One of the draft masterplan's features is a Port Basin, which will be developed for use at all tides by non-motored water sports like waka ama and coastal rowing. There is also potential for the Port Basin to include a park and beach area.
Anna Te Rei from the Te Kaihau o Kupe Waka Ama (outrigger) group says their group presented a plan of what they wanted to see to the Port Revitalisation Team in the initial stages of the community reference group meetings.
"Our ideas have been taken into consideration, which we're excited about," Ms Te Rei said. "One of the features of the masterplan is to establish a beach area, which would be really attractive for families. It's about giving people the opportunity to be on the water.
"We also see the potential for kayaking and kayak fishing, as well as the popular activity of stand-up paddle boarding."
Rod Trott, who has a long-term involvement in lake, river and coastal rowing and has competed in waka ama locally, national and internationally, encourages everyone to share their ideas about the port revitalisation.
"There's magnificent potential to utilise parts of the port for recreational sports as it's an ideal launching area with the sea, harbour and estuary."
Mr Trott says that while there has been some pessimism in the past about port development, he believes the draft masterplan is well laid-out and "sheds a new light on what the port could be".
"As many people as possible should get involved in having their say on the masterplan as there is potential for a realistic and exciting plan."
The draft masterplan can be viewed online at www.whanganui.govt.nz/portmasterplan and feedback can be made through the website.
Feedback on the draft masterplan closes at 5pm on Friday, February 3.