Draft Annual Plan opens for consultation
Published on 31 March 2026
Whanganui District Council is inviting the community to have their say on its draft Annual Plan 2026/27, with consultation open from 31 March to 3 May.
The Annual Plan is the council’s yearly check-in with the community, outlining what will be delivered over the coming year, how it will be funded, and the choices that need to be made along the way.
Mayor Andrew Tripe says this year’s plan reflects the growing challenge councils face in balancing affordability with delivering the services and infrastructure communities rely on.
“Like councils across the country, we’re operating in a changing environment,” he says.
“We’re seeing rising costs, ongoing reform from central government, and increasing demand for essential services – all while being mindful of the pressures our community is also facing.
"That means we have to carefully balance keeping rates as low as possible, maintaining the services people expect, and continuing to invest where it matters most.”
Rather than focusing on a single issue, the draft Annual Plan asks the community to consider the overall direction of the council and whether it has struck the right balance.
“We’re really asking people to look at the full picture,” says mayor Andrew.
“Have we got the balance right? Are we focusing on the things that matter most to our community?”
As part of the consultation, the council is also seeking informal feedback on a number of specific topics that reflect the types of trade-offs considered during the development of the plan.
These include:
- delaying the Davis Library extension
- whether to open the Whanganui East Pool for one more summer before it’s refurbished, or take a one-summer pause to help reduce costs
- adjusting loan repayments to reduce short-term rates
- whether to keep budgets tight or build a financial buffer
- and future funding approaches for the Sarjeant Gallery
“These are examples of the real decisions behind the plan,” says mayor Andrew.
“They show the kind of trade-offs we’re working through to balance affordability with long-term sustainability.”
The draft Annual Plan is guided by council’s four priorities: keeping rates low, building and uniting the community, boosting the local economy, and strengthening infrastructure and transport connections.
“We know people are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and we are too,”
“That’s why it’s so important we hear from our community before making final decisions.”
The draft Annual Plan 2026/27 will be available online from 31 March.
People can find out more and make a submission at: whanganui.govt.nz/haveyoursay