Why we’re engaging
Whanganui District Council is seeking early feedback to better understand the district's current and future housing needs.
Housing needs change over time. Young people looking for their first home, growing families, renters, homeowners and older residents all have different needs. Understanding these needs helps us plan for the future and make sure Whanganui remains a great place to live.
We're also looking at how our population may change over the next 30 years and what that could mean for the types of homes and neighbourhoods our community will need.
Importantly, no decisions have been made about future housing locations or development. This survey is about understanding community needs and aspirations to help inform future planning work.
What we want to understand
We want to build a clear picture of what housing in Whanganui looks like today and what our community will need in the years ahead.
This includes understanding:
We invite you to take part in this survey and help shape Whanganui’s housing future.
The survey takes around 10–15 minutes to complete and asks about:
All responses are confidential and will be used to inform future planning work.
What happens next
After the survey closes, we’ll review the feedback and use it to help inform the draft regional spatial plan and future land use plan.
This is the beginning of a longer conversation, and there will be further opportunities for the community to provide feedback as planning progresses.
Frequently asked questions
Will this affect my property or neighbourhood?
No specific changes are being proposed through this survey. We are seeking feedback to better understand housing needs across the district and help inform future planning work.
How will my feedback be used?
Your feedback will help us understand the housing choices, neighbourhoods and community outcomes that matter most to residents. It will be considered alongside other information to help inform future planning.
What do we mean by housing and growth?
Housing and growth planning is about understanding how our community may change over time and making sure there is enough housing, infrastructure and supporting services to meet future needs.
What is a regional spatial plan and land-use plan?
Under the new planning system, each region will have a regional spatial plan that sets the long-term direction for growth and development. It helps coordinate housing, infrastructure, transport and environmental priorities across the region.
A land-use plan sits underneath this and provides more detailed rules about how land can be used and developed within the district.
What kinds of questions are included in the survey?
The survey asks about your household, current living situation, future housing needs, housing preferences and your views on Whanganui's future growth.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. All responses are confidential and will only be reported in summary form to support planning work.
Will there be more opportunities to have my say?
Yes. This is early engagement and there will be further opportunities for the community to provide feedback as planning progresses.