The first of the experimental floating islands has been placed on the north-eastern reach of Virginia Lake.

Terry Wearmouth, of Kauri Park Nursery in Kaiwaka, imported the island's base from Canada and was on site at Virginia Lake last Tuesday to assist with planting and launching. He was aided by members of the Virginia Lake Trust volunteer group.

The base of the island is made of recycled plastic which looks and feels like a material used for pot scouring. It is injected with extremely buoyant marine foam and the base is covered with coconut fibre matting.

Holes were cut deep into the surface and native grasses inserted. Ground coconut fibre of a soil-like consistency was then poured around the plants and across the surface.

Once launched it was a matter of moments before a number of ducklings climbed aboard to investigate the newly arrived addition to the lake.

The three year old Shelterview jetsprint track at Upokongaro is the venue of the first round of the 2008 Parker ENZED Jetsprint Champs on Thursday, December 27.

Some of New Zealand's and the world's best jetsprint teams will be racing in a field of more than 40 V8 driver/navigator combinations. Brothers Rex and Peter Briant will be competing for the Chemz Group A title, currently held by Rex.

For those new to the sport, a jetsprint course consists of a series of channels three to five metres wide and up to a metre deep. Boats have a two person crew and run individually against the clock through the channels in a predetermined order.

Competitors have a diagrammatic directional map and prior to racing they are required to walk the perimeter of the track to study and memorise the layout. The course usually has 25 to 30 directional changes in a run that takes between 45 and 65 seconds to complete. The image shows the layout of the Shelterview track.

Where is it?
The Shelterview track is on the Murrays' farm 10-12 kilometres north of Wanganui on State Highway 4, one-and-a-half kilometres north of Upokongaro. Food, coffee and soft drinks are available for sale or bring yourself a picnic.

No dogs please
The track is on farmland so definitely no dogs allowed.

Admission prices
Adults $15, children under 12 free (if accompanied by an adult).

Scholarships on offer for sports course

Up to four scholarships will be offered to students enrolling in Whanganui UCOL's Certificate in Exercise and Sport Performance.

Administered by the Council's Sport and Recreation Committee, the scholarships will be supported by a range of Wanganui businesses including the YMCA and the Kingsgate Hotel and Conference Centre.

The Certificate in Exercise and Sport Performance is a practically-based course which introduces students to aspects of sport science, exercise science (fitness) and sport coaching. This course has been running successfully at UCOL in Palmerston North for the past five years and Whanganui UCOL is proposing to run this full-time, one year, level four course in 2008.

Fees

The fees for this programme are $4,423.15 plus student association fees of $135.00.

Qualification

The Certificate in Exercise and Sport Performance is NZQA Accredited as a Level 4 qualification. This means it is an applied, hands-on, qualification that provides foundation knowledge and skills in this area. Graduates with the CESP qualification are well suited to work as gym instructors, athletic trainers, coaches, sport co-ordinators or sports administrators. This course also opens the opportunity for students to progress onto higher study, such as the Bachelor of Human Performance degree in Palmerston North.

Delivery of the CESP Programme

The CESP programme will be delivered in 2008 using a blended delivery model. This means that a variety of teaching methods (such as practicals, labs, online support, tutorials, practicum placements) will be used to maximise both student learning and its application to the sport and fitness industries. An important part of this course is the industry placements, and the ability for students to apply what they learn within this setting. In addition, throughout the course student learning is monitored and staff delivering the course will also be involved in mentoring the students to ensure they continue to progress towards a successful completion.

Papers

Within the course students study a range of papers focused on both sport and fitness:

• Anatomy and Physiology (how the human body works both at rest and during exercise)
• Sport Practical (sports skills, tournament design and officiating)
• Exercise Science I (nutrition and how the human body grows and develops)
• Professional Studies (computer skills, communication and study skills for tertiary study)
• Exercise Training (weight training techniques, stretching and cardiovascular training)
• Exercise Prescription I (exercise testing and writing exercise programmes for fitness)
• Exercise Science II (how the body responds and adapts to exercise, sport psychology, sport movement analysis)
• Exercise Prescription II (exercise testing and exercise programmes for sport)
• Sport Coaching (planning and running a series of coaching sessions)
• Introduction to Fitness Industry (understanding of the fitness industry and fitness operations)
• Introduction to Sport Medicine (sports injuries, massage and strapping)

To be eligible to apply for a scholarship students will need to register their 'intent' to enrol in 2008 by January 31.

