The Wanganui District Council's proposed rates increase for 2008/09 is the second lowest of councils with similar, probably less trying, circumstances.

The graph shows comparisons with the proposed rates increases of other councils.

During the past four years, Wanganui's rates have increased an average of 8.1%, or just over 2% per annum.

Earlier this week the Council approved its Draft Annual Plan for 2008/09 for public consultation. The council is proposing a 3.3% rates and levy overall increase (2.6% rates, 0.7% levy) for the coming financial year – keeping its promise to stick to inflationary increases only and being mindful of the community's ability to pay.

The average rates increases will be residential 2.8%, farming 4% and commercial 3%. The low rates increases have been approved despite the severe financial constraints the council is now operating under, following the loss of the Wanganui Gas dividend.

However, the three-yearly revaluation of the District in 2007 will result in significant variances in rates increases between suburbs and properties.

The revaluation increased low value properties much more than high value properties, especially on land value which affects the general rate. Residential properties with very high capital values have tended to have small rate reductions.

"The combination of financial strictures and the revaluation has meant that council has taken the unanimous view that this is a year of consolidation and the trimming of all unnecessary expenditure," Mayor Michael Laws said.

"This will mean that almost all aspects of council activity receive less real funding in the 2008/09 financial year than in the year previous. But it is felt that achieving a low rate increase, around the rate of inflation, will benefit more Wanganui residents than maintaining current spending levels.

"A number of capital projects have been deferred with the exception of the Gateway project which is aimed to boost Wanganui's southern entranceway over the next three years.

"It must be stressed that the draft annual plan is just that – a draft and that the council will make final deliberations in May after receiving public submissions."

The Draft Annual Plan 2008/09 will be available for public consultation from 28 March 2008 until 2 May 2008.

The project to extend the seal on the Whanganui River Road has reached another milestone.

The first 700m length was chip sealed from the start point at Matahiwi on March 1. The second section is expected to be chip sealed this week.

The seal extension of approximately 32km is a joint roading project for the Wanganui and Ruapehu district councils and will be carried out over a six-year period.

Along the Ruapehu District Council section, a 700m length was chip sealed last week just south of Pipiriki.

In addition to the sealing work, some road improvements including straightening are being made near the Kawana Mill. That work should be completed by the end of this week. The photo shows work in progress near the Kawana Mill.

Pavement construction will continue through the remainder of March and all of April 2008. Earthworks and pavement construction activity is expected to slow down from early May with the onset of winter conditions.

Six students have been awarded scholarships for UCOL's new Certificate in Exercise and Sport Performance course in Wanganui.

The recipients are Annie Nielson, Miriama McLean-Bell, Emma Karipa, Zane Lucibella, TePiwa Bullock and Katrina Ann Hodge. The scholarships range from $1000 to half tuition fees.

The scholarships were provided by Wanganui District Council, YMCA, Ali Arc Industries Ltd and Kingsgate Hotel and Conference Centre. A support group, including representatives from the Council, Sport Wanganui, YMCA, WINZ and UCOL, has been involved in marketing and promoting the course and arranging the scholarships.

Cr Philippa Baker-Hogan, a member of the group, said the support from the Wanganui community had been encouraging.

"We really appreciate the efforts of the people who have been involved in helping to ensure the course went ahead in Wanganui this year," Cr Baker-Hogan said.

"The generosity of organisations and businesses in providing scholarships has been fantastic. The course is now up and running and we wish the scholarship recipients and other students a successful year of study."

The Certificate in Exercise and Sport Performance (CESP) is a full-time, one year, practically-based course which introduces students to aspects of sport science, exercise science (fitness) and sport coaching.

Wanganui District Library in collaboration with the Wanganui Genealogy Society invites you to

Celebrate Wanganui's Heritage Weekend
in the Alexander Heritage & Research Library
Saturday, 15 March 2008
10.00am to 3.00pm

Featuring Sacha Keating, who will introduce a special screening of:

Te Whiringa Taura O Whanganui - a documentary about the Whanganui River and its people through the eyes of Sacha Keating, as he explores his whakapapa.
Time: 1:00pm (discussion & light refreshments will follow)

Library staff and members of the Genealogy Society will be on duty to assist you.

Entry is free of charge.

The usual access hours for this collection are Monday to Friday between 1.00pm and 5.00pm.

Applications are now being accepted for activities occurring between July 2008 and June 2009.

Wanganui Incorporated Impact Fund grant applications will be assessed and allocated to projects, events and initiatives that deliver significant economic benefits to the Wanganui City and Region. Funding availability is conditional upon Wanganui District Council 2008/2009 Annual Plan approval.

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

Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday, 2 May 2008.

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Hearings – Thursday, March 13 (1.00pm Committee Room 2)
- Submissions to Dog Control Policy 2004 Review; Objection Against Dangerous Dog Classification.

Community Development - Tuesday, March 18

Finance and Infrastructure – Tuesday, March 25

Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at 3.00pm in the Council Chamber, 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.