The new Upokongaro jetty was officially opened last Friday.

The PS Waimarie, accompanied by the MV Wairua (both pictured at the jetty), carried Mayor Laws and invited dignitaries and guests from Wanganui to Upokongaro where a small crowd waited to assist in the proceedings. After karanga and karakia led by Whanganui Iwi Kaiwhakahaere John Maihi, Mayor Laws stepped ashore from the paddle steamer, gave a short speech then cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion.

The jetty construction is part one of a project designed to provide a safe, secure and attractive berthing facility at the historic village. While it is primarily designed for use by commercial operations, it is available for all larger craft using the Whanganui River.

The second part of the project will be a pontoon built for use by smaller craft such as jet boats and canoes. Horizons Regional Council will undertake the landscaping and planting of the area around the jetty and pontoon. Both the landscaping work and construction of the pontoon are scheduled to begin this month.

Initially, the main driver behind the proposal of a landing facility at Upokongaro was the PS Waimarie Operating Trust as Upokongaro is the only place on the lower stretches of the Whanganui River where a vessel can stop for visitors to disembark.

An existing pontoon maintained by the Upokongaro Whanau Komiti Trust was deemed inadequate for vessels of the size of the PS Waimarie and was eventually made unusable after the flood events of 2004.

After consultation with interested parties, and to provide a co-ordinated approach, Wanganui District Council assumed overall responsibility for the project and work started at the end of March 2007.

The final cost of the first two stages of the project will be approximately $110,000.

Funding has been provided by:

• Wanganui District Council ($50,000)
• Ministry of Tourism ($25,000)
• Whanganui River Enhancement Charitable Trust ($15,000)
• Whanganui Community Foundation ($5,000)
• Powerco Community Trust ($15,000)
• Emmetts Civil Construction (approximately $10,000 for pontoon)

ID Loader Ltd has contributed bank construction work and the landscaping work will be the responsibility of Horizons Regional Council.

Following consultation between the Wanganui sporting community and a group of key providers, Whanganui UCOL is proposing a full-time, one year, level four Certificate in Exercise and Sports Performance.

To ensure that this course goes ahead, student numbers must be identified by the end of this month.

The course offers:

• The knowledge and practical skills to gain employment in a diverse range of sport, fitness, health and exercise working environments
• A good understanding of the structure of the industry
• Sound communication skills
• The knowledge and practical skills for entry-level employment in the sport and fitness industry

The range of subjects covered in the course is diverse and comprehensive. They include:

1. Anatomy and Physiology
2. Exercise Training
3. Exercise Prescription 1 and 2
4. Sport Practical
5. Exercise Science 1 and 2
6. Professional Studies
7. Introduction to the Fitness Industry
8. Introduction to Sports Medicine
9. Sport Coaching

Graduates will be qualified to gain work as gym instructors, sports medics, coaches, sports coordinators, or they could continue with their studies and enrol in the Bachelor of Human Performance.

A Certificate in Exercise and Sports Performance costs $4367 for a home student.

The Council works closely with UCOL and is keen to see the provision of sport tuition in Wanganui.

If you are interested please contact UCOL on 0800 468265 or apply online at www.ucol.ac.nz

If this course goes ahead there will be two Short Course Awards starting mid-2008. These are part-time, distance learning packages – Sport Coaching and Administration; Health and Exercise.

Impact Fund

Applications are now being accepted for activities occurring between July 2007 and June 2008.

Wanganui Incorporated Impact Fund grant applications will be assessed and allocated to projects, events and initiatives that deliver significant economic benefits to Wanganui City and Region.

Enquiries can be made to: Wanganui Inc, phone (06) 349 0380, email info@wanganuiinc.com or application forms are available online at www.wanganuiinc.com.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 9 November 2007.

Election 2007

Remember to vote in Election 2007

Voting in this year's local authority election closes at midday on Saturday, October 13.

Progress results will be available on our web site after the following times on October 13: Wanganui District Council – 3pm; Whanganui District Health Board – 6pm. Please note that these are estimated times.

Key dates

Vacancy

Details of the following vacancy are available on this page:

Resource Management Planner
Applications close 7 October 2007

Council meetings

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Council – Friday, October 12 - 2.00pm (Council Chamber)
- To consider future activity on algal bloom at Virginia Lake and other affected lakes if applicable.

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.