Summer Information 2020/21

Here you'll find all the information you need to know about our services over the 2020/21 summer period!

COVID-19 and summer

We’re all looking forward to a great summer, a summer with our whānau and families, a summer that’s supporting our local communities and is great for our businesses and economy. To help with this, we're encouraging New Zealanders to continue doing those easy, everyday actions that help keep everyone safe and our businesses open over summer and for the new year.

Some guidelines over this summer:

• Turn on Bluetooth tracing
• scan QR codes or keep a record of where you've been and when
• stay home if you are sick and get a test
• wash your hands
• if you're travelling by air, wear a face covering

Keep an eye out for updates on the Unite against COVID-19 webpage and social media.

Kerbside Rubbish and Recycling Collection

Besides Athenree Recycling Centre, all other centres and all other collection days around the District remain as normal. For more info, see the Waste Management website.

Approved EGB rubbish bags will be accepted at our Athenree Recycling Centre (Waihi Beach) if you miss the kerbside rubbish collection over this period only.

Please contact your bin provider if you have any further questions.

Recycling & Greenwaste Drop-off Centres

Athenree Recycling Centre

Freedom Camping

Western Bay of Plenty has some lovely beaches and camping spots, but campers need to be aware that not all areas of the District can be camped on. Restrictions apply under Council's Freedom Camping Bylaw, and we ensure that campers are complying in two ways:

1. Response to complaints from residents and members of the public throughout the District:
   Council contractors respond to all freedom camping complaints made to our contact centre (complaints can be made any time day or night). The best time to make a complaint is in the evening or early morning when it is clear the vehicle occupants are preparing to, or already have camped overnight.
2. Seasonal monitoring/patrolling Waihi Beach, Te Puke, Paengaroa, Maketu, Pukehina, Te Puna, Omokoroa and Tuapiro Point:
   Council contractors patrol all reserves in the Waihi Beach area and reserves in Te Puke, Paengaroa, Maketu, Pukehina, Te Puna, Omokoroa and Tuapiro Point where freedom camping restrictions apply. These patrols are done nightly and in the early morning.
   Weekend monitoring commences from Labour Weekend, with daily monitoring running from Friday 18 December 2020 until Tuesday 9 February 2021. Weekend monitoring then commences through to the end of Easter weekend.

Visit our freedom camping webpage for more information and maps on where freedom camping is allowed,

Dog Control

Here are a few quick key points to keep in mind when walking your pooch this summer:

• There are 'on-leash' restrictions in the main town centre areas of Te Puke, Katikati and Waihi Beach
• In Waihi Beach, dogs are prohibited on all parts of the main beach during summer (from Friday 18 December 2020 to Tuesday 9 February 2021) between 9am - 7pm. Outside of these times you can exercise your dog on the beach.
• Your dog can be exercised at any time in the area of Bowentown Beach (roughly the beach area between Albacore Ave and Plom Road). You must carry a leash, and keep your dog under control.
• Dogs are prohibited at Island View Reserve from October to March due to birds nesting within the reserve during this period.
• Dogs are not permitted on scenic reserves or at playgrounds at any time.
• Please take a plastic bag with you when walking your dog to clean up its business. Poo bag dispensers are located at a number walkways around the District.
• Dogs are allowed in some areas and not in others for the safety of people and our natural wildlife (we have nesting areas in the dunes). At all times they must be kept under proper control and doggy-doo must be bagged and removed.

Visit our Dog Control Bylaw webpage to make sure you know all the rules!

Visit our dog walking areas webpage for maps and walking areas.

Alcohol Bans

Please remember that there are year round 24/7 alcohol bans in Waihi Beach, Katikati and Te Puke. You can read our Alcohol Control Bylaw and see ban areas here.

Recreational Water Quality

The waterways and coastal areas of the Western Bay are popular places to visit during summer - but it's a good idea to check out the quality of water before you jump in.

Keeping you up to date with the water quality of local estuaries, beaches, rivers and lakes is the job of Toi Te Ora Public Health.

If a recreational water site is significantly contaminated, Toi Te Ora will erect signs to warn where swimming is not advised due to the health risk.

Waterways are tested regularly for bacterial contamination from human or animal faeces, and for the bacteria which cause blue-green algae or algal blooms.

So when you're swimming or collecting shellfish this summer - look before you leap and make the most of our wonderful waterways.

You will find current local health warnings at www.toiteora.govt.nz/health warnings

Fire Permits

Rural fire within the Western Bay of Plenty is managed by Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).

Lighting a fire? For more information and to apply for a permit, please complete the online application at firepermit.nz.