AGM next step after meeting dusts cobwebs
The Wanganui Ratepayers Association is back.
After a decade's hiatus, a meeting was held on Thursday night for people interested in reviving the association, which aims to be a watchdog for the Wanganui District Council.
Organiser Graham Adams - president of the Grey Power Wanganui - said he was disappointed by the small attendance at St Peter's Church, Gonville but pleased by the enthusiasm of those who did turn up.
Only 38 residents attended the meeting, along with Mayor Annette Main and councillors Rob Vinsen, Martin Visser, Jenny Duncan, Rangi Wills, Charlie Anderson and Philippa Baker-Hogan. "But there was sufficient interest in reviving the association to call an AGM as soon as possible to get the show on the road," Mr Adams said.
He said there was a good discussion of issues and a lot of enthusiasm from those involved. The issues discussed included pensioner housing, forestry, Wanganui East Pool, the Sarjeant Gallery, the wastewater treatment plant and the suspension bridge.
"There are so many issues - large issues - facing this council, it's just unprecedented," Mr Adams said.
"Wanganui certainly needs a council watchdog."
Mr Adams said reviving the association was not a difficult matter, as much of the former infrastructure - such as a constitution - was still around.
Robyn O'Donnell, a long-time advocate for issues surrounding the wastewater treatment plant, said she was very pleased with the meeting.
Another resident, Ross Fallen, described the meeting as "positive".
"There was active community input, with great questions from the floor and interesting responses by various councillors," Mr Fallen said.
He said the purpose of the group was not to "bring the council to its knees".
"Yes, we need to hold council to account on some contentious matters, and yes, we need a greater say in some matters. We do need more transparency in some areas of concern.
"But if done professionally then goodwill builds, clearer detailed dialogue occurs and greater transparency prevails."
A date for the annual meeting has not yet been set.