Eastern Bay of Plenty - Whakatane

Friendly people, great opportunities, affordable houses & almost  the most sunshine hours in New Zealand! Whakatane offers a relaxed atmosphere, access to an amazing environment & great employment opportunities.

The Whakatane Newcomers group meets regularly for coffee & other activities from time to time, please join us, we would love to meet you!

Co-ordinator - Jan Allen-Marquis

Hi, my name is Jan Allen-Marquis.  I am the coordinator of the Whakatane Newcomers Network.  I returned to New Zealand in 2001 after 28 years living overseas in Australia, England, Germany and Canada.  I started the Newcomers Group in Whakatane because I know how difficult it can be settling into a new culture or community and I thought what a fabulous way to meet some really interesting people. 

I have met so many wonderful friends through this group and feel that we have all helped each other to make Whakatane our home.  I have 2 daughters and I live with my partner and my 2 dogs. 

I love Whakatane because of the beautiful beaches, green countryside and gorgeous native bush.  We have the title of NZ's sunshine capital with the most sunshine hours.  It's the perfect size town with only a 15 minute drive to most places and very little traffic and it is such a pretty town.  We love fishing, boogy boarding and to go dancing when a good band is playing so Whakatane suits us perfectly. 

If you are thinking of settling in Whakatane please come and say hello, we would love to meet you.