Map of lower North Island of New Zealand showcasing the Whanganui region
Te Pae Whenua ki te Raki
Horizons North

Whanganui District

Sport & Rec in Whanganui District

Regional snapshot

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Community Profile

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Current population 48,954. 8% growth or over 4000 people expected by 2034.
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Increasing ethnic diversity. The populations of those identifying as Maori, Asian and Pacific People are both expected to increase in the 12 years to 2034.

Issues and Opportunities

  • Based on expected population growth and participation patterns, focus on re-purposing, upgrading, and sharing of facilities rather than building new ones.
  • A more diverse offering of spaces and places is required. Consider the needs of female, gender diverse and older participants.
  • The district is well served with sport and recreation facilities for a population of its size, although some are not fit for purpose and do not justify the cost charged for them.
  • Te awa offers multiple cultural and recreational opportunities.
  • Great environment for outdoor recreation, but potentially not leveraged as well as it could be.
  • The level of maintenance of the sports grounds is generally poor.
  • There is pressure on facilities at peak times that could be alleviated by increased promotion/activation of off-peak times.

Participation Snapshot

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0%
Walking for sport or leisure
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0%
Jogging/ running
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0%
Gardening
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Playing Games
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0%
Individual workout

Key Participation Facts

  • Activities which are undertaken individually or on a casual basis are more popular than traditional team sports.
  • Most sport and active recreation activities which require high-cost facilities such as field and court sports fall outside the top 20 most popular activities.
  • 31% of the population of Whanganui District is inactive.
  • Tamariki (aged 5-11) are more active in 10 of their 20 expected activities than the national average for tamariki.
  • Rangatahi (aged 12-17) are more active in 10 of their 20 expected activities than the national average for tamariki.