The council's graffiti team have been busier than ever. The number of paint-outs in the year to date have increased by nearly 91% compared to the same period in 2008/09.

The graffiti team works across the city to remove graffiti from targeted and highly visible areas. Between July 2009 and April 2010, nearly 3,000 graffiti tags were painted out.

Graffiti is not just a Police or council problem; it's a community issue that needs to be tackled by working together. Reporting graffiti is essential because the sooner it is reported, the sooner it can be removed. Rapid removal is one of the best ways to prevent future graffiti.

Cr Ray Stevens, Chair of council's Community Development Committee, says "the graffiti team relies on the community to report graffiti – it's that simple".

"Council takes a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and graffiti, vandalism, littering and other such behaviour will not be ignored. We work closely with the police and other agencies to tackle it but we need the community to help us too.

"In our draft Annual Plan 2010/11, council has allocated almost $300,000 to tackle graffiti and vandalism, which is funded via the rates – that means everyone pays for this mindless behaviour."

The council removes graffiti dependent on the priority given to the area in which it has occurred. Targeted areas include arterial routes, the CBD, parks and council owned property.

The council also removes graffiti from private property in highly visible areas. Property owners can fill out a Permission to Remove form which gives the Council graffiti team permission to remove graffiti from private property. A copy of the form can be found by clicking here.

Completed forms can be hand delivered to the Customer Service Desk, Municipal Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui, or emailed with a digital signature to Wanganui District Council.

Cr Stevens urges everyone to report graffiti as soon as they see it. "Don't just assume that someone else will have reported it."

To report graffiti you can email the Council at wdc@wanganui.govt.nz or phone the graffiti hotline on 349 0500.

CCTV network 'future proofed'

The council owned CCTV network has been upgraded to 'future proof' the system through the installation of wireless technology.

Wireless technology is more cost effective than laying fibre optic cable. It also enables cameras to be sited away from the central area in Wanganui suburbs.

There are currently 19 CCTV cameras operating.

Three additional cameras have been installed, utilising new wireless technology in Victoria Avenue (in the middle of the second block), Abbott Street (opposite the new community centre) and Drews Avenue, at the Rutland Street/ Drews Avenue intersection.

Four existing cameras have been upgraded to a newer 'generation 4 model. This enables the cameras to be programmed to 'patrol' a pre-set pattern, as opposed to defaulting to a fixed position when not being manually operated.

As and when existing cameras need replacing as a result of mechanical failure, they will be replaced with the latest generation camera.

As part of the upgrade, new equipment has been installed at the Police Station which takes up less room, and a new server has been installed.

Senior Cr Randhir Dahya is delighted with the CCTV developments. "We are determined to make Wanganui a place where misbehaviour is not tolerated and with modern technologies and cameras we will be able to keep an eye on unacceptable behaviour."

The next camera to be purchased will be a self contained 'rapid response' camera. Self contained means that the camera can be installed without power and therefore will be able to be moved relatively quickly to 'trouble' spots or to monitor specific activities.

The annual Great Storybook Character Hunt is taking place at Queens Park on Saturday, May 15, at 2.00pm. View poster (PDF, 154KB).

Nominations are sought from suitably experienced individuals to serve on the Council's Visitor Committee.

The Committee is charged with developing and overseeing the implementation of the Wanganui Visitor Strategy and associated marketing plans including:

• Monitoring implementation of the Visitor Strategy
• Assisting with the development of the district marketing plan
• Monitoring the i-Site development and performance
• Providing policy guidance on visitor matters to the Economic Development Team
• Providing feedback to the Council on matters relating to the Visitor Strategy
• Facilitating the establishment of a Visitor Industry Forum
• Monitoring the Regional Tourism Organisation's functions.

The major thrust of the committee's activities will be the improvement of the district's image and the general improvement in visitor numbers, together with the promotion of Wanganui as a preferred live and work option.

Individuals with experience and expertise in the areas of promotions and marketing and a genuine interest in promoting Wanganui are encouraged to apply.

