The Heart of Wanganui project includes concepts for new cultural buildings, developed by some of New Zealand’s leading architects.

In mid-2007 Wanganui people will be asked to vote whether or not the Heart project should go ahead. They will also be asked which concepts they prefer. Please note that these are only concepts, not final plans.

This week we continue looking at the various options, including comparative costs for individual options and for retaining the status quo. Cost comparisons are based on standardised industry building costs, not on detailed plans. We will not have an estimate of actual costs until detailed plans are prepared.

Option 6 – "Wraparound" Museum

Option 6 sees the existing 1928 section (the façade) of the Museum building retained, with a new building “wrapped” around that section of the current building. Other parts of the existing Museum building are demolished. (This option works in with options 2, 3 and 4 for the Library).

Comparative cost

(Note: All of the Library options include the costs for the seismic upgrade of the War Memorial Hall as this work must be undertaken whether or not any of the Heart of Wanganui options go ahead).

Please contact us if you want more information or want to give us your feedback:

Heart of Wanganui website
Email us
Phone: 349 0501

Get your tickets now for this year’s incredible Boxing Day concert at Cooks Gardens!

Dave Dobbyn, undoubtedly this country’s most recognised musician, leads iconic Kiwi band Th’ Dudes. You will be treated to all the hits like Walking in Light, Right First time, Be Mine Tonight and Bliss. Dave is joined by original members, Peter Urlich, Ian Morris, Lez White and Bruce Hambling.

The other headlining act is The Feelers. One of the most successful bands in New Zealand music history, they picked up their seventh Tui at the New Zealand Music Awards this year. The Feelers are James Reid, Matt Thomas and Hamish Gee and they have four albums and a string of charting singles to their credit.

These two incredible bands will be supported by House of Shem from Wanganui and Wellington duo Pearl.

The gates open at 5pm, the concert starts at 6.30pm and will certainly be one to remember.

There are limited numbers of tickets at the special Wanganui price of $59.90, otherwise the standard price is $69.90 or a Bikes and Concert Combo ticket for $87.90.

Tickets are available from i-SITE Wanganui, Sounds in Victoria Avenue and Ticketek.

New logos available for public use

Following the recent launch of Wanganui’s new brand, the logos are now available for members of the community to use in association with their own businesses and activities.

The brand is registered so anyone who wishes to use the logos must apply for approval. This will ensure the logos are used correctly and the integrity of the brand is retained.

If you wish to use one of the logos, please contact Claire Cilliers at Wanganui Inc, phone 349 0830.

Rates rebates

Remember that you can apply for a rates rebate at any time during the 2006/07 rating year. The income threshold is $20,000. A rebate of up to $500 can be claimed.

Before we can process your application, we need to see:

• 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.

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.

Administration Officer
Applications close 15 December 2006

Property Officer
Applications close 20 December 2006

Parks Officer
Applications close 20 December 2006

Roading Engineer
Applications close 22 December 2006

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Council – Monday, December 18 (Council Chamber)
- The Council will consider the reports from all Committee meetings held in December.

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.