Last Saturday Mayor Michael Laws and a large group of scissor-wielding primary school kids officially opened a brand new community asset.

The waterfront boardwalk and redeveloped Moutoa Quay area was packed with Wanganui people enjoying the weather, the occasion and this much needed facility. The jazz band played, the clowns entertained, the kids ate free icecream and the busy River Traders' Market added to the festive feeling. It was a day of celebration.

The photos show last weekend's ribbon-cutting ceremony and some of the crowd enjoying the celebrations.

In Referendum '05 Wanganui people set capital works priorities for Council. At the top of the list was the Splash Centre extension. Number two was the city waterfront development, right behind that was an upgrade of Wanganui's footpaths and number four was the refurbishment of our airport. The waterfront development, although not quite finished yet, has transformed the inner city riverbank and provided the community with an attractive recreational area.

So where are we with the other projects?

Number one on the community's wish list, the Splash Centre extension, is on track for completion near the end of December this year. The floor framing for the mezzanine area is well under way and cladding is being fitted on the hydroslide tower. The main roof panels are being installed; electrical and plumbing installation continues to the amenities area; the hydroslide tubes have been fabricated on-site and roofing and internal guttering between the existing and intended complex is almost complete. The total projected cost at completion remains at $6.6 million. The new complex includes a learn-to-swim pool, school teaching pool/recreation pool, toddlers' pool, lazy river, spa pools, sauna, steam room, gym and two hydroslides.

As a result of Referendum '05 the footpath renewal and maintenance budgets were increased substantially and problem areas were targeted. To date, more than eight and a half kilometres of footpaths have been upgraded since the works programmes were revised and funding increased.

At the moment the airport, while still operational, is a construction site with the refurbishment expected to be mostly completed by the official opening date of October 3. All wiring is in, as is gas for the new fire and data cabling for communications and audio/video. The new toilets will be in place by the end of this week, the plasterers should be finished this week and the painters should have finished by next week. Every part of the building is being renovated and when completed will certainly be a big improvement on the former facility.

Wanganui people defined the objectives in Referendum '05. We're working on them.

Sarjeant Gallery exhibition

ASKEW: Photographs from the Sarjeant Gallery's permanent collection is exhibiting at the Sarjeant Gallery until November 18.

The exhibition is an eclectic variety of photographs by a range of photographers working in both black and white and colour.

Pictured is Bob Negrijn's untitled photograph of Lyttelton, Christchurch, 1994.

eDay 2007 - September 29, 9am-3pm

The inaugural Wanganui Festival of Glass is under way at venues throughout Wanganui until September 30.

Glass on Mainstreet will inspire locals and visitors with a diverse display of glass by established and emerging Wanganui artists. The exhibition Hot Property at the Sarjeant Gallery celebrates 20 years of art glass practice in Wanganui, featuring work by graduates from the Diploma in Glass Design and Production and the Quay School of the Arts' Bachelor of Fine Arts programme. Current students are exhibiting their innovative glass works within the Alexander Library in Queens Park.

Artists will treat the public to hot glass demonstrations, and the more adventurous can enrol in short intensive glass workshops. A highlight of any trip to Wanganui is a visit to the Chronicle Glass Studio, where you can view the glass blowing process in action and purchase exquisite hand blown pieces on display.

Programmes and more information are available from Wanganui i-SITE in Guyton Street, Energy Direct Glass Info Centre at 23 Victoria Avenue or by contacting Teresa Goodin on (06) 349 1863 or email Teresa Goodin, or visit the Wanganui Glass Group website.

Have your say
Draft Tree Policy

The Council has developed a draft tree policy for Wanganui District and we need your input.

Do you agree with different suburbs having a different planting theme? Should the Council enhance the city entrances with planting? Do you like the London Plane trees in the Avenue? Have your say!

Who to contact for a copy:
Carolyn McIntyre, Policy Planner, Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, PO Box 637, Wanganui
Phone: 349 0001 extn 8024, Fax: 349 0000.
Or copies can be collected from the Wanganui District Library or the Council, 101 Guyton Street.

Submissions close Friday, 12 October 2007.

Public meeting
A public meeting will be held at the Council building (3rd floor), 101 Guyton Street, at 4.00pm on Wednesday, 26 September 2007, to discuss the draft policy.

Vacancies

Details of the following vacancies are available on this page:

Cafe Staff (Casual) - Airport
Applications close 23 September 2007

Executive Assistant - Policy & Planning
Applications close 30 September 2007

Resource Management Planner
Applications close 7 October 2007

Council meetings

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Youth Committee – Monday, September 24 - 4.00pm (Council Chamber)
- Wai Ora Youth Strategy; Subcommittee and Working Party Reports; Youth Strategy 2007/08; Library Youth Services Review Workshop; Toowoomba 2050 Presentation; NZ Diversity Forum; 'Make It. Take It.' Project Update.

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.