From library opening hours and rubbish collections to freedom camping, dog walking and cycle trails, Western Bay of Plenty District Council has put together a summer guide to help people make the most of the festive season.

All this information – and more – can be found on the council’s dedicated Summer Information 2025/2026 webpage at: westernbay.govt.nz/council/summer-information

Libraries 

Libraries and service centres at Barkes Corner, Katikati, Te Puke, Ōmokoroa and Waihī Beach will close from midday on December 24 and reopen on January 5, giving people time to finish end-of-year tasks and borrow books for holiday reading.

From December 20 to January 10 inclusive, the statutory timeframe for building consents, code of compliance certificates and resource consents will be paused. All applications submitted will not have the days counted over this shutdown period.

There will also be a delay in processing digital property file orders received on or after December 19. The council’s normal turnaround practice of three to five working days will resume from January 12.

Rubbish, recycling 

For households with Thursday or Friday pick-ups, kerbside rubbish and recycling collections will run a day later than usual during the weeks of Christmas and New Year. In high-visitor areas – Waihī Beach, Bowentown, Athenree and Pukehina – extra collections would also be running.

Summer hours apply for Katikati, Athenree and Te Puke Recycling Centres and the Ōmokoroa Greenwaste Centre. A calendar can be found on the council’s Summer Information webpage, including mobile recycling trailer locations.

Freedom camping 

According to Western Bay of Plenty District Council, there are 46 designated freedom camping spots across the district and during summer, council contractors would be doing regular patrols to make sure everyone is following the rules. Daily patrols will take place from December 19 to February 6. For more information and maps on where freedom camping is allowed, visit: westernbay.govt.nz/recreation/camping-and-freedom-camping

Walking dogs 

Dog owners are reminded that from December 17 to February 7 inclusive, dogs are not allowed on the main beach at Waihī Beach between 9am and 7pm.

Off-leash walking is allowed in the area of Bowentown beach – in roughly the beach area between Albacore Ave and Plom Rd – as long as the owner carries a leash and keeps their dog under control. Dogs must be on a leash at Island View Reserve until March, due to birds nesting within the reserve.

The Summer Information page also has information on walking and cycle trails, public swimming pools, alcohol ban areas, noise complaints, water quality and lighting fires.

Stay informed by checking the webpage for updates on services, activities, and local rules at: westernbay.govt.nz/council/summer-information