Things are looking up at least for Wanganui

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle

Central government has taken a fair amount of stick over the loss of services and jobs in struggling provinces such as Wanganui - and rightly so.

The Chronicle has previously suggested a policy of de-centralisation to bring some government jobs here - and, with them, the wages that will help the local economy and the people who will share the district's growing rates bill.

As we report today on page 6, there have at least been hopeful noises from the Beehive, with Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce saying the Government aims to spread its spending across the regions in a bid to boost growth.

And real estate company Bayleys has followed that cue with plans for a property expo in Auckland later this month.

Our climate, relaxed lifestyle and, most importantly, our affordable housing will be promoted in the Big Smoke and should look pretty attractive when set alongside the hectic pace of life in Auckland (slowed only by the endless traffic jams) and the soaring house prices and rents there.

Let's hope the Beyond Auckland Property Expo attracts genuine investors and others ready to sell up and make a move to more peaceful waters, and not just dodgy landlords buying cheap, rundown property that they can squeeze every last dollar out of.

It is at least a positive opportunity and it comes on the back of a few other green shoots of good news.

The new-look Wanganui council has been able to report a reduction in its worrying debt level; it has been given an AA international credit rating, described as a vote of confidence from the financial world; and we may have saved our air service between the city and Wellington. All in all, it seems like summer is on the way.