Our Commitment to You
Everyone in Whanganui deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. Our community deserves neighbourhoods where people feel connected, supported, and valued - not just housed, but truly at home.
That's why Whanganui District Council intends to create a new, independent housing entity dedicated to one simple but powerful mission: building thriving communities where everyone belongs.
Why This Matters
Right now, hundreds of our older residents live in council housing that needs significant renovation to ensure it continues to serve our community well. These aren't just buildings - they're homes to people who've built their lives in Whanganui, who deserve dignity and care as they age.
At the same time, our whole community faces a shortage of affordable housing. We're building about 90 new homes each year, but we need 2,000 over the next decade. That means 1,000-1,100 families and individuals who won't have access to the housing they need unless we act now.
What We're Planning
We're proposing to incorporate our current 275 ageing council units into a much larger portfolio of affordable homes over the next ten years. This isn't just about numbers - it's about creating genuine choices for people at every stage of life.
Our Current Reality
- 275 one-bedroom units built between 1946 and 1988, many becoming unsafe to live in within five years
- Hundreds of older residents paying rent capped at just 24-29% of their pension
- A community that's aging, with older people who need housing options that work for them
- No supported accommodation is currently available for those with complex care needs
- Fewer public housing options than we had two years ago
Our Vision for the Future
A new, independent housing entity that will:
- Put people first – Create homes and communities where residents feel genuinely connected and supported, with access to the services they need
- Expand housing choices – Develop different types of homes for different needs, from rental to ownership options
- Keep it affordable – Ensure housing remains accessible for those who need it most
- Stay local – Keep decision-making in Whanganui's hands, so the entity serves our community's unique needs
- Build for the long term – Establish stable funding and governance that will serve generations to come
What Makes This Different
This isn't just about replacing old buildings with new ones. We're creating something better:
Community-focused: Housing designed to bring people together, not isolate them. Places with shared spaces, support services, and genuine connection.
Locally led: Your community, your needs, your solutions. Decisions made by people who understand Whanganui.
Iwi partnership: Working together with mana whenua to build communities that reflect our shared values and aspirations.
Independent but accountable: A dedicated entity with the expertise and focus to tackle complex housing challenges, while remaining answerable to our community.
Moving Forward Together
This is about creating an intergenerational legacy - homes that will serve our children, our parents, and generations to come. It's about ensuring that everyone in Whanganui, regardless of age or income, has access to a safe, quality home in a community where they belong.
Because housing isn't just about four walls and a roof. It's about dignity, security, choice and connection. It's about home.