‘Community Quest’ family fun days coming to the Western Bay
The Community Quest is coming to the Western Bay – bringing an arcade-inspired adventure with family fun, free food, prizes, and a chance to create your town’s future.
Starting later this month, the Community Quest invites locals to join one of four family fun day events at Waihī Beach, Katikati, Te Puna, and Te Puke, or complete the quest online.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is hosting the events to help connect with the community as it plans the future of some of its key towns and places.
Interim General Manager - Strategy and Community, Emily Watton, saysthe Community Quest is a fun way for people of all ages to get involved in creating the future of their towns.
“It’s not just about talking to Council – it’s about bringing the community together, celebrating what makes each place special, and making sure everyone’s ideas are heard.
“We wanted to put on something fun and unique for our communities to help them enjoy the process and encourage them to get involved.”
The Quest will involve missions for adults and children to complete, trading their feedback for free food, prizes, and entertainment in a relaxed, nostalgic setting.
Kids can try fun activities like rock climbing walls, parkour, and circus have-a-go. There’s also face painting, music, and a host of free games to enjoy.
Emily says Council is developing spatial plans for Katikati, Te Puke, Waihī Beach/Bowentown/Athenree, and Te Puna/Minden.
Once complete, they will help determine how these places grow and develop over the next 30-50 years – including where new housing goes, what infrastructure is needed, and what should be protected.
“These are really important decisions, and we want to make them alongside the people who call these places home,” says Emily.
“We’re at the beginning of this process, so the Quest is about bringing the community together, hearing their vision for the future, and checking our planning to date is on the right track – while having lots of fun together,” says Emily.
The events are one of several ways to join the Quest, starting the end of February 2026.
For more information visit: Your Place Western Bay of Plenty
Community Quest Events:
Waihī Beach, Bowentown & Athenree
Saturday, 28 February, 10am-1pm
Waihī Beach Community Centre Reserve (Wet weather: Waihī Beach Community Centre)
Katikati
Saturday, 7 March, 10am-1pm
Moore Park (Wet weather: Katikati Memorial Hall)
Te Puna-Minden
Saturday, 14 March, 10am-1pm
Maramatanga Park (Wet weather: Te Puna Hall)
Te Puke
Saturday, 21 March, 10am-1pm
Jubilee Park (Wet weather: Te Puke Memorial Hall)
