Put your questions to local MP Carl Bates and our Mayor at webinar

Published on 09 July 2026

Whanganui residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear from Mayor Andrew Tripe, councillors and local MP Carl Bates at a live community webinar on Thursday, 16 July.

The webinar will explore the government’s move to simplify local government, share what the council has heard from the community so far, and give residents the chance to ask questions about what the reforms could mean for Whanganui.

Whanganui Mayor, Andrew Tripe, says while there are still many unknowns about how the reforms could unfold, it’s important the community has the opportunity to hear what’s known so far and be part of the conversation.

“These are the biggest proposed changes to local government in decades so it’s understandable people have questions,” Mayor Andrew says.

“No one has all the answers yet and that’s exactly why these conversations matter.

“The more questions we hear from our community now, the better informed we’ll be as discussions continue.”

For anyone who hasn't been following the discussion, the government wants to simplify local government and has asked councils to come up with proposals for how councils could merge with others.

The webinar will include an overview of themes from the recent community survey and public panel discussion before opening the floor to questions from participants.

"We've appreciated the time people have taken to engage with us so far, whether that's by completing the survey, attending our panel discussion or following the conversation online," Mayor Andrew says.

"Whether you've been following this closely or are just starting to learn more about it, I'd encourage you to tune in on the night. Bring your questions, hear what others are asking and be part of the discussion."

Alongside the webinar, the council is also holding three informal community kōrero sessions where people can drop in to chat with councillors about the proposed changes.

The webinar is free and open to everyone. The Teams link to join the webinar can be found on the ‘Head Start Community Webinar’ Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HaPhDVuHY/

There is no need to book for the community kōrero sessions.

Webinar details

What: Head Start Community Webinar
Where: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HaPhDVuHY/
When: Thursday, 16 July, 5.30pm
Who: Mayor Andrew Tripe, Whanganui District Council elected members, and Whanganui MP Carl Bates
Purpose: Community update and live Q&A on the government's proposed local government reforms.

Community kōrero sessions

• Monday, 13 July – Whanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, 11am–12pm
• Wednesday, 15 July – Gonville Library, 2pm–3pm
• Wednesday, 15 July – Hakeke Street Community Centre, 4.30pm–5.30pm

ENDS