Western Bay of Plenty District Western Bay of Plenty District Western Bay of Plenty District is a territorial authority within the Bay of Plenty Region of New Zealand. The district envelops Tauranga City by land, and includes Matakana Island, at the entrance to Tauranga Harbour. The district's population at the census was , of whom 16% are Maori. Of these, 1773 live in Waihi Beach, 3579 in Katikati, and 7080 in Te Puke. The district has a land area of 2,120.675 km² (818.797 sq mi). The seat of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council is at Greerton in Tauranga City (which is a separate
Bay of Plenty foreign (planted) forest areas are found in the inland parts of the region. The Kaingaroa Forest is the world's largest planted forest, comprising radiata pine mainly used for timber. The bay contains numerous islands, notably the active volcano Whakaari / White Island, which lies 50 kilometres from the coast in the eastern bay. Other large islands include (from west to east) Matakana Island, Mayor Island / Tuhua, Motiti Island, and Moutohora Island. The Waimangu Geyser – to be seen 1900–1904 – erupted frequently, was the most powerful geyser of the world and killed 4 people in 1903. In the 2006