Housing crisis: Whanganui council considers joint initiative with iwi
29 Apr, 2021 05:25 AM
2 minutes to read
Whanganui District Council building. Photo / LDR
Moana is a Local Democracy Reporter based in Whanganui
Whanganui District Council and iwi are looking at partnering in a joint initiative to address the housing crisis recently described as horrific by local iwi.
The traditional roles and functions of councils will come under the spotlight in the Local Government review announced last week, but Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall said his council was already looking into new sectors flagged up locally as being the most pressing areas of community need.
Photo: LDR
The traditional roles and functions of councils will come under the spotlight in the Local Government review announced last week, but Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall said his council was already looking into new sectors flagged up locally as being the most pressing areas of community need.
He said he saw a desire to have social initiatives pushed out into the community, as in Hastings where housing has been built in a community partnership with the local council and a housing trust.
McDouall said the partnership concept was key. I ve been talking to iwi groups around housing but we need government money to be able to build 80 to 100 houses - that wouldn t completely quell our housing crisis but it d knock the top off it, particularly if it s good quality, sunny, sea views, that kind of thing.
Under review: Mayors cautious and optimistic as councils come under microscope
26 Apr, 2021 05:00 PM
3 minutes to read
Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall said an independent review of local government is a good opportunity to define local and central responsibilities.
Photo / Bevan Conley
Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall said an independent review of local government is a good opportunity to define local and central responsibilities.
Photo / Bevan Conley
Liz Wylie is a reporter for the Whanganui Chronicleliz.wylie@whanganuichronicle.co.nzWhangaChron
Local mayors have reacted to Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta s announcement of an independent review of local government. Mahuta said the review would explore how councils could maintain and improve the wellbeing of New Zealanders
Whanganui climate change strategy passes committee approval
27 Apr, 2021 04:30 AM
2 minutes to read
In February last year Whanganui District Council voted in favour of declaring a climate emergency. Photo / Bevan Conley
In February last year Whanganui District Council voted in favour of declaring a climate emergency. Photo / Bevan Conley
Liz Wylie is a reporter for the Whanganui Chronicleliz.wylie@whanganuichronicle.co.nzWhangaChron
Whanganui District Council s policy and bylaw committee has unanimously voted to adopt its draft climate change strategy. Committee chairman, mayor Hamish McDouall, said amendments were made to the draft policy after hearing public submissions last week and all committee members voted to recommend its adoption by the council.
Pride Whanganui celebrations hit home run in third year
26 Apr, 2021 05:00 PM
2 minutes to read
Mayor Hamish McDouall addresses the rainbow crowd before their Pride Walk. Photo / Christina Emery
Pride Whanganui organiser Christina Emery said it had hit its stride. The two flagship events - the Pride Walk and Pride Party - took place on Saturday after being delayed due to a packed schedule earlier in the year. It s been a long, long two months. I had no doubt we would get a load of people there celebrating and being a part of it. I was not disappointed, they turned up in their droves and their colours, it was epic.