Twenty Wanganui residents were welcomed as new citizens by Mayor Michael Laws at a citizenship ceremony last week.

Along with a certificate of New Zealand citizenship and a letter from the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. Rick Barker, each new citizen received a gift pack containing a Wanganui badge, a pen, a copy of the New Zealand national anthem, a book of photographs of Wanganui and a personal gift from the Mayor – an All Blacks scarf for the adults and an All Blacks mini rugby ball for the children.

Deputy Chief Executive Kevin Ross assisted Mayor Laws with the proceedings. The ceremony was followed by an afternoon tea for the new citizens and their guests.

Citizenship applicants and their original nationalities are:

Miss Judith Blanche Bothma (South African), Mrs Natalie Ann Heenan (Australian), Mrs Usha Kant Kumari Nand (Fijian), Mr Ravendra Kumar Nand (Fijian), Miss Swastika Sheetal Reddy (Fijian), Master Anshul Akash Nand (Fijian), Mrs Joanne Marion Stephen-Tastard (Zimbabwean), Miss Sarah Rebecca Tastard (Zimbabwean), Master David Thomas Stephen Tastard (Zimbabwean), Miss Michelle Gillian Kleinsmith (South African), Mr Gaudam Anbalagan (Indian), Mrs Irene Anne Kirkwood Gray (British), Mr Norman Richard Gray (British), Mr Kevin Christopher Gregory (Malaysian), Miss Debbie Lee Hahn (American), Mr Zahid Mohammed (Fijian), Mr Mohammed Sakik (Fijian), Mrs Shabhnam Safia Sakik (Fijian), Miss Saima Sarah Sakik (Fijian) and Mr Faalafi Vave Taito (Samoan).

The latest stained glass window for the Council Chamber depicts the restored riverboat, PS Waimarie.

Sponsored by Barbara and Nobby Bullock (GE and BL Bullock Partnership), the image represents the returning optimism and confidence of the new millennium.

This window is one of 32 stained glass panels which will each represent an episode or aspect of the history of Wanganui. Designed by artist Julie Greig and crafted by glass artist Greg Hall, they will stand as enduring works of art and will replace the plain glass windows between the rimu panelling and the domed roof of the Council Chamber.

A number of panels are already in place in the Chamber and work is progressing on others.

Some windows have been sponsored by local families, individuals, businesses and organisations but more sponsors are required. For further information contact Malcolm Hunt at the Council, phone 349 0001.

The Wanganui District Council has prepared its Draft Annual Plan 2008/09 – and now it's time for you to have your say.

The Draft Annual Plan is open for public submissions from 28 March 2008 until 2 May 2008.

Contact the Council's Customer Service Team or visit the District Library or this page for copies of our draft plan and submission forms. A summary of the draft plan will be delivered to all Wanganui District households.

Motorists who park in pay & display areas and do not purchase a parking chit from one of the machines onsite will soon be landed with a $40 parking fine if they are caught.

In the past, fines for failing to buy a parking chit to display on the vehicle's dashboard have been discounted from $40 to $12. However, from April 14 the full amount ($40) will be charged to motorists who are issued with fines for failing to buy a chit.

The by-election for a new Wanganui District Councillor will be held in June.

A by-election is required following the resignation of Cr Marty Lindsay who is taking up a career opportunity in Australia.

Wanganui District Council Electoral Officer Noeline Moosman has set the by-election date for Saturday, June 21.

Nominations for candidates opened on Friday, April 4, and close at 12 noon on Friday, May 2. Nomination forms are available from the Electoral Officer.

Voting will be by postal voting. The voting period will be from Friday, 30 May 2008, to 12 noon Saturday, 21 June 2008.

More information is available on this page.

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.

Vacancies

Details of the following vacancies are available on this page:

Senior Property Officer
Applications close 21 April 2008

Finance & Administration Technician
Applications close 25 April 2008

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Youth – Monday, April 14 (4.00pm)
- Appointment of Youth Councillors; Wanganui Restorative Justice Trust; Youth Access to Alcohol; Aspiring Leaders Forum; Youth Committee Brainstorming Session; Youth Week 26 May to 1 June 2008; Youth Project Co-ordinator's Report; Youth Councillor Membership – Youth Council National Steering Committee.

Wanganui Rural Community Board – Wednesday, April 23 (4.00pm, Committee Room 2)

Community Development – Tuesday, April 29

Hearings – Thursday, May 1 (2.00pm, Committee Room 2)
- Submissions to Trade Waste Bylaw.

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.

Meeting Cancellation – Hearings Committee, April 17
As there is no business to transact, this meeting has been cancelled.