Building consent exemptions: Whanganui District Council advises people to be aware of changes 14 Dec, 2020 04:00 PM 3 minutes to read Whanganui District Council regulatory and planning group manager Hamish Lampp encourages people to consult with the council before starting building projects. Photo / Supplied Whanganui District Council regulatory and planning group manager Hamish Lampp encourages people to consult with the council before starting building projects. Photo / Supplied Whanganui Chronicle People who are planning building projects are being encouraged to talk to the Whanganui District Council first following changes to the Building Act. The changes, which came into force on September 1, include additional building consent exemptions for some low-risk building projects.