Phoenix Ruka

Councillor - Whangārei District Māori Ward

Elected to represent the Whangārei District Māori Ward in the 2025 local elections.

Email cr.ruka@wdc.govt.nz

Committee membership

CE Review
Community Development
Finance
Infrastructure
Strategy, Planning and Development
Risk and Audit
Te Kārearea Strategic Partnership Standing Committee (Chair)

Forums

Issues and Updates
Northland Forward Together

External organisations

Kensington Stadium Advisory Committee (Council appointed representative)
Whangarei Aquatics Advisory Committee (Council appointed representative)
Youth Advisory Group (Council appointed representative)

Postal address

Whangarei District Council
Private Bag 9023
Te Mai
Whangārei 0143

Central Library 10-dock Locky Dock station out of order

The Central Library 10-dock station is currently out of order. Please use the other 5-dock station at the library or the Lovers Lane dock station.

Temporary Closure

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Resource management changes

New resource management laws are now in place, but the transition to the new system will happen over several years. As the new system is introduced, some information, processes and requirements on this page may change.

Find out more about Resource Management Reform

Announcement

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New bylaws may affect new approvals

From Friday 25 September 2026, three new bylaws are now in force: Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw; Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw; and Signs Bylaw. Existing permits and exemptions remain valid, but some new approvals may be affected.
We’re updating our website to reflect the new rules. If you have any questions, email: BylawEnforcement@wdc.govt.nz.

Public notice and bylaw links

Announcement

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Notice of temporary dog access rule

Under clause 10.1 of Whangarei District Council’s Dog Control Bylaw 2024, the area of Okara – former Old Boys rugby grounds playing fields is temporarily closed to the public, including for dog access, until further notice due to multiple safety hazards identified on site.

Read public notice

Temporary Closure

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Hātea walkway swing bridge temporarily closed

The Hātea walkway swing bridge on the walking trail from A H Reed Memorial Kauri Park to Whangārei Falls is closed following a failed safety inspection. We are working with specialist engineers and contractors to replace the bridge structure to ensure necessary stabilisation and safety improvements.

See the project page for details

Temporary Closure

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Te Matau a Pohe bridge marine and vehicle traffic closure

Te Matau a Pohe will be closed to marine and vehicle traffic for planned maintenance from 7:30pm on Friday 6 November to 6:00am on Saturday 7 November 2026.
Pedestrian access will be maintained but there may be short delays.
Skippers should carry out trips before or after the closure period, and contact Bridge Control for updates prior to setting off.

Find out more about the road closure

Temporary Closure

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GIS maps and Whangārei ePlan outage

Due to planned maintenance, our GIS maps and Whangārei ePlan (District Plan) will be unavailable between 8:30pm and 9:30pm on Thursday 5 November 2026. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Announcement

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Phoenix Ruka

Committee membership

Forums

External organisations

Postal address

Related Information