Town Vision advisory board

Whakatane’s town centre vision is one step closer to reality with the appointment of the Town Vision Advisory Board.

Craig Batchelar, Paula Thompson and John Washburn join previously appointed chairman Jeff Williams to make up the board, which will now begin the first stage of planning for the project.

“We are extremely pleased with the calibre and range of skills that we have attracted. The Board is vital to the success of this project and we couldn’t have got a better result,” Mayor Colin Holmes said.

Craig Batchelar has 23 years of planning experience and holds a masters degree in planning from Harvard University. He helped manage SmartGrowth – a strategic planning project for urban and rural growth in the Western Bay of Plenty – working with Councils, Tangata Whenua and the community on the project. Mr Batchelar is also a director at Boffa Miskell, a leading New Zealand environmental planning and design consultancy company. Mr Batchelar is no stranger to Whakatane, as he has been actively involved in the Matata regeneration projects.

After seven years as chief executive at the Tauranga District Council, Paula Thompson set up her own management business and is currently chairperson of the Bay Trust. Ms Thompson’s expertise in the public and not-for-profit sectors includes strategic planning, project management, feasibility analysis and facilitation.

Originally from North Carolina, USA, John Washburn has worked in property, business and subdivision development on the American East Cost for 40 years. Mr Washburn has a particular interest in preserving the natural features locations – an important consideration for Whakatane’s town vision.

Mr Washburn who has a passion for property development observes that Whakatane offers great potential.

“I would like to be part of the process to bring this potential to reality. The Town Vision project offers a vehicle for achieving this and I will be working with the rest of the Board members to ensure great things for Whakatane.”

The Town Vision Advisory Board will now begin the first stage of planning for the future Whakatane town centre. The Board aims to work with the community and Council to ensure development enhances Whakatane’s natural and cultural heritage which is highly valued by the community.