Wanganui's Youth Councillors are proving their commitment to the task by really going places.

Hannah Crowley and George Parker both recently attended the Toowoomba 2050 Youth Summit in Wanganui's Queensland Sister City. They were hosted by Mayor Dianne Thorley and the Toowoomba City Council and, as observers, were able to learn much that could be applied to a possible similar youth summit to be held here. Pictured are (from left) Stewart McRae, Hannah Crowley, Mayor of Toowoomba Dianne Thorley, George Parker and Councillor Regina Albion.

Aiden Joblin-Mills and Whitney Tangaroa are attending the New Zealand Diversity Forum's youth programme later this month in Auckland, and Chelsea-Anne Phillips attended last month's Aspiring Leaders Forum in Wellington.

The Operation Peace through Unity organisation is also sponsoring a young person to attend the 60th Annual Conference for Non-Governmental Organisations associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information in New York. Chelsea-Anne Phillips (right) has been selected as one of only three New Zealand representatives to attend the conference to be held from 5–7 September 2007 in the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations building.

Participating panellists will include representatives from Princeton, Columbia and Harvard Universities as well as the Secretary-General for OPEC, the President of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and the Director of the US National Commission on Energy Policy.

Stephanie Rose, Council Policy Analyst, said that "selection for this conference is an incredible honour".

Chelsea's travel and conference costs will be paid by Operation Peace through Unity, but she intends to fundraise an additional $4000 so she can extend her time in New York beyond the two days of the conference.

Stephanie Rose has suggested that the Youth Committee may like to consider ways in which it can contribute to the fundraising effort.

Tower 2 Tower

Wanganui's challenging 10 kilometre Tower 2 Tower run/walk between the Durie Hill and Bastia Hill Towers is on Sunday, 5 August 2007.

This event is suitable for people of all ages but a moderate level of fitness is required. Due to the nature of the course and for safety reasons, bikes, roller blades and pushchairs will not be allowed.

You can pre-register by filling in a form (obtainable from Wanganui Incorporated) or registrations on the day will take place next to the 'Pumpkin House' in Kowhai Park, commencing at 8.30am. Entry for is $15 per adult or $7 for students (ID required) or for children 15 years and under.

Prizes are as follows:

• 1st place man (runner) $500
• 1st place woman (runner) $500
• 1st place man (walker) $500
• 1st place woman (walker) $500

Every entrant has the chance to win one of the many spot prizes on offer - drawn at the conclusion of the prizegiving. (You must be present to receive your prize).

Draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy

You are invited to have your say on Council's Draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.

The Parks and Open Spaces Strategy intends to meet the Council's goal of providing good quality parks for active recreation and amenities that adequately cater for our population while ensuring the provision of green corridors both through and around the city for ecological benefit and connectivity.

In essence, this Strategy is about the right land, in the right place for the right purpose.

A copy of the Draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy is available:

• From the Customer Services Desk at the Council building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui
• By phoning Customer Services on (06) 349 0001
• From the Wanganui District Library
• On this page
• By emailing us

The Draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy will be open for public comment until 5.00pm Friday, 17 August 2007.

You can provide comment in the following ways:

• Post - Wanganui District Council, PO Box 637, Wanganui
• Fax - (06) 349 0000
• Deliver - Customer Services Desk, Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui
• Email us

Please remember to include your name, address and phone number so that we can contact you.

Vacancies

Details of the following vacancies are available on this page:

Planning Administrator
Applications close 12 August 2007

Building Support Officer - Assessments
Applications close 13 August 2007

Resource Management Planner
Applications close 19 August 2007

Council meetings

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Youth – Monday, August 6 (Council Chamber)
- Appointment of new Youth Councillor; Youth Strategy review; 'Make It. Take It.' update; Aspiring Leaders Forum report; Youth Access to Alcohol; Draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy; Toowoomba 2050 Youth Summit; United Nations representation; Cancer Society Smoke-Free Youth Ambassadors.

Heritage – Tuesday, August 7
- Heritage projects update; John Ballance statue site; Whanganui Story Working Party Terms of Reference; Whanganui Story displays.

Finance and Administration – Thursday, August 9

Wanganui Rural Community Board – Friday, August 10

Infrastructure – Monday, August 13

Sport and Activity – Tuesday, August 14 (1pm)

Hearings (to be confirmed) – Wednesday, August 15

Strategy – Thursday, August 16 (Council Chamber)

Community Development – Friday, August 17

Community Development – Wednesday, August 22 (3.30pm)
- Community Contracts; Submissions to Draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.

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.