NEXT EVENT - PUBLIC MEETING RATES / ANNUAL PLAN THURSDAY 9th APRIL BARRACKS AMMO ROOM
All financial members are welcome to contribute during the membership meetings which provides the opportunity for members to present items or raise any issues.
During Public meetings the preference is for questions to be submitted ahead of time with a short window for Q & A being available at the end of the session.
Open Forum guide
Whanganui Resident & Ratepayers Association (WRRA) hold both public and membership meetings.
Only financial members can attend Special General Meetings (SGM) and Annual General Meetings (AGM). Financial members will be provided a copy of all meeting minutes.
Notice of any intention to speak in any Open Forum is a requirement to ensure adequate time allowance is made
The normal maximum speaking time is 3 minutes unless the committee approves otherwise
Attendees may ask questions at the conclusion of any presentation
No resolution will normally be made at the time of the presentation, but committee members may be asked to follow up the presentation with further investigation. This will come back to a subsequent meeting
Non-financial members will be requested to make a donation to help contribute to costs
Open Forum discussions are to follow meeting rules of conduct:
The purpose of this public meeting is to discuss the Annual Plan Review, annual rates and the proposed average rates rise of 5.8% - and this includes you.
This is more than just a Q&A. We’re calling on the Ratepayers and Residents of Whanganui to step up, be heard and help shape the Annual Plan.
Bring your experience, ideas and practical solutions for how the rates rise could be reduced. This includes identifying services, projects or areas of spending that could be scaled back, reconsidered or approached differently - especially ideas the Council may not yet have explored.
This is your chance to have your say and have it on record. Strong communities are built on participation and this is an opportunity to contribute constructively, share informed views and influence outcomes that affect us all.
We aim for a respectful, solution-focused discussion, working together to find a more balanced and affordable path forward. To make the most of the conversation, attendees are encouraged to read the consultation document beforehand.
The Mayor, key members of the executive team and local business voices have been invited and be present in an open, moderated forum - designed to keep the focus on practical solutions and collaboration.
If you care about where your rates are going - now is the time to get involved.
Whanganui Residents and Ratepayers Association (WRRA) has held several public meetings and events focused on local governance, council accountability and major policy reforms:
17 March 2026 - RMA Reform: A focused and informative discussion on RMA reform with Carl Bates and Simon Court, exploring the practical implications for communities and future development.
5 November 2025 - Councillor Forum: This forum provided an open dialogue between residents and several elected councillors regarding council debt and future priorities.
24 October 2025 - Housing and Rates Meeting: A meeting on to discuss housing solutions in Whanganui and their impact on ratepayers.
9 September 2025 - Meet the Candidates (Mayoral & Māori Ward): A second session on featuring Mayoral, Māori Ward, and Horizons Regional Council candidates.
3 September 2025 - Meet the Candidates (General Ward): A public session on at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre for the 10 general ward seats on the Whanganui District Council.
24 June 2025 - Local Water Done Well Meeting: A public session on where Mayor Andrew Tripe and councillors answered questions regarding the government's water service legislation.
8 April 2025 - Local Water Done Well Guest speaker Presentation: Expert Insight: A presentation by former water asset manager
2 April 2025 - Whanganui Bus Network Review Meeting: Discussion on the regional bus network review. Representatives attended from Whanganui and Horizons councils.
Public meeting held with Guest Speaker
Expert Insight: A presentation by former water asset manager.