Working Together.
The Whanganui Way.
View Peter’s Policies below, and then have your say.
Governance Reform
A Collaborative Council Charter with quarterly workshops focused on collaborative problem-solving and cross-council team development.
Develop a Whanganui Wellbeing index that measures success by community outcomes by tracking social, cultural, and economic indicators via direct feedback as well as data to help identify and improve areas of service delivery.
'Mayor in Your Suburb' events with rotating locations for engagement throughout Whanganui.
Integrate Te Awa Tupua into council strategy and work with iwi and hapū to develop achievable goals.
Support Māori wards and increase representation through a mentorship programme pairing councillors with aspiring Māori community leaders interested in local governance.
'Deputy for a Day' programme where each month a resident spends the day with the mayor and sees how council and councillors work from the inside.
Establish a permanent Toitū te Whānau advisory committee with representation in council decision-making processes.
Safeguard councillors from burnout and stress with dedicated access to experts on the demands of public sector roles.
“A Collaborative Council Charter says we’re committed to delivering a more meaningful service, with less time spent
on bureaucracy and more focus on working together for real community outcomes. That’s the Whanganui way.”
The Outcome For Whanganui
What Do You Think Of Peter’s Policy?
Economic Development
Launch Whanganui Prosperity Initiative to address wage disparity through targeted economic development and a 'Whanganui Living Wage' certification programme with incentives for participating employers.
Leverage UNESCO City of Design status for visitation and creative industry growth with an annual Design Week festival showcasing local creative talent and attracting national and international visitors.
Utilise our creative and tech businesses with an approved provider rating, keeping more money in Whanganui and growing our design economy.
Establish a retail store selling designed and made in Whanganui items to support the creative economy and deepen connection to local manufacturers.
Engage the renewable energy sector to develop training certification programs that create skilled workers for regional green energy projects.
Create pathways for young people to meet 'future demand' for skills by partnering with schools and local employers on apprenticeships and internships.
Partner with Business Whanganui to better understand the challenges and needs that business owners face with monthly sessions to keep council at pace.
Support our makers and manufacturers in their sustainability goals with assistance for B Corp accreditation and costs.
“Leveraging the UNESCO City of Design designation, Whanganui stands poised to elevate its global reputation. Meanwhile, encouraging local businesses to invest in our community’s potential will yield generational returns.”
The Outcome For Whanganui
What Do You Think Of Peter’s Policy?
Infrastructure And Assets
Implement an annual suburb competition for neighbourhood revitalisation to enrich 'super-local' wellbeing, connectivity, and economy.
Develop a 'Thrive In Five' strategy to encourage building owners to maximise occupancy in unused town centre buildings and set a goal for 100% affordable occupancy by 2030.
Support the 'Climate Emergency' declaration with a positive Everyday Impact strategy that leads by example in minimising harm to the city, the awa, and our environment with meaningful changes in everyday behaviour based around Tupua te Kawa values.
Create a comprehensive Climate Resilience Checklist of all critical infrastructure that takes population growth, economic factors, and climate resilience into consideration.
Develop strategic action plans for each council asset that promotes visitation and has achievable financial objectives that make it a profitable asset, not a burden.
Maximise the opportunities Te Pūwaha has created to inspire and support new ideas for community experience, marine business, and Te Awa Tupua focused projects.
Review our insurance policies to ensure they are fit for purpose and the best terms available.
“Our community assets help create Whanganui’s identity. We need to protect and enhance them with dedicated funding that is protected from budget cuts to build resilience for the future.”
The Outcome For Whanganui
What Do You Think Of Peter’s Policy?
Community And Culture
Take a high visibility stance on improving community safety with monthly listening sessions led by the mayor, police, schools, and community representatives to voice concerns that can be addressed tactically within 30 days.
Design a publicly available Transparency Checklist to highlight how projects are tracking and what is being delivered for the budget spent–with the ability for community feedback on suggestions for improvements.
Create a crossing zone for the River City Market to improve public safety and accessibility.
Implement the Together, Whanganui: Council and Community framework to fast-track ideas for improving service delivery and to promote positive stories through council networks and channels.
Establish a Mobile Youth Council that rotates through schools each term to gain perspective and encourage ideas for improving Whanganui for young people now, not in years to come.
Launch a hotline for reporting antisocial activities – such as dangerous road use and roaming dogs – to improve neighbourhood safety and wellbeing.
Enhance marketing of regional funding opportunities to encourage applications for cultural exchange.
Partner with our creative sector to develop an annual UNESCO City of Design celebration that showcases Whanganui's unique talents to both local and international audiences.
“With its untapped potential, we’ve got the talent to get Whanganui buzzing. As Mayor, I’ll transform Council’s mindset from ‘why we can’t’ to ‘how can we?’ to create positive, meaningful impact for our community every day.”