Send nominations to Allan MacGibbon, Economic Development Manager, Wanganui District Council, PO Box 637, Wanganui. Nominations should be accompanied by a Curriculum Vitae, together with a brief on the individual's motivations in playing a role in promoting and marketing Wanganui.

For further information contact Allan MacGibbon, phone 349 0001.

Nominations close on Monday, 17 May 2010.

The District Plan is required to be reviewed every 10 years. The Shaping Wanganui project (the name for the District Plan review) is currently under way.

Phase 1 of Shaping Wanganui is reviewing the central city and riverfront areas. Consultation is taking place with businesses, community groups and all interested parties in these areas.

Findings from this part of the review will feed into the riverfront concept plan which is currently being developed.

We'd like to hear what local people think about the best way forward to develop the central city and riverfront area and are two public meetings tonight:

Thursday, May 13 at 7.00pm
Gonville School hall
Castlecliff School hall

For more information about the Shaping Wanganui project click here

The Wanganui District Council has prepared its draft Annual Plan 2010/11 and now it's time for you to have your say.

The draft Annual Plan is now open for public submissions until 14 May 2010.

A draft Annual Plan Summary will be delivered to all households. This document outlines the key information in the draft Annual Plan. It will also tell you how to make a submission.

If you want more detailed information, copies of the draft plan are available:

• From the Customer Services Counter at the Council building, 101 Guyton Street, or by phoning Customer Services on (06) 349 0001.
• From the Wanganui District Library.
• On this page.
• By emailing us

Submissions can be made in the following ways:

Post to: Draft Annual Plan Submissions, Wanganui District Council, PO Box 637, Wanganui 4540
Fax to: (06) 349 0000
Deliver to: Customer Services Counter, Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui
Email us

Please remember to include your name, contact details and whether you want to speak about your submission at the hearing on May 31.

All submissions will be acknowledged and considered by the Council. Copies of each submission will be made publicly available when the Council considers submissions.

Submissions close 14 May 2010.

College Street tree removal

As a result of tree risk assessments and consultation with residents in College Street, the council will remove five street trees in College Street. The work, subject to weather conditions, will begin around May 13.

One Box Elder (Acer negundo), one Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and three Flowering Gums (Eucalyptus ficifolia) will be removed. Replacement trees will be planted during our winter street tree planting programme providing there is no conflict with underground services.

Rates Instalment 4 due date reminder

A reminder to all ratepayers that the due date for payment of Instalment 4 is Wednesday, 19 May 2010. Please ensure payments reach our office by close of business on this day.

Council offers direct debit as a method of payment. Frequency of payments can be weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly or yearly. Please contact the rates department for further information, phone 349 0519.

Durie Hill Elevator closure

The Durie Hill Elevator will be closed on Tuesday, 18 May 2010, from 10.30am to 12 noon to enable the annual survey to be carried out.

Details about the following vacancy are available on this page:

Development Engineer
No specific closing date

The Wanganui District Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Community Development – Tuesday, May 18 (Council Chamber, 3.00pm)

• Community Disability Strategy; Community and Cultural Portfolio Activity Report; Mosston Road – Footpath Extension and Request for Barrier; Pitt Street Survey results; Christian Social Services Foodbank; Petition – Hinau Street Residents; Gang Graffiti and Vandalism – complaint; International Relations Subcommittee Report; Civic Recognition Awards; Youth Committee; Iwi Liaison; Property Group Activity Report; Policy and Planning Activity Report; Draft Public Arts Strategy Submissions; Waste Minimisation; Smoke Free Parks and Reserves Bylaw; Proposed New Cruising Bylaw 2010; Letting of Central Business District Street Stalls; Resource Management Consent Refund Policy; Plan Change 17: Hinau/Raupo Street Corner – Rezoning. Confidential Item: Actions Arising from Previous Minutes

Finance and Infrastructure – Tuesday, May 25 (Council Chamber, 3.00pm)

Council – Monday, May 31 (Council Chamber, 10.00am)

• Hearing of Submissions to Draft 2010/11 Annual Plan

Agendas are available at the Customer Services Counter, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui and the Wanganui District Library two working days prior to the meeting.