Council chief executive welcomed to Whanganui

Published on 31 March 2026

Whanganui District Council welcomed its new chief executive today after a formal pōwhiri at Pūtiki Marae yesterday.

Doug Tate previously held the role of chief executive at Central Hawkes Bay District Council and has now moved his young family to Whanganui.

Speaking after the formal pōwhiri, Mayor Andrew Tripe expressed a warm welcome and thanks to Tate’s family and supporters from Central Hawkes Bay who had travelled to accompany him. He said, “Doug, it really is a privilege to welcome you here today, to our river city, our people and this place of connection.”

Mayor Andrew acknowledged Tate’s strong links across local and central government. “We can see by the numbers of people who turned up today that you are highly respected and you've shown that you’re someone who cares about the community that you serve.”

Tate said, “It’s an absolute privilege to be standing here today, as your new chief executive of Whanganui District Council.

“I opened my mihi by acknowledging the people, the place that make this moment important. Mana Whenua, our mayor, our councillors and our visitors.”

He also acknowledged Te Awa Tupua, “recognised here as a living being, with its own mana and its own mauri. That relationship between people sets a very clear expectation for all of us. We need to lead with care and make decisions that strengthen peoples’ connection to this place.

“Being welcomed in this way is a powerful reminder that this is not just a change in roles,” he said. “It's about people, it's about place, and it's about the relationships that bind everything together.

“Whanganui has big aspirations – for its people and for its neighbourhoods. There will be moments to move quickly and there will be times that test us. But my commitment to you all is to be steady, to be practical, to be focused on progress that reflects the values of this place.

“I'm just a boy from Levin,” he said. “I was raised with simple values. I learned about responsibility early, pitching in, doing what counts, and stepping up when you need to. Those lessons have shaped how I lead: to be practical, be respectful, and don't ask of others what you’re not willing to do yourself.”

Having earlier thanked local Mana Whenua for their welcome and generosity, Tate acknowledged Mana Whenua of Tamatea, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council and his wider Central Hawke’s Bay whānau for their trust and wisdom shared. “That guidance has shaped me, and I’ll always carry that forward. However, as I step into this role, I'm here to learn Whanganui first. To listen, to understand, and to earn my place. I’ll bring with me the very best lessons that matter most, remain grounded, humble and focused on what matters.

“I look forward to working alongside you all, to build on the aspirations of Whanganui – for this place and for the people.”