Ken Couper

Mayor

Elected as Mayor for the Whangārei District in the 2025 local elections.

Email Mayor@wdc.govt.nz

Committee membership

The Mayor as an "ex officio" member can sit on all Council Committees.

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

Forums

Issues and Updates
Northland Mayoral Forum
Northland Forward Together
UNISA - Upper North Island Strategic Alliance (Principal)

External organisations

Accessibility Advisory Group (Council appointed representative)
Joint Regional Economic Development Committee (Principal)
Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (Principal)
Northland NZ (Shareholder representative)

Postal address

Whangarei District Council
Private Bag 9023
Te Mai
Whangārei 0143

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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

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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Super weekend traffic changes

A major construction programme will take place from 7:00pm on Thursday 15 October to 5:00am on Tuesday 20 October 2026 (including night works) to carry out service work and island construction that will help keep the Springs Flat Roundabout project moving forward. Northbound traffic will be detoured via Springs Flat Road and Great North Road before rejoining State Highway 1.

Temporary Closure

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

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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Broadleaf weed treatment

Broadleaf weed control treatments will be taking place at selected parks, reserves and playgrounds throughout September and October 2026. See which areas are being treated and read the guidance for visiting a treated area.

Read public notice

Announcement

Te Matau a Pohe bridge marine and vehicle traffic closure

Te Matau a Pohe will be closed to marine and vehicle traffic from 6:00am to 6:00pm on Thursday 22 October 2026.
Vehicles carrying out works on Dave Culham Drive will be parked on the bridge during this time.
Pedestrians can use the bridge 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 Dave Culham Drive road closure

Temporary Closure