Have your say on our draft Open Space and Physical Activity Strategy

Published on 11 May 2022

Whanganui District Council’s draft Open Space and Physical Activity Strategy is now out for community consultation.

The new strategy is about creating vibrant open spaces that support health and wellbeing. This means promoting physical activity and play, as well as protecting Whanganui district’s unique natural environment.

Public input on the draft document will help the council finalise the strategy and firm up some activities for an action plan that will be developed in more detail after public feedback, council policy manager Elise Broadbent says.

“We are keen to hear from as many people as possible – we know sport and physical activities and the numerous parks, reserves and walkways in the district are important to so many.

“We would like to know what you think about the general direction of the draft strategy. We also want community feedback on the goals we have set in the strategy. This includes our focus on addressing environmental issues, ensuring an inclusive and accessible network and activities, as well as celebrating our heritage and identity,” says Elise Broadbent.

Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall says open spaces bring people and whānau together, creating a sense of community and belonging and enhancing our appreciation and connections to place.

“We have an abundance of much-loved spaces and sporting facilities that contribute to our unique identity. These places belong to all of us and we want to hear from voices across Whanganui.

“I encourage everyone to submit feedback on the strategy to ensure we continue to improve our quality of life, our connections to each other, as well as our sense of pride and place,” says Mayor Hamish.

The draft strategy is available on the council's Have Your Say page.

There are a number of ways to give feedback on the draft Open Space and Physical Activity Strategy, including:

• submit online
• email
• pick up a hard copy from council customer services at 101 Guyton Street or from  the Davis and Gonville libraries, as well as community libraries in Hakeke Street (Whanganui East), Rangiora Street (Castlecliff) and Mitchell Street (Aramoho) and from Sport Whanganui
• call 06 349 0001.

The consultation closes at 5.00pm on Friday, 10 June 2022.

(NB: The consultation opening date was earlier publicised as Tuesday, 26 April.)