By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy Reporting
Whanganui mayor Andrew Tripe has reshaped the council’s committee structure for the 2025-2028 triennium, saying the new line-up is aimed at strengthening leadership, efficiency and delivery.
“This term is about honouring the mandate the community gave this council in the recent elections by building on the strong foundations we’ve laid,” Tripe said.
“This means continuing to move Whanganui forward at the same time as continuing to hold onto what we all love about living in Whanganui.
“That means not standing still, it means keeping rate rises low, thinking differently, working smarter, partnering to increase the number of homes, attracting and growing higher value industry such as energy and technology while ensuring that we stay focussed on delivery and creating better lives for all who call Whanganui home.”
Under the revised structure, the operations and performance committee – to be chaired by Cr Rob Vinsen – will take on a sharper focus on core service delivery and key project and performance outcomes. Some activity will shift to other committees.
The regulatory committee, chaired by Cr Charlotte Melser, has been given an expanded role with further development planned over time.
The projects and grants committee has been disestablished, with its responsibilities moving to the operations and performance committee.
The council-controlled organisation (CCO) and economic growth committee will place greater emphasis on CCOs and economic development, particularly as the wind-down of Whanganui Holdings Limited – announced in 2024 as a cost-cutting measure – takes effect. Subsidiary companies will begin reporting directly to the committee, which will be chaired by independent Andrew Turner.
“These refinements are about sharpening focus, balancing workloads and ensuring we’re fit for purpose as a modern council,” Tripe said.
Cr Glenda Brown will chair the strategy and policy committee, and independent Susan Kosmala returns as chair of the risk and assurance committee.
The portfolio structure introduced last term will continue. Councillors are assigned interest areas to help residents connect directly with elected members and feed insights into council discussions.
Melser will lead portfolios and community engagement, with Cr Geoff Hipango as deputy.
“While not part of the formal governance structure, the portfolio framework remains an important way for elected members to connect directly with communities, providing greater visibility and engagement,” Tripe said.
“Our goal is simple – to deliver strong, steady, effective leadership for Whanganui’s future for the benefit of everyone who lives in our district.”
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