It follows uncontested races in the Kaitoke and Kai Iwi subdivision where nominations equalled the vacancies this year - as happen in all three wards in 2013.
A byelection was also required in 2016 meaning the only times votes have actually been counted in three elections was in the Whanganui ward in 2016.
Rural voters – being vastly outnumbered by their urban counterparts – rightly worry about their ability to be heard at and elected to Whanganui District Council.
The Whanganui Rural Community Board helped get cameras installed through the district to help combat stock theft. Photo / File
And that means the rural constituency - unlike many underrepresented groups which deserve a voice - is in the unique and privileged position of having a dedicated board, established in law, with powers delegated to it by the council, to advocate for it at local level.
Far from being token representation, it has influence and it has got things done.
The board's rural camera scheme is award winning.
It has been instrumental in advocating for rural broadband.
It has a budget.
Its chair has a seat (but not voting rights) at the council table which always adds a strong rural voice to debate.
Former board chairman David Matthews was an advocate for the rural community around the council table. Photo / File
It is listened to.
There are a heap of council issues which impact the rural community - climate change, roading, economic development - and its voters want a voice.
