Independent review of NZICPA investment gets underway
Published on 05 October 2026
Whanganui District Council’s independent review of its investment in the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA) is now underway.
Following a robust procurement process, Deloitte has been appointed to undertake the independent review, which will examine how and why the council’s financial exposure developed over time, the key decisions and governance arrangements involved, and the information and advice available to decision-makers.
Mayor Andrew Tripe says many of today’s elected members, including himself, were not involved in the original concept or the decisions that followed. He says the independent review is necessary to establish a clear record of what occurred, give the community confidence that the council has fully understood it, and identify the lessons that must be learned.
“This review matters because the council over the years has made a significant investment in NZICPA, and the community is entitled to understand how those decisions were made and how the council’s financial exposure developed over time.
“We need to get on with this work. Council will continue to own significant commercial land and property, and decisions about how those assets are managed and funded will not go away. The lessons from NZICPA will help ensure future decisions are well-informed and made with a clear understanding of the risks.”
The review is focused on learning and accountability rather than determining individual blame. It will identify practical improvements the council can make to strengthen future investment governance, council-controlled organisation oversight, risk management and decision-making.
Deloitte will undertake a review of relevant documentation and engage with key people involved in NZICPA’s governance, oversight and decision-making.
The final report will include a chronology of key decisions, an assessment of how Whanganui District Council’s financial exposure changed over time, findings on what worked well and what fell short, and recommendations for strengthening the council’s approach in the future.
The review is now underway and is expected to be completed by December, with the final report expected to be presented to the council in December. The total cost of the review is $90,000.
The council expects the final report to be made publicly available, subject to any information that is required by law to be withheld.
Further information, including the approved Terms of Reference, is available on Whanganui District Council’s NZICPA independent review webpage.