No matter what you are into, Whanganui has it in spades.
Anecdotal evidence would suggest that we have a very high proportion of volunteers compared to most other towns, and, to me, this shows a thriving community that is active and integrated.
Many would argue a strong local economy is important and, while that is the case, it's not everything.
A strong community is where people are also happy and can thrive. David McMillan and David Chavis (Sense of Community: A definition and theory; 1986) in their analysis of previous studies found that four factors consistently go to make a good community.
●Membership: A feeling of belonging or being a part of the community.
●Influence: To have some influence over what happens in the community.
●Integration and fulfilment of needs: The concept of shared values and having the opportunity to interact and satisfy our individual needs.
●Shared emotional connection: A shared history but not necessarily that group members have participated in the history in order to share it, but, must identify with it.
Other academics suggest that additional attributes of a strong community are good governance, good parks and amenities, regular festivals and events, good schools, an integrated community, good sport and recreation facilities.
Well, while Whanganui may not be a wealthy community, we certainly have a great spirit, great facilities for a town of our size and a local economy heading in the right direction — it is growing.
A recent district council survey showed that quality of life, a sense of belonging, community wellbeing, and neighbourhood pride are all doing well here, with 90 per cent of residents satisfied.
The survey showed involvement with decision-making has increased from 37 per cent to 46 per cent; a sense of belonging has risen from 51 per cent to 56 per cent; and pride in neighbourhood up from 67 per cent to almost 72 per cent. Support for the mayor and councillors has increased appreciably.
Community support in times of need is also admirable here in Whanganui.
Having been involved with our Civil Defence team (managing spontaneous volunteers) it was amazing to see the number of people prepared to come and help those who were affected by flooding.
I even had a mother turn up with her 14-year-old daughter who felt so much for her community that she insisted her mother bring her in to volunteer to help in some way. When members of our community are in need, there are always plenty who turn up prepared to help.
We are lucky to have a great community like this, with a great spirit and positive outlook.
Whanganui is a great place to live and we can see why people have been migrating here from places like Auckland, where property prices have skyrocketed, and the standard of living has divebombed.
But remember, it's up to each of us, in whatever way possible, to ensure Whanganui stays that way.
Perpetual vigilance is the price for keeping our community strong.
Steve Baron is a Whanganui-based political commentator, author and founder of Better Democracy NZ. He holds degrees in economics and political science.
