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2565 days ago

Joint Council-Google project brings District to Google Street View

Richard Parfitt from Whakatāne District Council

A project between Whakatāne District Council and Google has enabled virtual tours of some of the District's most popular and spectacular destinations via Google Street View.

The project was the first of its kind in New Zealand, with Google loaning a ‘Trekker’ to the Council to capture Street View imagery. People can now explore White Island with Google Street View alongside some of the world’s great wonders, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Canyon, and Mt Everest.

Known to Māori as Whakaari, White Island is one of the world’s most accessible, continuously active marine volcanoes. The island’s awe inspiring landscape attracts sightseers from all over the world, fueling a tourism boom for Whakatāne, the ‘gateway to Whakaari’.

White Island is not the only local attraction to now feature on Google Street View. Armed with a Google Street View Trekker — an 18 kg, 15-camera backpack that takes high-quality 360-degree photos every 2.5 seconds — a team of local trekkers set out over summer to capture 35 kilometres of the Whakatāne District’s most iconic walks and landmarks. (A video of these local trekkers in action is available at the bottom of this page.)

Quintin Kerr standing on the saddle of Moutohorā (Whale Island) with the Google Street View TrekkerThe result is an immersive experience that will give prospective tourists a taste of what the Whakatāne District has to offer.

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More messages from your neighbours
7 days ago

Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?

Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱

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Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
  • 48% Yes
    48% Complete
  • 50.1% No
    50.1% Complete
  • 1.9% Other - I'll share below
    1.9% Complete
3453 votes
1 day ago

Stay sun-safe and well-read this spring

Sunday Star Times

Longer days and warmer weather are fast approaching!

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3 days ago

Stand out

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Keep your houseplants on trend with colourful pots and timber frames finished in Resene Colorwood Natural. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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