rural preschool education and are providing an excellent start for Maori children.
GOOGLE STREET VIEW OUR LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Google Street Views are now available at some of Whakatane's local natural attractions. Get a 360 degree virtual tour of some of the Whakatāne District's most popular and spectacular destinations including Whakaari White Island, Moutohorā Whale Island, Tauwhare Pā, Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walking track, Whakatāne River Walk, Ōhope Wharf, Tarawera Falls and more.
HEALTH SERVICES
Whakatane has an excellent hospital providing a good range of core health services. There are over 20 General Practitioners in Whakatane and Doctors in Edgecumbe and Murupara.
Pacific Health Whakatane Hospital provides 24-Hour acute and elective capability in emergency, surgical, maternity and child health, medical, and mental health services. The hospital has more than 160 beds and is assisted by clinical support services of laboratory, radiology and pharmacy.
LIVING HISTORY
The story of the coming of the Maori to Whakatane is shrouded in the mists of time, but the oral traditions of the tangata whenua (people of the land) make it clear that the region was settled by a series of migrations over several hundred years.
RETIREMENT IN WHAKATANE
Retirement in Whakatane is very popular as its warm climate and easy access to nearby facilities offers a more comfortable and affordable environment for the elderly.
We have a number of Retirement villages available in the Whakatane district, some of which are listed along with their services on the following page.
For Mobility Aids and Advice see our Mobility Aid service providers here.
Overview Map
