A city is a pretty big planning unit, so implementing successful sustainability solutions across a wide-ranging population and area, working with community groups, businesses, councils and government services makes it hard to get it right. It looks like Whanganui is striking a great balance.
In addition to these examples, we have had inspirational national charity Sustainable Coastlines turn up and co-ordinate plantings at Lake Wiritoa, Paul Ubana Jones played his music at Riverside Bar, the Sarjeant on the Quay temporary gallery opened, and planning for the Maori new year, Puanga, is under way.
Yes, I'm still missing Whanganui Taranaki is also fantastic, don't get me wrong - but I get frustrated when I continually have to explain Whanganui is fabulous and completely under-rated whenever my home town comes up.
My other, more serious, frustration is our divine house still hasn't sold. Consistently through the news media, we see stories and political commentary around the Auckland housing crisis, with Christchurch and Wellington hot on their heels.
What about us in the provinces? Unfortunately, I'm not the only person who is struggling to sell their house, even at a loss.
This is the other side of the housing crisis. There might be a shortage of houses in Auckland, apparently due in part to property speculators, but there is a lack of movement here.
The real solution is spreading the jobs, so instead of people struggling to find affordable housing and lifestyle in the big cities, they can discover what we already know the amazing provinces offer a better way of life.
I've long harped on about remote working, which is possible for some, although unfortunately only a reality for a few at present. I am one of the lucky ones, whether in Whanganui or Oakura.
Whanganui is yet again the most affordable place in the country for real estate. People just need jobs to shift here to take advantage of our incredible lifestyle.
We can't lie about the rush hour though - there is still traffic. That few minutes waiting at the Dublin St bridge can be pretty frustrating. Of course, with the size of the city, it's pretty easy to skip the traffic entirely and jump on your bike or walk over the bridge.
I am settling more into Oakura now, although still haven't made it to a local Taranaki sustainability initiative people invited to share their excess produce, baking or flowers at a "crop swap". Every two weeks, people gather at a local hall and bring along their in-season fruit and vegetables to trade spinach and leeks, feijoas and mandarins or, for those like me whose green thumb is missing in action, Anzac biscuits or apple muffins.
Maybe that's a good idea Whanganui can pick up to add to their generous and balanced approach to life.
Nicola Young is a former Department of Conservation manager who now works for global consultancy AECOM. Educated at Wanganui Girls' College, she has a science degree and is the mother of two boys.
