New strategy to guide the district’s future

Published on 18 July 2025

Whanganui District Council has formally adopted a new overarching strategy – Strategy for Whanganui – Rautaki mō Whanganui – replacing the long-standing Leading Edge Strategy first introduced in 2014.

Mayor Andrew Tripe says the new strategy clarifies the council’s priorities with a focus on the future, developed in active partnership with Hapū, Iwi, and the wider community.

“This strategy belongs to Whanganui,” says Mayor Andrew. “It reflects the aspirations we’ve heard over many conversations – in our forums, in community hui, at local events, and across our online platforms. We’ve listened to our people, and this strategy sets a clear direction for where we want to go and how we want to get there.”

The Strategy for Whanganui is shaped around five core goals – Grow, Build, Protect, Activate, and Celebrate Whanganui – and aims to guide council decision-making, planning and investment into the future. The strategy incorporates priorities such as supporting housing development, enhancing infrastructure, revitalising the environment, strengthening economic opportunity, and promoting the district’s unique culture and heritage.

Work on refreshing the Council’s strategic direction began in 2023. The process included a comprehensive review of the former Leading Edge Strategy, feedback from a community wellbeing survey, input from one-to-one meetings with local leaders, and ideas gathered from community events and four strategic forums led by Mayor Andrew.

A Rōpū steering group – comprised of Hapū representatives from across the district – worked alongside council staff throughout the strategy’s development, ensuring that the views of tangata whenua are embedded in the strategy's foundations.

“This strategy strengthens our commitment to partnership with Hapū and Iwi,” Mayor Andrew says. “Their insight and guidance were invaluable, and their kōrero has shaped the priorities we’ve set out.”

Community consultation on the draft strategy ran throughout April 2025. A majority of respondents supported the draft goals, and their feedback contributed to refinements made ahead of adoption. With the strategy now confirmed, the council will turn its focus to activation.

“Our next step is to bring this strategy to life,” says Mayor Andrew. “This means aligning our budgets, plans, and performance measures to deliver on the goals. We’ll also be working to ensure the community sees real and lasting benefits from the direction we’ve set.”

A detailed implementation plan will be developed over the coming months, with further opportunities for elected member and stakeholder engagement as the strategy begins to take effect.

Find out more about the new Strategy for Whanganui.