Call Whanganui UCOL on 965 3800, email to enquiry@ucol.ac.nz or go online to www.ucol.ac.nz or visit the UCOL information centre at 15 Victoria Avenue, Wanganui.

Wanganui District Council Sister City Scholarship to study at IPC

In the interests of fostering international awareness, the Council invites students who are actively pursuing a career in International Business, International Relations, the Environment, Japanese or Ecotourism to apply for a full time scholarship to study at IPC in a Bachelor of International Studies programme.

IPC offers

• personalised support
• NZQA Degree, Diplomas, Masters without financial worries
• holistic education
• exciting international career opportunities.

Expressions of interest for semester one close 31 January 2008.

To get started phone Bex on 0800 367 472.

Want to report graffiti? Graffiti can now be reported through a central phone number provided by the Council. The number is 349 0500. This number is for reporting graffiti only.

There will be a liquor ban in force this New Year's Eve at Mowhanau Beach.

The ban will be in place between 3.00pm on 31 December 2007 and 3.00am on 1 January 2008.

The general ban area includes the roads, domain and foreshore area within the Mowhanau Village starting outside the Mowhanau Community Hall.

More specifically it is the area bounded by the low water mark to the south-west; the Kai Iwi Stream to the north-west; the Mowhanau Stream to the south-east, including SO14957, SO18911, and Sec 71 of the Mowhanau Domain, including roadways and public thoroughfares of Sunset Parade, Waitangi Parade, Broadview Heights, Tangi Street and Mowhanau Drive up to a point adjacent to the entrance to the Mowhanau Hall.

Sprinkler restrictions

The public is advised that the sprinkler restrictions are as follows:

For sprinklers – even numbered houses can water on even numbered days and odd numbered houses can water on odd numbered days between 6pm and 10pm.

Hand-held hosing is allowed at any time.

To comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002, the Council will establish a Maori Committee. This committee will not replace the Tupoho and TamaUpoko Link working parties. The establishment of the Maori Committee provides a forum for all Maori residing within the Wanganui District Council's district.

The Council seeks wide representation from persons in the Maori community or people who reside within the Council's district who can represent Maori community groups. It is important for Council that the views of all Maori on issues affecting them are fully represented to Council.

Tangata whenua will be represented on the committee; however, the Council wants wide Maori community representation so that all views are considered.

For further information about serving on the Maori Committee contact Councillor Rangi Wills, phone (06) 348 8338.

Please register your interest by letter together with your CV, including two nominated referees, to:

Governance Services Manager
Wanganui District Council
PO Box 637
Wanganui

Expressions of Interest close Friday, 8 February 2008.

Vacancies

Details about the following vacancies are available on this page:

Communications Officer
Applications close 13 January 2008

Assistant Archivist
Applications close 18 January 2008

Assistant English Teacher to Wanganui's Sister City, Nagaizumi-cho, Japan
The Nagaizumi-cho Education Board is seeking applications for the position of Assistant English Teacher at its Junior High and Elementary Schools for 2008.

Nagaizumi, Wanganui's Japanese Sister City, is a thriving town situated close to Mt Fujiyama and three hours by train from Tokyo. It enjoys a mild climate and abundance of natural beauty, and its main industries include agriculture, medicine and paper manufacturing. Nagaizumi is special to Wanganui due to its enduring Sister City relationship of 20 years.

The period of the appointment will be for one year from 1 April 2008. By mutual agreement the term may be extended for a further 12 months. Preference will be given to applicants with a university degree and teaching experience. However, other interested persons with university qualifications are also invited to apply. A cheerful, outgoing personality and interest in Japanese culture will be important qualities in intending applicants. Single accommodation is available.

Persons wishing to obtain a copy of the Conditions of Appointment should contact Customer Services, Wanganui District Council, telephone (06) 349 0001.

Interviews for the Assistant Language Teacher will be held during the week commencing 14 January 2008.

Written applications, together with curriculum vitae and contact details for three referees, should be addressed to:

Governance Services Manager
Wanganui District Council
PO Box 637
Wanganui

Applications close at noon on Friday, 11 January 2008.