Western Bay of Plenty District Council is looking for community members passionate about Te Puke and its future to join the town’s new Community Ideas Forum.

Applications are open for Te Puke Community Ideas Forum – a group of people who will work alongside tangata whenua and elected members to provide input into the Te Puke Spatial Plan.

The spatial plan will guide how Te Puke grows and develops during the next 30 to 50 years, helping shape decisions around housing, transport, community facilities, business areas, open spaces and the natural environment.

In a statement, the council said it is seeking a diverse range of people with strong connections to Te Puke, whether that’s living, working, or visiting – and applicants don’t need to live there to be considered.

Council general manager strategy and community Annika Lane said community ideas forums were already playing an important role in helping to shape future planning work across the Western Bay.

“The forums we’ve established in Katikati, Te Puna and Waihī Beach have brought together people with different experiences, perspectives and ideas, and the quality of discussion has been incredibly valuable,” Lane said.

Annika Lane. Photo / Supplied

“Participants have helped identify local priorities, challenge assumptions and provide insights that only people who know their communities well can offer.”

Lane said being part of the forum gave people a unique opportunity to contribute to long-term planning for their town.

“This isn’t about making decisions on behalf of the community. It’s about helping us test ideas, understand local perspectives and make sure we’re considering the issues that matter most to Te Puke,” she said.

“If you care about the future of Te Puke and want to be part of some important conversations, we’d love to hear from you.”

Applications are open until 5pm on July 29. Applicants would need to attend two Te Puke Community Ideas Forum sessions from 6pm-8pm on October 7 and 14.

With spaces limited, applications will be independently assessed to ensure the forum reflected a broad cross-section of the community, including varying ages, backgrounds, interests and experiences.

For more information or to apply, visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/te-puke-spatial-plan