The Community Quest is coming to the Western Bay – bringing an arcade-inspired adventure with family fun, free food, prizes, and a chance to create your town’s future.

Starting later this month, the Community Quest invites locals to join one of four family fun day events at Waihī Beach, Katikati, Te Puna, and Te Puke, or complete the quest online.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is hosting the events to help connect with the community as it plans the future of some of its key towns and places.

Council interim general manager - strategy and community Emily Watton said the Community Quest is a fun way for people of all ages to get involved in creating the future of their towns.

“It’s not just about talking to council – it’s about bringing the community together, celebrating what makes each place special, and making sure everyone’s ideas are heard.

“We wanted to put on something fun and unique for our communities to help them enjoy the process and encourage them to get involved.”

The quest will involve missions for adults and children to complete, trading their feedback for free food, prizes, and entertainment in a relaxed, nostalgic setting.

Kids can try fun activities like rock climbing walls, parkour, and circus have-a-go. There’s also face painting, music, and a host of free games to enjoy.

Watton said the council is developing spatial plans for Katikati, Te Puke, Waihī Beach/Bowentown/Athenree, and Te Puna/Minden and once complete they will help determine how these places grow and develop during the next 30-50 years – including where new housing goes, what infrastructure is needed, and what should be protected.

“These are really important decisions, and we want to make them alongside the people who call these places home,” Watton said.

“We’re at the beginning of this process, so the Quest is about bringing the community together, hearing their vision for the future, and checking our planning to date is on the right track – while having lots of fun together.”

The events are one of several ways to join the Quest, starting the end of February. For more information, visit: www.yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz

Community Quest Events

Waihī Beach, Bowentown & Athenree

Saturday, February 28 from 10am-1pm at Waihī Beach Community Centre Reserve. Wet weather option is Waihī Beach Community Centre.

Katikati

Saturday, March 7, from 10am-1pm at Moore Park. Wet weather option is Katikati War Memorial Hall.

Te Puna-Minden

Saturday, March 14, from 10am-1pm at Maramatanga Park. Wet weather option is Te Puna Hall.

Te Puke

Saturday, March 21, from 10am-1pm at Jubilee Park. Wet weather option is Te Puke Memorial Hall.

- Supplied copy