Jodie Rameka for Whangārei

14/06/2026

The new Mayoral Inner City Taskforce brings together agencies, business leaders and community partners to work together on a coordinated response to the challenges facing Whangārei's city centre.

At their first meeting they agreed on desired outcomes: safe and welcoming central city, a thriving hospitality and business sector, well maintained infrastructure and public spaces, improved accessibility and parking, and clear pathways to support services.

That planning is now moving into the action phase with a series of new initiatives. Read the full story:
https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Whats-new/News-and-notices/Mayoral-Taskforce-20260612

12/06/2026

WDC Mayoral Inner City Taskforce

Summary of the Taskforce Meeting held on 3 June 2026

Latest Update:

The Mayoral Inner City Taskforce is now moving from planning into action, with several initiatives underway to improve Whangārei’s CBD.

Key developments include:

• A new walk-in wellbeing space planned to open in the CBD by July 2026, providing easier access to support services.
• A shared digital platform being developed to improve coordination between agencies supporting people experiencing homelessness.
• Work towards a local Alcohol Accord to reduce alcohol-related harm and support a safer, more vibrant city centre.
• Better information sharing between CitySafe, Council and Police, with additional Police officers expected to begin beat patrols later this year.
• Continued progress on the Waterfront to City connection project, with business feedback helping shape the design.
• New parking technology planned to go out for tender in the second half of 2026.

For more information and to read the full update, visit https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Whats-new/News-and-notices/Mayoral-Taskforce-20260612

12/06/2026

Finally got to try a drink from K-Fizz Sodas Nz at the WOTSO Whangarei Food Truck Friday. Highly recommend the Mango & Pineapple Soda!! 🥭🍍

11/06/2026

Should Northland Councils merge into 1 Council or 2?

Have your say and give your feedback by 5:00pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026

Should Northland Councils merge into 1 Council or 2?

The question is part of the Local Government Reform, and we want to get your feedback before the big decisions are made.

Have your say online:
💡 https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Whats-new/Have-your-say/Current-Consultations/Local-government-reform

The Government has announced it wants to reduce the number of local authorities across New Zealand. As part of this, it is asking councils to consider amalgamating (combining) District and Regional Councils into single organisations known as "unitary authorities".

10/06/2026

On the topic of public transport-

As a regular bus user in Whangārei I thought I'd share some information that may help people save money sooner rather than later. If you hold a Community Services Card you're eligible for half-price fares, meaning an adult fare will then be $1.50 each way (Rather than $3!!). Gold Card holders can also travel free during off-peak hours between 9am and 3pm on weekdays and anytime on Saturdays.

One thing I'd like to see talked about more is more support for our bus drivers and what the future of public transport in Whangārei could look like because personally I'd like to see our buses eventually transition to electric..

09/06/2026

Have your say!

Consultations open! We’re asking for feedback on three sets of rules (bylaws) for what's allowed in public places.

📢 www.wdc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay

The three bylaws being reviewed are:
1️⃣ Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw
2️⃣ Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw
3️⃣ Signs Bylaw

These topics are fairly wide ranging so they present a good opportunity to give feedback on what's allowed in Whangārei District and what's not.

1️⃣ The subjects covered by the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw include noise and intimidation, blocking pathways, rough sleeping, using bikes and scooters in the Cameron Street pedestrian mall, vehicles on grass, fireworks, aircraft use, planting and removing trees, horses and stock on beaches, and vehicle crossings.

2️⃣ The Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw aims to encourage markets, events and other activities in public spaces, while keeping everyone safe and making sure spaces are easy to use. It also includes new Outdoor Hospitality Guidelines to help create lively streets while keeping footpaths clear and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

3️⃣ The Signs Bylaw sets out rules for signs so businesses can advertise, while also keeping streets safe and easy to move around for cars and pedestrians. This includes rules for portable signs, real estate and election signs, event signs, and signs on vehicles.

Public consultation on all three bylaws is open from today (10 June) until 4pm on Monday 13 July 2026.

09/06/2026

After three years, I’ve made the decision to step away from the Whangārei Youth Action Group.

I was fortunate to be involved from the very beginning, helping to establish the group and watching it grow into what it is today. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come and the impact we’ve had on young people across our community.

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and grateful for the experiences, connections and lessons learnt along the way. Over the years, we created opportunities and events that brought young people together and made a positive difference in our community. The Whangārei Youth Market, the Amazing Youth Race, Puāwai Festival, free holiday programmes, community clean-ups, and we also had the incredible opportunity to travel to Wellington and attend the Festival for the Future in 2024, where we connected with young leaders from across Aotearoa and brought back new ideas and inspiration for our community.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the group over the years and a huge acknowledgement to and especially to .payne for all the support, encouragement and time she has given to the group over the years. Verena has been there from the beginning, helping us create these opportunities, always looking out for the group and helping us navigate challenges along the way. She has always had our best interests at heart and has genuinely cared about helping young people succeed. Thank you for believing in us, supporting our ideas and helping make so many opportunities possible.

While it’s time for me to move on, I’ll always be grateful for my time with the Whangārei Youth Action Group and I look forward to seeing the group continue to grow, create opportunities, and make a difference for the next generation of young people.

So If you’re a young person looking to make a difference in our community, develop new skills, meet like-minded people, then I encourage you to get involved. And if you know a young person who might be interested, please share this opportunity with them.

I’ll pop the links in the comments for anyone wanting to learn more or get involved.

Signing off,

Jodie Rameka 🩷

09/06/2026

In my opinion we have some of the best fudge right here at home. Can’t get enough of their Salted Caramel Fudge!! 🤎

🎉 CELEBRATING 2 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP 🎉
This month marks 2 years since we took over NZ Fudge Farm, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to all our loyal customers and visitors for your support along the way.

To celebrate, we’re offering:

🍫BUY TWO FUDGE BOXES GET THE 3RD FREE!🍫 that’s right FREE.. (Wednesday 10th June ONLY)

Whether you’re stocking up on your favourites or trying a new flavour ,now’s the perfect time to treat yourself.

Thank you for being part of our journey over the past two years. We look forward to continuing to serve you with delicious fudge, great coffee, and friendly service for many years to come.

❤️ The NZ Fudge Farm Team

05/06/2026

Jason is one of many deserving locals who have moved into one of 95 new Kāinga Ora homes in the Whangārei Avenues. These much-needed homes will provide individuals and families with a safe, secure place to live and the opportunity to start a new chapter in their lives.

Former rough sleeper Jason Poutai now lives metres from his old home site.

05/06/2026

💙💙