Monthly column by Philippa Baker-Hogan, triple world rowing champion, double Olympian and seventh-term councillor.
Thank you for your comments on the council’s 2024-34 10-Year Plan; the issue of recycling and food waste, in particular. I haven’t responded but I have listened. The council has now revealed our forecast Year 1 (2024-25) average residential rate rise scenarios of low 5.8 per cent, medium 9.5 per cent and high 14.8 per cent. We will be refining our draft plan in the new year and seeking your crucial feedback and submissions, before making a decision.
As chair of the council’s Sport & Recreation Advisory Group, I have appreciated the support of many sports in having site visits to a range of facilities and sports this year.
These have included the Wanganui Community Sports Centre (Springvale and Jubilee Stadiums), Netball Whanganui at Laird Park, Hockey Whanganui in Alma Rd, Kaierau Rugby Club & Gymnasium, Whanganui Pools (Splash and Whanganui East), Football Whanganui at Wembley Park, Whanganui Rowing Clubs and the Aramoho Riverbank/Shared Pathway project, Whanganui Mountain Bike Club and Matipo Park.
The visits have all been very informative and have confirmed the significant role that our sports clubs and groups play in supporting so many people to have a fuller and healthier life. Apart from the everyday training that occurs throughout our sports clubs, the number of people that compete in one form or another and the wide range of local, regional and national events held is key to the health, vibrancy and economic impact they bring.
