Te Puke’s Heritage Plaza upgrade is now complete.

The refurbishment outside Te Puke Jewellers and My Pharmacy, on Jellicoe St, includes nikau palms, garden beds, lighting, seating nooks and a raised level area.

The $200,000 project was a joint initiative between the Te Puke Community Board and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, with funding drawn equally from the board’s roading account and the council’s transportation budget.

The plaza prior to work starting. Photo / Stuart Whitaker

When the project was given the green light in June, then Te Puke Community Board chairwoman Kassie Ellis stressed the board’s commitment to improving public spaces and supporting a more vibrant town centre – while acknowledging that not everyone will see it the same way.

“Like any town project, there are always a range of views,” said Ellis.

“But the board believes this upgrade will add real value – creating a people-friendly space where locals and visitors can pause, connect and enjoy what our town centre has to offer.”

Designs were developed in 2024 by Bay of Plenty-based landscape architect Nichola Vague, and the final design approved in April 2025.

The refurbishment was completed earlier this month. Photo / Stuart Whitaker

Future artworks are also planned, with the support of local iwi - Tapuika and Waitaha.

These will be developed to reflect a shared vision, upholding the identity, values and histories of mana whenua through appropriate kōrero and artistic elements within the space.

Work began in June and was completed by early this month.