Even though they start this Saturday, there is still time to register for the ACC Thinksafe New Zealand Masters Games!

If you've dragged the chain a bit and think you've left it too late... think again and get to the Powerco Games Village and register. You owe it to yourself to compete in these games, where the taking part is far more important than taking medals. Please note that from February 7 registrations are accepted at the Powerco Games Village and not the Games Office.

Every two years Wanganui welcomes this enormous event, turning on the hospitality and making sure that competitors from far and wide enjoy the best that we have to offer. It's all in the spirit of the games, and that spirit is co-operation, consideration, participation and camaraderie. The whole district embraces this spirit and displays it in so many ways. You'll notice that roadworks in sensitive areas will be delayed or rescheduled so that sporting events can go ahead unimpeded, particularly those works alongside the river and the wastewater separation work near sporting venues. Also our people have been busy making sure that Wanganui is looking its best for our visitors. We are on display so it does us good to dress up for the occasion.

Residents around the Powerco Games Village in Springvale Park have received letters advising them of developments and measures being taken to minimise disturbance. The village has been relocated because the Splash Centre extension has taken the old site. As a result, organisers of the games were concerned that noise levels from the competitions and, more particularly, the after hours social events, may be a problem for local residents. So the Council engaged a leading acoustic consultant who advised that a wall of sea containers (pictured right), stacked three high, around the tented village would reduce noise to an acceptable level and deflect it away from nearby homes. Regular monitoring of sound levels will take place throughout the week of the games.

These are the 18th games since their inception in 1989, and boy have they grown! This nine day event comprises 67 different sports, including seven making their debut, and over 580 individual events. Thousands of competitors, supporters, spectators and entertainers will converge on Wanganui for the games and they will want to sample a lot of what we have to offer. Let's enter the spirit of the games and make their stay here enjoyable and memorable, in the hope that they are easily enticed back here in two years time. And most of all Wanganui, enjoy the games!

The Council proudly supports the New Zealand Masters Games, a truly Wanganui community event.

Nominations are now open for the Volunteer Recognition Awards to be held in conjunction with Volunteer Awareness Week.

This year, for the first time, and with assistance from the Council, the Whanganui Volunteer Centre will be hosting the Volunteer Recognition Awards which will be presented at a function at the Memorial Hall Concert Chamber, Thursday, June 21.

The aim of these awards is to highlight the volunteer effort that goes into helping not-for-profit groups achieve their potential and will provide an opportunity for recognition of outstanding effort and achievement by volunteers in the Wanganui, Rangitikei and Ruapehu regions.

Nominations are open to all volunteers or volunteer teams who work for a not-for-profit organisation, and nomination packs are available from the Whanganui Volunteer Centre in Community House, Ridgway Street, or the Radio Network in Guyton Street.

Also happening...

Thursday, February 8 Hospice Wanganui 'Remembrance Tree' ceremony.
Sunday, February 11: 2007 Mayoral Bridge to Bridge Swim.
February 6-12: Ta Maori Art Exhibition at 1a Taupo Quay.

Coming up...

Trotting and Harness Racing; Street Drags; Kids Big Digger Day; West Coast Stockcar Champs; Teddy Bears' Picnic; Eides Sports Fishing Competition; Mayoral Mile 2007.

Vacancy

Applications Officer - Building Controls
Applications close 22 February 2007

Council meetings

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Sport and Activity – Tuesday, February 13 (1pm)

Hearings – Wednesday, February 14 (2pm)

Council Meeting – Thursday, February 15 (Council Chamber, 1pm)
- Roading Professional Services and Physical Works Review.

Wanganui Rural Community Board – Thursday, February 15

Hearings – Wednesday, February 21 (2pm – to be confirmed)

Council Meeting – Monday, February 26 (Council Chamber)
- The Council will consider the reports from committee meetings held in February.

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.