The government has asked councils to look at how they can merge with others.
Learn what it means for Whanganui
The 2026 environmental scan gives a clear picture of what is happening in Whanganui and what may affect the district in the years ahead. It brings together the most recent information to support decisions for the Long‑Term Plan (LTP). The scan looks at both where the district is now and the trends that are likely to shape its future. It helps the Council understand emerging opportunities, risks, and pressures, and provides a shared evidence base for planning and investment. In line with the Strategy for Whanganui, the scan is organised around five areas: Grow, Build, Activate, Protect, and Celebrate. Some topics, such as population change and Te Awa Tupua, sit across all areas and are presented first to provide context.
The wider environment is changing, with uncertainty around central government reforms and the economic outlook. This scan reflects the information available at the time of writing and is intended to be updated regularly to remain useful for decision‑making.
Read the Environmental Scan 2026(PDF, 37MB)
You can find our past environmental scans below (called the District Snapshot).