Repesentation review survey open

How many councillors should sit around the table in Whanganui’s council chamber? Should we have community boards? These are among questions Whanganui District Council is asking residents as part of a preliminary survey for the district’s representation review, which will shape the local body elections in 2025 and 2028.

Representation reviews are required every six years, with the council’s last review in 2018. Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe says community input is crucial in order to get an idea of how people want to be represented. “Council representation should be fair and effective for all Whanganui residents, therefore we are reviewing what is currently in place to see if any improvements can be made. We want to see representation arrangements that are reflective and adaptive to current and future communities.”

Feedback gathered from the survey will be reviewed by a working party, comprising councillors and council officers. This feedback, combined with additional information about the city’s communities, will serve as the groundwork for any recommended changes with formal consultation to begin in May this year.

The preliminary survey is open until midnight on Sunday, 10 March 2024. Head to the Have Your Say page to complete the survey: www.whanganui.govt.nz/rep-review-2024 Printed copies are also available from council customer services at 101 Guyton Street.

If you would like to hear more about the review, please join us for a community kōrero from 5.00pm-6.00pm on Tuesday, 20 February in the Brechin Lounge, St Paul’s in the City, 112 Guyton Street. Nau mai – all are welcome!