Wanganui District Council's approach to direct democracy is being snapped up by other New Zealand local authorities.

In the July 2006 edition of the New Zealand Local Government magazine, Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey commended WDC's efforts for giving the 'power to the people' with the introduction of referenda in 2005.

"Laws and his team have initiated direct democracy. They have asked the people what they wanted on matters of significance and enabled the district to make clear, informed choices," Mr Harvey writes.

In the article Mr Harvey emphasises the positive media coverage of Wanganui's actions in regards to referenda.

"One reporter said New Zealanders could only hope other politicians would follow Wanganui's lead and that at the next local body elections in 2007 we would see other teams of visionary councillors elected on the basis of introducing binding referenda at the local body level."

Mr Harvey also states the National Business Review was equally complimentary, saying a revolution was stirring in Wanganui, a district leading the way in local government reform and a revolution that should be felt throughout local government.

Mayor Michael Laws says it's great to see other councils recognising the importance of giving power to the people.

"I'm sure we'll see many more of them following Wanganui's lead."

Flying fox for Mangamahu

Mangamahu residents will soon have use of a flying fox to transport mail, groceries and small items across the Mangawhero River.

The flying fox will be used until the construction of a Bailey bridge is completed.

The Bailey bridge is expected to be completed by mid-August. However, the timing will depend on a number of factors including weather, river levels and equipment.

Debris is continuing to be removed from around the collapsed Ngaturi Bridge and once cleared construction of the Bailey bridge will begin. The photo shows the log hauler removing logs from the Mangawhero River.

You are invited to a Town Hall meeting to discuss Council’s plan for Wanganui over the next decade.

Join Mayor Michael Laws and councillors to discuss issues that will have an impact on you, your family and your community into the future.

Have your say at the War Memorial Hall Auditorium!

Monday, 31 July 2006, at 12pm.

Be informed, be involved – be at the War Memorial Hall Auditorium!

From July 1, more people have become eligible for a rates rebate.

The Rates Rebate Scheme was established by the Government in 1973 to provide a subsidy to low income home owners and ratepayers on the cost of their rates. The income threshold is now $20,000 and the maximum allowable rebate has increased to $500.

Ratepayers can apply to the Council for a rates rebate. Those who are eligible for a rebate then either have their rates reduced by the amount of the rebate or receive a cash payment if they have already paid their rates in full. The Department of Internal Affairs reimburses the Council from Crown funds.

Eligibility for a rates rebate is determined by:

• The ratepayer's income for the tax year preceding the start of the rating year and
• The amount of rates and
• The number of dependents.

Application forms for rates rebates are available from the Council. Our rates staff are on hand to answer any questions you have and assist you with your application. Please bring:

• Your Community Services Card.
• Evidence of all income (before tax) for last tax year (this includes income from interest, pensions etc).
• Your Wanganui District Council rates notice for 2006/07 and your Horizons Regional Council rates notice for 2006/07. (Note: The councils will be sending out the rates notices in August).

Please contact the Council's rates department on 349 0519 if you require further information. You can also visit this site for more details. The site includes examples of rebate eligibility and an electronic calculator you can use to see whether you may qualify for a rebate.

Bad Horse Video Awards

Entries close 30 September 2006. Read more (PDF format, 408KB)

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Sport and Recreation – Thursday, July 27 (1.00pm)
- Splash Centre Challenge Grant Matching Funding; Sport and Recreation Committee – name; Springvale Park stakeholder; Velodrome events centre; Parks Strategy update; Physical Activity Strategy.

Community Development – Thursday, July 27
- Community and Cultural Action Plan; Wanganui life expectancy update; Whanganui Arts, Culture and Heritage Development Trust; War Memorial Hall usage; Royal Wanganui Opera House seating; Brass Wanganui band room extension; Whanganui Regional Museum Constitutional Review progress; Youth environmental students; Computers in Homes Project update; 2006/07 Community Contracts; Iwi liaison; Temporary road closure – Moontan Film Production – Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965; Annual District Licensing Report 2005/06. Confidential item – Maternity, child health and the redesign process.

Youth – Monday, July 31 (Council Chamber)
- Youth Councillors – Meeting attendance expenses; Waitangi Day celebrations; Youth environmental students; New Zealand Diversity Forum; Aspiring Leaders Forum; Youth Committee budget; Splash Centre fundraising; Youth Strategy; Youth Committee co-ordination role; Youth Centre update; ‘Make It. Take It.’ update; Winter Festival update; Global Education Workshop.

Strategy – Thursday, August 3 (Council Chamber, 3.00pm)

Infrastructure Committee and Wanganui Rural Community Board Joint Meeting – Friday, August 4 (2.00pm)

Council Meeting – Monday, August 14 (Council Chamber)

Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at 4.00pm in Committee Room 2, 1st Floor, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

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.