With Northland communities facing a $60 million bill in the wake of a severe storm battering, Wanganui is ready to help out financially with a Council-led appeal.

Friday, 27 July 2007, will be known as 'Northland Flood Appeal Day' and the collection will be started with $5000 from the Wanganui Mayoral Relief Fund.

"We should not forget the generosity shown to us in our time of need in 2004," said Mayor Michael Laws.

Northland Flood Appeal co-ordinator, Councillor Ray Stevens, said "Wanganui district was assisted during the 2004 storm event by several other local authorities and many individuals and private companies. With the start from the Wanganui Mayoral Relief Fund it is now time to use this as a springboard to raise extra outside funds to assist those in need in Northland".

"The effects of floods are still very fresh in our minds, and we can empathise with what those people are going through up north."

In addition to money raised in Wanganui, other local authorities will be asked to at least match our contribution.

"There are about 90 district councils in New Zealand, and if we all put up $5000 there would be $500,000 to send to Northland," Mayor Laws said.

The Council will ask the Crown to match external funding dollar for dollar and make all donations to the appeal tax deductible.

New stained glass window for Council Chamber

The most recent addition to the Wanganui Story is a wealth of symbolism in stained glass.

The image of the eel trap with the bird spear (across the top of the trap) and the ko digging stick (to the left) represent the economies of river, forest and cultivated ground. The colours of the window are symbolic of the harakeke (flax cloak) and the pounamu (greenstone). These represent settlement, social relations and the trading pathways established between tangata whenua and the colonists in the early days of Wanganui settlement.

This window is one of 32 stained glass panels, each representing an episode or aspect of the history of Wanganui. Designed by artist Julie Greig and crafted by glass artist Greg Hall, they will stand as enduring works of art and will replace the plain glass windows between the rimu panelling and the domed roof of the Council Chamber.

Panels already in place include representations of Wanganui's geological formation, the significance of the mountains in history and legend and Wanganui's wartime sacrifices and subsequent memorials.

The next window, currently under construction, will depict Mother Mary Aubert, the Jerusalem mission and the homeopathic remedies that she developed.

Some of these windows have already been sponsored by local families, individuals, businesses and organisations but more sponsors are required. For further information contact Malcolm Hunt or Paul Brooks at the Council, phone 349 0001.

Wanganui Airport
Airport Terminal Refurbishment

Airport users, travellers and the general public are advised that preparatory work for the refurbishment of the Wanganui Airport Terminal commenced on 1 July 2007.

The Terminal Refurbishment Project is anticipated to take from 10 to 12 weeks.

During this time café services will be suspended. However, passenger reception, processing services, rest and toilet facilities will be provided throughout the construction period.

This project is a major undertaking by the Airport Authority and will result in the Wanganui Airport being brought up to a standard reflective of current air travel facilities.

We regret any inconvenience, thank you for your understanding and co-operation, and look forward to providing you with improved services and facilities on completion.

Wanganui Airport Authority

Vacancies

Details of the following vacancies are available on this page:

Customer Services Advocate
Applications close 22 July 2007

Cafe Staff - Wanganui Airport
Applications close 24 July 2007

Financial Accountant
Applications close 26 July 2007

Council meetings

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Wanganui Rural Community Board – Thursday, July 19
Storm damage and lahar bridge inspection update; Fencing request – Waikupa Road – Rogers and Spooner; Forestry study – effects on local roads; Remuneration Authority – (a) Local Government Elected Members Determination 2006 Amendment 2007 (b) Local Government Elected Members Determination 2007; Submission to the Horizons Regional Council One Plan; Community Views Survey – performance of Rural Community Board; Archers Bridge – western boundary.

Harbour – Monday, July 23
Regional Council's Proposed One Plan; Port lease: legal issues; Repairs to sea wall. Confidential items: Port Operating Report; Wharf Street.

Hearings – Wednesday, July 25 (2pm and 3.45pm)
- 2.00pm – Objection against Menacing Dog Classification
- 3.45pm – Objection against Dangerous Dog Classification

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

Youth – Monday, August 6 (Council Chamber)

Heritage – Tuesday, August 7

Community Development – Wednesday, August 8

Finance and Administration – Thursday, August 9

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.