Have your say on big LTP decisions!

The consultation period for Whanganui District Council’s Long-Term Plan 2024-34 is now open and the council is urging the community to join the decision-making process. With a proposed 10.6 percent average rate increase planned for next year, Mayor Andrew

Tripe says the aim is to strike a balance between keeping rates rises as low as possible, while meeting the community’s most important needs.

“It is well-highlighted that there is massive rates pressure across the country, mainly because of the three I’s – inflation, interest rates, and insurance. While originally we were looking at an increase of over 17 percent in our rates for next year, we’ve worked inside the council to find ways to reduce this to the proposed 10.6 percent – but this will require changes to some of our services.”

Some of the proposals for service changes in the draft long-term plan include: the future of the Whanganui East Pool, the Repertory Theatre, the Winter Gardens, the Rotokawau Virginia Lake aviary, and ownership of New Zealand Glassworks. Also suggested are changes to the Davis Library’s opening hours, a review of drop-off points for rural rubbish – and reduced funding for Mainstreet’s hanging flower baskets and for community grants. “When we consult with the community on important decisions, we have to state what our preferred option is – but this is just the starting point. We want the community to tell us what’s important to them, and what services they are prepared to trade-off in order to keep rate increases as low as possible. This is an important part of how we make our final decisions,” Mayor Andrew says.

Formal consultation on the Long-Term Plan 2024-34 closes at 5.00pm on Thursday, 2 May 2024. All information including the consultation document and submission form is available at: www.whanganui.govt.nz/have-your-say – as well as online, submissions can be via email, phone or printed copy. Councillors and council staff will be at these locations during April to talk with the community about the consultation: • Thursday, 11 April – 2.00pm-4.00pm at the Hakeke Community Centre and Library, Whanganui East

Saturday, 13 April – 11.00am-2.00pm at Lorenzdale Park, Swiss Avenue, Gonville

Tuesday, 16 April – 11.00am-1.00pm at the Splash Centre, Springvale

Friday, 19 April – 10.00am-12 noon at the Castlecliff Community Hub & Library, Rangiora Street

Wednesday, 24 April – 11.00am-1.00pm at Majestic Square, Victoria Avenue