About the region
The Bay of Plenty region is on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand.
The region takes in the full sweep of the coastline from Pōtikirua in the east, to Waihī Beach in the west, and includes 18 offshore islands extending out to the 12-mile nautical boundary. The area of the region is 21,837 square kilometres comprising 12,254 square kilometres of land and 9,583 square kilometres of coastal marine area.
There are an estimated 334,140 people living in the region (according to the 2023 Census). The Bay of Plenty has a rich cultural dynamic, with 32.9% of the population of Māori descent and 8% identified as an ethnic group other than New Zealand European or Māori.
Māori are key partners, stakeholders and members of our community with 36 iwi, approximately 260 hapū and 180 marae, therefore building and maintaining relationships with these groups is an important part of Regional Council's role.
Regional profiles
The Regional Council is a data-rich organisation, developing and receiving environmental, economic, social and cultural information from a range of sources.
That’s why we have created a series of ‘regional profiles’ to bring together insights from numerous sources so we can collectively understand the needs of local communities, and the challenges and opportunities across the region.
Each regional profile tells a story about where we are today, as well as where we could be 30-plus years into the future.
Sharing this information is part of our commitment to helping our region grow in a way that keeps its values safe for future generations. Read about our role in regional development.
Click on one of the tiles below to read the regional profile in full.
Growth
Coming soon. This profile identifies housing trends, industry, and links to sub-regional spatial plans.
Natural environment
Coming soon. This profile explores land use, climate change impacts, adaptation and resilience.