New chair and a raft of new members for Progress Castlecliff

Progress Castlecliff held it's 2021 AGM earlier this month, where a new chair was elected and a number of life members were welcomed. Photo / NZME

An organisation at the heart of one of Whanganui's fastest-growing suburbs has attracted a raft of new members, as well as a new chair.

Project Castlecliff, the organisation focused on growing and rejuvenating the Whanganui suburb, held its annual general meeting earlier this month.

Almost 50 members of the community group turned out for the meeting to vote on the organisation's committee positions.

The election saw long-time member of the group Mary Ellen Goodsir elected chair, while former chair Colin Gates was elected secretary, and Darla Brewer was voted in for the treasurer's position.

Four new life members were also welcomed at the meeting, including committee members Jamie Waugh - one of the brains behind the Rangiora Street rejuvenation.

Gates was also given the title of life member, as well as Graham and Lyn Pearson for their work with Progress Castlecliff and Castlecliff Coast Care.

According to Waugh, interest in supporting the organisation is growing.

"[We] had a strong turnout, with 48 members attending the AGM and nearly 70 members, 20 new, this year."

There were 15 nominees for the nine committee seats, Waugh said.

"We are very pleased by the number of committed community members who put their hands up for this volunteer committee. Thank you to all the nominees."

The organisation was first formed in 1994 to bring life back to the coastal suburb, which for many years was home to New Zealand's most affordable seaside property.