About Whanganui District Council

Whanganui District Council is a territorial authority (local government) servicing the Whanganui District.

The Local Government Act 2002 states that the purpose of local government is to:

• enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities
• meet the current and future needs of communities for good quality local infrastructure, local public services and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses.

Twelve elected members (Councillors) and a Mayor are elected every three years by voters in the Whanganui District to represent them. The elected members employ a Chief Executive to run the everyday business of the council. Our Chief Executive is David Langford.

Some of the services the Whanganui District Council provides include:

• maintenance of parks
• recreational and sporting facilities
• libraries
• pools
• emergency management and mitigating natural hazards
• community service
• roads and footpath infrastructure
• solid waste disposal
• street cleaning
• economic development
• cultural facilities.

The activities and services undertaken by councils across New Zealand can differ widely, as long as they consult with their communities. Our Council consults our community though our Annual Plan, Long Term Plan and other strategies, bylaws and policies.