Council to review economic development and tourism priorities

Published on 10 August 2026

Whanganui District Council will review its economic development and tourism priorities, with a clear aim of putting money and effort behind the areas most likely to deliver the Strategy for Whanganui over the next decade. 

The Strategy for Whanganui Rautaki mō Whanganui sets a future-focused direction for the district, built around five goals: grow, build, protect, activate and celebrate Whanganui. 

The review, agreed last week, will shape the council's economic development and tourism priorities ahead of the 2027-34 Long-Term Plan. It comes 18 months after the district changed how economic development and tourism is delivered and will test whether that approach is delivering what Whanganui needs. 

The review is focused on sectors identified as the biggest areas for growth.

Deputy Chair of the CCO and Economic Development Committee, Deputy Mayor Michael Law, says the review builds on work already underway, rather than starting from scratch.  

"We've spent over 18 months building a more focused approach to economic development.  This review isn’t about undoing that – it's about checking we're putting our energy behind the right opportunities and maximising the potential for Whanganui."

The council will talk to business owners, tourism operators, Iwi and Māori partners, rural communities and other groups over the coming weeks to help shape the district's economic priorities. 

Council chief executive Doug Tate says the review will give the community better visibility of how investment decisions get made.  

"People should be able to see what we're investing in, why, and whether it's working. This review gives us a clearer line between the money going in and the results coming out." 

The process, set to conclude in October, will also establish a reporting and accountability framework for delivery against the agreed objectives.