Whanganui District Council votes to keep 12 elected members for 2025 election

Public consultation for the 12-councillor arrangement attracted 190 submissions, with 60% favouring maintaining 12 elected members.

Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe said councillors appreciated the feedback from the community.

“Like the long-term plan, we had a record number of submissions on the representation review this time,” he said.

“The council received 10 submissions to its last representation review in 2018.”

At previous meetings, councillors debated the options of either 10 or 12 councillors, Tripe said.

“Our decision to have 12 is a democratic result.

“I have said previously that less is more but I acknowledge that we also need to balance that with making sure we have the right voices around the table to represent and to hear our community.”

For the 2025 elections, residents on the general electoral roll can elect 10 general electoral ward councillors, while those on the Māori electoral roll can elect two Māori electoral ward councillors.

All voters in the district will continue to elect the mayor.

Seven members of Whanganui Rural Community Board will also be retained, representing the Whanganui, Kai Iwi and Kaitoke subdivisions.

The final proposal is open for appeals until October 6.

They will be forwarded to the Local Government Commission and, if required, a hearing will be held on November 19.

The commission must make its determination by April 10, 2025.