Key outcomes from Ordinary Council meeting 3 February 2026

Unfortunately video footage is not available of this meeting. Footage from other council meetings is available on Council’s YouTube channel.

Please note these are informal notes on the key outcomes from the meeting. The formal minutes and official record will be endorsed at the next council meeting.

Minutes and Committees – Council confirmed the minutes of several meetings and committees including the December Council meeting and the December Extra Ordinary council meeting. They received the draft minutes from the December Coast Community Board meeting.

Papers also included the regular reports from the Chief Executive and Mayor.

Public forum – Neil Ericksen and several supporters spoke to councillors about the need for some sort of cat policy for the district. The Mayor thanked the attendees for making the time to talk to council. He acknowledged that we are a small council with a small team and that the policy would be unlikely to receive assistance in funding or legislation from the government. He also recognised the important work of OSCA in Ōpōtiki and the difference they make. Councillors asked that staff look into what a cat policy could look like and consider what options are available and implications in terms of time and resources.

Bay of Plenty Mayoral Forum Triennial Agreement 2025–2028 – council endorsed the Agreement and agreed to enter into the triennial arrangement. The Agreement is required under legislation, and it formalises the eight councils working together to improve the Bay of Plenty with agreed strategic priorities and issues.

Public excluded business – council confirmed in-committee meeting minutes and workshop notes. Other matters discussed:

• Investment property lease of 101b Church Street
• Licence to occupy Victoria Park and Duke Street reserves for horse grazing
• Ground lease for Ōpōtiki Gymnastics Club