Wanganui's Mayor Michael Laws made his television dancing debut on Tuesday night despite suffering from a broken toe.

In TVNZ's first episode in the new season of Dancing with the Stars, Mayor Michael and dance partner Lauren de Boeck performed for Wanganui and the Cancer Society.

Like the other celebrity dancers they had a choice of either a waltz or a cha cha. They chose the cha cha and obviously had fun with it.

"A brilliant teacher, I enjoyed myself. That's what dancing's all about, isn't it?" Mayor Laws said to TV host Jason Gunn after the dance.

The imported "difficult" judge, Craig Revel Horwood, made some uncomplimentary remarks, earning a "Thank you; welcome to New Zealand" from Mayor Michael.

"I was actually hoping that for a minute twenty-nine everybody would concentrate on Lauren. To the male judges: small tip for next time."

Judge Carol-Ann Hickmore was more supportive, saying that the package was all there, they just had to work harder.

Mayor Michael is not only Wanganui's representative in this top rating television show, but it seems he has taken on the provincial mantle as well, being the only celebrity hailing from outside Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

Despite the competition being heavily weighted in favour of the metropolitan contingent, Mayor Michael and Lauren put on a brave display and should pick up a good number of voters from the provinces.

The phone and text numbers to support Michael Laws and Lauren de Boeck are – 0900 89 815; text – Michael to 8981.

Wanganui residents are urged to exercise their democratic right and vote in Referendum '07 before polling closes at midday this Saturday.

The topics are:

Should Wanganui's water supply be softened?

Should Wanganui introduce a local bill that outlaws the wearing of gang insignia in public places?

Should the Council establish a kerbside recycling service?

Should Wanganui have its own Anniversary Day?

If you are still undecided and need more information and background to the topics, visit the website.

You'll find information about water softening, including the benefit/cost assessment report prepared by MWH and a technical report on groundwater quality investigations and options for soft water supply.

You can also read the Draft Wanganui District (Prohibition of Gang Insignia) Act 2007 and a letter from the Police Association about the proposed bill.

A Referendum '07 newsletter has been delivered to every household in the Wanganui District and voting papers have been sent to everyone on the electoral roll.

If you are posting your voting papers, they must be in the post today (Thursday, April 12) to reach the Council by the closing date. If you miss the post, you can hand deliver your voting papers - and the Council offices in Guyton Street will be open this Saturday from 9.00am until midday to accept voting papers.

Voting closes at midday on Saturday, 14 April 2007.

How to vote

Voting documents for Referendum '07 have been distributed to all electors.

Please return your voting paper in the envelope provided or hand deliver to the Council office.

Application for a special voting paper can be made at the Council office if:

1. You have lost, damaged or not received your voting paper
2. You are on the unpublished roll
3. You are now eligible to enrol – enrolment forms are available at the Council office.

To vote, please shade the circle of the option you want to vote for.

Voting closes at midday on Saturday, 14 April 2007.

For any further information call Customer Services on 349 0001.

All of Wanganui City's domestic wastewater, including sewage and groundwater, will be discharged to the Whanganui River for an extended period up to 23 April 2007.

As part of the Wastewater Project, the under river pipeline has now been successfully upgraded to accommodate the higher pressures needed to pump wastewater to the new treatment plant near the Airport.

The existing line has been emptied, drained out and cut into on both sides of the river, requiring discharge of city wastewater to the river. A 600m length of new pipeline has been successfully pulled through the existing pipeline and is being connected to the new pipes which have been laid across the Airport to the treatment ponds.

During excavation it was found that a section of major pipework embedded within the foundation of Beach Road Pump Station is in extremely poor condition and must be replaced now, prior to recommissioning the ocean outfall. Unfortunately, this work will extend the discharge to the river beyond the original programmed period. The discharge will now continue until 23 April 2007.

The public should be aware that fish and shellfish caught in the river should not be eaten raw – this applies at all times.

Horizons Regional Council has been advised of the extended operation which is covered by the District Council's consent for the Wastewater Scheme.

Wanganui Civic Honours Award

Nominations for the Wanganui Civic Honours Award are now being sought.

The Award will be made to people who have carried out meritorious voluntary community service in Wanganui.

Nominations must be made by two citizens of Wanganui, or a bona fide organisation.

Please note: Previous nominations will not be considered for selection. Only people nominated this year will be considered, as nominations do not "roll over" annually.

Nomination forms and Conditions of Nomination are available from Customer Services, Ground Floor, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, 27 April 2007.

Council meetings

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Youth – Monday, April 16
- Appointment of councillor representatives; Appointment of new youth councillors; Resignation of youth councillors; Subcommittee reports; Role of the Youth Committee; 'Make It. Take It.' Project update; Ministry for a Culture of Peace; Annual Plan 2007/08 submission; Youth Festival; Whanganui District Health Board Multi-Agency Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Group; New Year's Eve event 2007; 'Involve' Conference report.

Sport and Activity – Tuesday, April 17 (1.00pm)
- Splash Centre Challenge Grant Matching Funding; Wanganui Surf Lifeguard Service; Sports Hall of Fame; Peter Snell Statue update; International Velodrome Events Centre Working Party update; Sport and Recreation Facilities Strategy update.

Community Development – Tuesday, April 17
- To consider Castlecliff sand management issue.

Hearings – Wednesday, April 18
- Liquor licensing hearing.

Council Meeting – Monday, April 30 (Council Chamber)
- The Council will consider the reports from all Committee meetings held in April.

Wanganui District Councils' Forestry Joint Committee – Tuesday, May 1

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.