Whanganui District Council wants community feedback for the future of housing

Whanganui District Council is calling for members of the community to have their say on housing in Whanganui. Photo / Bevan Conley

Whanganui District Council wants to hear from people about the future of housing in the community.

A proposed housing strategy was adopted by council this month which considers how housing is planned for the long-term future and to address the current housing shortage.

Policy and governance manager Stephanie Macdonald-Rose said council hoped the community read the draft strategy and had their say.

"This is a community-led document and we want to hear from anyone who has ideas about or is impacted by the housing crisis in Whanganui," she said.

"This is big picture thinking. The council can't meet housing needs on its own."

Initial consultation was carried out with the property sector, iwi, community health workers, builders, developers and architects before the proposed strategy was written.

The main principles of the document are to collaborate, advocate, explore and implement ways to solve the lack of housing in the community.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to a lack of housing in Whanganui, particularly in the rental market.

They include population increases of approximately 700 people per year, as well as the performance of the housing market nationally, a decline in ownership and more.

Macdonald-Rose said to increase the availability of housing council could make sure their processes were enabling, looked at infill housing and planned for future land use and rezoning.

"Following the strategy, the council will develop an action plan which we will work on with community agencies, developers and other stakeholders," Macdonald-Rose said.

"Our vision is for everyone in Whanganui to have housing opportunities and a great neighbourhood to live in."

The strategy is available online or hard copies are available at WDC on Guyton St, Davis Central City Library and Gonville Cafe Library.

Submissions close at 5pm on Friday 5 July 2019.