Council and Te Oranganui Trust confirm future of 125 Grey Street
Published on 14 October 2025
Media release - Whanganui District Council and Te Oranganui Trust
Whanganui District Council and Te Oranganui Trust have signed a long-term lease agreement for 125 Grey Street, confirming the site’s future as a community health and wellbeing hub.
The signing last week follows a council decision earlier this year to lease the site to the trust, following community engagement and an assessment of the risks and opportunities for the site, which was formerly home to St George’s School.
With reports identifying the ageing buildings as earthquake-prone and containing asbestos, the council resolved to move forward with a sensitive deconstruction of the unsafe buildings and to lease the site to Te Oranganui on a long-term basis.
Mayor Andrew Tripe says the lease signing marks a positive new chapter for Grey Street.
“Te Oranganui has a strong history of supporting whānau and improving wellbeing in our district. Partnering with them at Grey Street reflects our shared commitment to creating spaces that make a difference for people across our community.”
The lease will generate ongoing council income of $158,820 a year.
Te Oranganui Mātaiwhetū (Chief Executive) Whetūrangi Walsh-Tapiata says the trust is delighted that the signing has occurred.
“It allows our dreams to move one step closer to being realised. Strong relationships, like this one, will also be beneficial for the whole community.”
Te Oranganui Trust’s vision includes three stages – establishing offices and Whānau Ora services, expanding to include Te Waipuna Health, and finally creating a wider community hub with allied health services.
Council chief executive David Langford says the lease arrangement provides both social and financial benefits for the district.
“This partnership delivers real value for our community – not just through Te Oranganui Trust’s future health and wellbeing services, but also through steady lease income that supports the council’s finances,” says Langford.
“That ongoing revenue helps offset costs across our operations, easing pressure on ratepayers over time.”
Chief strategy officer Sarah O’Hagan says the collaboration is a strong example of the council’s strategic direction in action.
“This project shows how thoughtful partnerships can turn challenges into opportunities. By working with Te Oranganui, we’re creating a pathway for sustainable development that supports wellbeing, cultural connection, and long-term community benefit — all while retaining public ownership of the land,” Sarah O’Hagan says.
“We’ve also held a series of workshops with key stakeholders around how the history of the site could be recognised as part of the new development, including options for the re-use of materials and inclusive storytelling.
“We’ll be reconnecting with the working group in the New Year to continue that conversation and will also engage with the new council around the insights and outcomes of those workshops.”
Deconstruction of the ageing buildings will take place over five to six months once preparatory work and contractor appointments are complete. The newer admin block will remain, along with the buildings which form part of the current early childhood learning centre.
The council will carefully document heritage features and salvage materials where possible, working alongside the Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust and other stakeholders to ensure the site’s history continues to be recognised.
The lease ensures the site remains in public ownership, provides ongoing income to the council, and reflects community feedback, iwi aspirations, and heritage considerations.