Vern Scheffer

Behind the vibrant colour of our roundabouts, gardens and the trimmed trees of our public spaces in Whakatāne lies a team of eight dedicated individuals – six gardeners and two arborists who start just after sunrise to avoid the traffic and the heat of the day, planting seasonal shrubs and flowers, trimming when necessary, ensuring the town is at its best and contributing to the overall wellbeing and appeal of our district.

From the stunning community gardens in town to the coastal landscapes of Ōhope, Coastlands, Matatā and the rural charm of Tāneatua, Waimana and Murupara, their expertise is evident in all corners of our district.

We rarely see them at their work and their efforts often go unnoticed but their impact is everywhere, bringing beauty and peace, showing the town at its best.

When locals and visitors cruise through our towns, they will appreciate the efforts that have been put in by our committed team of gardeners.

If you do see them working away, give them a toot of appreciation for a great job.