Embracing change: making smart decisions in challenging times

Published on 23 February 2026

By Mayor Andrew Tripe

Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the theme of change. Early in my career as a change manager, I wondered why the role even existed, couldn’t people just get on with it? Thirty years on, the answer is clear. We all like the idea of change; getting fitter, improving habits, striving for better, but the discipline required often pulls us back to the status quo. Real change-makers - whether individuals, organisations or communities, are those willing to do the hard yards and stay the course. It’s not easy.

We live in a world of constant change. For Whanganui District Council and our community, the choice is simple: do we let change happen to us, or do we shape it and turn it into opportunity?

Globally and nationally, the pressures are clear: economic headwinds, ageing populations, rapid technological shifts, workforce shortages and rising expectations of public services. In Whanganui, we cannot assume the future will simply sort itself out. Thriving communities require clear direction, long-term planning and strong institutions.

Recent weather events in our district have reinforced that reality. Heavy rainfall and storm impacts have tested infrastructure and disrupted parts of our community. Events like this highlight why resilience planning is essential.

Building resilience means maintaining roads and bridges, strengthening stormwater systems, planning carefully around flood risk and ensuring we have effective emergency management capability. It also means making disciplined financial decisions today so we can respond confidently when unexpected events occur.

We do have genuine strengths: a robust primary sector, a reputation as a stable and attractive place to live and invest, and emerging opportunities in agri-tech, food innovation, digital services and advanced manufacturing. These opportunities will only materialise if we create the right conditions with clear planning rules, predictable investment settings and financial discipline thus giving certainty to families and businesses considering Whanganui’s future.

At the same time, local government in New Zealand is undergoing significant reform: planning law changes, new infrastructure funding models, the shift of water services and discussions about council structures. The Government has also consulted on simplifying local government. Whanganui District Council made a submission supporting efforts to improve efficiency, but we were clear that structural change alone will not resolve governance tensions unless responsibilities between central and local government are clearly defined. Communities deserve certainty about who is accountable for what.

As a council, we’ve entered 2026 knowing the decisions ahead won’t be easy. The cost of living remains top of mind, groceries, power bills, mortgages and rents continue to put pressure on households. We feel those pressures at the council too.

The rates system remains our primary tool for funding essential services. Achieving the lowest average rates rise in the country last year placed our community in a relatively strong position compared to many others. Yet we face a balancing act: keeping rates affordable while protecting and investing in critical infrastructure from footpaths, to roads, libraries and parks - as costs continue to rise.

As we work through the Annual Plan 2026/27, it’s important to be clear: this is not a full reset. It sets priorities for the next 12 months within the Long-Term Plan framework shaped by years of community input. Our focus remains the sustainable delivery of essential services.

Community voice matters. In the weeks ahead, there will be opportunities to ask questions, provide feedback and influence decisions where adjustments are possible.

In recent years, our six-point plan has strengthened our financial position and eased pressure on ratepayers: supporting population growth, improving efficiency, exploring alternative funding, cutting services where necessary, selling assets to reduce debt and identifying non-rates revenue. We have used the major levers available to us. These steps reflect a commitment to affordability today and responsibility for tomorrow.

Every choice involves trade-offs. Short-term relief can create long-term risk if assets deteriorate or our resilience to severe weather and economic shocks is undermined. A prudent path means prioritising core infrastructure, maintaining what we have and retaining financial headroom for the unexpected.

Whanganui’s community spirit, strong partnerships and steady investment in the basics give us momentum. Our role is to protect what makes this district special, support our community through challenging times and make decisions that endure.

Change brings uncertainty, but it also brings opportunity. My commitment, and the council’s, is to provide steady leadership by listening carefully, embracing necessary change and positioning Whanganui to thrive.

I encourage you to stay engaged in the Annual Plan process.

Together, we can turn change into progress.