Community invited to contribute to new vision for Whanganui

Published on 18 September 2023

Whanganui District Council is calling on the community to contribute ideas to a new vision and strategy for the Whanganui district.

The council is working together with Iwi and Hapū and invites the community to contribute early to the vision which will guide the council’s work and focus for the next ten years.

The council’s chief executive, David Langford, says a wellbeing survey opened this week as the first step in hearing from the community.

“The short survey focuses on social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing and how these could be enhanced in our district.”

He says in 2019 these four wellbeings were reintroduced to the Local Government Act and councils’ core purpose was refocused to support community wellbeing.

“When you answer the questions you’ll be asked what you love about Whanganui, what contributes to your wellbeing and what can be improved for now and for future generations.”

While developing the new vision, the council is also starting work on its Long-Term Plan 2024-2034. From mid next year, the new vision will guide how funding is allocated to various work-streams.

“Formal community consultation on both our vision and long-term plan starts in late March 2024. But if you’re passionate about the future of Whanganui and want to input into the vision early, answer our survey before mid-October and keep an eye out for further opportunities to share your thoughts online or in person over the next few months.”

“We’d like to hear from as many people as possible before the vision is finalised,” David Langford says. “Whanganui is a really special place with a vibrant community and we want to develop a vision that is specific to our unique district and honours Te Awa Tupua.”

Mayor Andrew Tripe says it’s important to be ambitious as we set our long-term direction for the next ten years.

“While Whanganui is doing well economically, times are tough for many households and the council has reduced its spending in response and is looking at further cuts that can be made through the next long-term plan. This limits what we can do right now, but it’s vital we continue to pay attention to the bigger picture and look for opportunities that will continue to see our communities and our district thrive.

“Focusing on wellbeing is a great approach because it means we’ll be considering what the council can do to lift up everyone in our community as we forge a path ahead through these tough times.”

To take the survey and to stay informed about upcoming in-person Vision for Whanganui events, visit the Whanganui District Council website using this link: www.whanganui.govt.nz/vision-for-whanganui or keep an eye on the council’s Facebook page.