Community invited to have their say on potential property transfers

Published on 07 October 2026

We are inviting the community to have its say on which additional Council-owned properties should be considered for transfer to Whangarei District Holdings Limited (WDHL). 

WDHL is a newly established Council-controlled organisation set up in 2025, following community consultation through the 2024-34 Long Term Plan. 

Council-controlled organisations

In July 2026, Council approved an initial group of properties for transfer and requested further consultation on potential future transfers.

Finance Committee Chair Paul Yovich said Council wanted to hear community feedback on the proposal. 

"At this stage, no decisions have been made about transferring further properties to WDHL," says Cr Yovich. 

"This consultation is about having an open conversation with our community about how we make the most of the assets we own, not just today, but for future generations." 

The proposal focuses on categories of properties rather than individual sites. Council is seeking feedback on whether a mix of commercial, strategic, leasehold and endowment assets should be considered for future transfer to WDHL. 

Cr Yovich said it was important to understand that WDHL is wholly owned by Council. 

"We have some clear goals and ambitions for the revitalisation of our city. With the establishment of WDHL now complete, it’s time to look more carefully at how our property portfolio can support economic development and help realise some of the untapped potential of the area.” 

Cr Yovich said Council also recognised there were opportunities and trade-offs that needed to be carefully considered. 

"The potential advantage of a specialist organisation like WDHL is that it can take a long-term commercial approach with a sole focus on growing the value and performance of strategic assets. 

"Done well, this will create stronger financial returns and opportunities for Council and our community in the future." 

We also know people will have questions about governance, financial and tax impacts, community interests and what future ownership arrangements may look like. 

"We want to understand the level of support, the concerns people may have and any safeguards they believe should be in place before further transfers are considered." 

The consultation is open now and closes at 4:00pm on Friday 6 November 2026. 

Have your say