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

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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VHF channel change from 1 October 2026

From Thursday 1 October 2026, the VHF channel to contact Bridge Control for the Te Matau a Pohe and Kotuitui Whitinga bridges to be raised will be changing to VHF channel 10. This change is being made to improve communications between boats and Bridge Control.

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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Wastewater network capacity

We are carefully managing the capacity of our wastewater network in Ruakākā and parts of Whangārei Heads. Before applying for a Resource Consent or Building Consent, please contact us to find out whether your project may be impacted.

Submit an online customer request

Announcement

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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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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

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Ken Couper

Committee membership

Forums

External organisations

Postal address

Related Information