First Rung

02/09/2026

This is very positive news

Housing is one of the biggest issues facing Whanganui — and we’ve heard clearly from the community that more needs to be done.

After feedback through our 2025/26 Annual Plan consultation, Whanganui District Council has decided to set up an independent housing trust for the district.

Important point: the council won’t be building new houses itself. The trust is about helping create the right conditions for others – including community housing providers, Iwi, developers, funders and investors – to respond to Whanganui’s housing needs.
The focus will be on partnership, long-term affordability and giving people more housing choices.

Check out Mayor Andrew’s message explaining what’s being proposed, why the council is acting now and how this work could support better housing for generations to come - https://buff.ly/X2j4z3K

18/09/2025

🏡 Building a Better Future for Whanganui People! 🏡

This week, I joined 12 fellow developers and builders to meet with Whanganui Council and share firsthand the challenges we face when trying to get resource consent for infill housing on smaller sections (under 400 m²).

The key issue? Inconsistent interpretations of planning rules are making it tough to deliver more affordable, medium-density homes that our community needs.

Councilors were open and receptive to our concerns — a promising step toward clearer, fairer rules that will help more people take their first step on the housing ladder.

At First Rung, we believe everyone deserves the chance to own a home. This conversation is an important part of making that happen in Whanganui.

Stay with us for updates as we work toward more certainty and better housing options for all.

15/09/2025

🏘️ Housing in Whanganui: A Community at a Crossroads

Rental prices in Whanganui have climbed to $433 per week on average (Stats NZ, June 2025). Meanwhile, 318 people are still waiting for social housing (MSD Housing Register, June 2025). These aren’t just numbers—they’re families, neighbours, and elders in our community.

This is a pivotal moment. Without bold, community-led solutions, the gap will only widen.

At First Rung, we're stepping up—working to open pathways to affordable, secure housing in Whanganui. 🧱💙 One home, one family, one future at a time.

📣 The Whanganui District Council is currently exploring a new social housing entity to help address these challenges. It’s a promising step—but there’s still much more to do.

💬 What do you think is the biggest barrier to housing in Whanganui? Let’s start a conversation and shape the solutions our community needs.

If you’re passionate about housing equity, urban regeneration, or grassroots impact—we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can help ensure everyone has a place to call home. 🏡

Send a message to learn more

12/09/2025

🏠 Alesha’s Story — And Why It Matters

"This feels like I can exhale for the first time in a long time."

At 36, Alesha was facing what felt like a dead end—unable to work after surgery, turned away by lenders, and watching her dream of owning a home fade away.

That changed when Homes For People offered a new path through progressive home ownership.

Now, Alesha has a warm, stable home—and a future she once thought was out of reach.

✨ At First Rung, we’re working to bring this same model to Whanganui. We're quietly connecting with people who believe in dignity, stability, and practical solutions that truly work.

📩 Message us if you’d like to hear more.
📅 Join us at our next info session:
Thursday 23rd October, 7:30pm
📍 Salvation Army Centre, 6 Indus Street, Whanganui

Sometimes a small step leads to lasting change.

10/09/2025

New Zealand has had the biggest increase in house prices over the last 30 years in the OECD. Come tonight and hear what difference you can make.

08/09/2025

❤️ Introducing First Rung – A New Housing Initiative for Whanganui

We’re First Rung, a newly formed trust in Whanganui working to make homeownership possible for families who’ve been locked out of the housing market.

Our approach is based on a proven progressive home ownership model developed by Homes For People in Palmerston North, where over 50 homes have been built in the past 8 years. Now, we’re bringing that same opportunity to Whanganui—tailored to meet the needs of our local community.

📣 We were recently featured in River City Press (21 August edition), where we shared our vision and plans for Whanganui’s housing future. 🔗 Read the full article on River City Press https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1U83cxjbfu/

📣 Want to learn how it works?
🗓️ Join us this Wednesday, 10 September at 7:30pm
📍 Church on Ingestre – Downstairs Lounge
RSVP not required.

💬 What does “home” mean to you? Comment below or share this post to help us start a conversation that matters.

19/08/2025

Public Presentation Wednesday 20th August 3:30 pm.
Riverside Church Lounge - 4 Ingestre St