When Wanganui Gas became a wholly owned company of Wanganui District Council, Wanganui's ratepayers, were aglow with pride. The company was performing well in both energy distribution and retail markets. In October 2007, that flame dimmed somewhat as a result of changes in the energy market.

The most dramatic effect was that Council would not gain the usual $2 million annual dividend to subsidise rates.

PriceWaterhouseCoopers was commissioned to review Wanganui Gas' operation. Their report concluded -

• Unforeseen gas supply issues caused a dramatic downturn in Wanganui Gas' trading fortunes.
• Energy Direct NZ, the company's trading division, will always attract an element of risk.
• The Board of Directors and Senior Management should be strengthened by appointment of people considerably experienced in the energy industry.
• Wanganui District Council should keep Wanganui Gas for now, and further explore the asset's long-term ownership.

There are two business groups within Wanganui Gas Ltd. GasNet manages infrastructure assets, whilst Energy Direct New Zealand supplies gas and electricity to many residences and businesses, primarily in Wanganui.

This 100% Wanganui-owned company deserves 100% Wanganui community support.

This exhibition includes paintings and a steel pond with a thin layer of oil reflecting the unique architecture of the Sarjeant Gallery's dome space.

The exhibition is on at the Sarjeant until May 18.

Vacancies

Details of the following vacancies are available on this page:

Office Assistant
Applications close May 21

Animal Control Officer - Team Leader
Applications close May 25

Customer Services Manager
Applications close May 25

Summary of Information

In accordance with Section 83(1)(a)(i) of the Local Government Act 2002 and the Gambling Act 2003, the Wanganui District Council gives notice of its intention to review the Gambling Venue Policy 2004. Submissions are now invited on the review.

Process
The review of the Wanganui District Council's Gambling Venue Policy 2004 will be publicly advertised and submissions invited from 17 April 2008 to 23 May 2008. The Wanganui District Council will hear submissions and determine the policy in June 2008.

Information
Further information relating to the Gambling Venue Policy 2004 is available from Customer Services, Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui or may be obtained from Customer Services, Wanganui District Council, phone (06) 349 0001, fax (06) 349 0000 or email us.

Further information includes:

• Gambling Venue Policy 2004 – policy being reviewed
• Statement of Proposal – Gambling Venue Policy

Submission process
Submissions should be in writing and addressed to:

Wanganui District Council
PO Box 637
Wanganui
Attention: Stuart Hylton

To assist the submission and hearing process please endeavour when making a submission to –

• Refer to a specific point or rule within the Gambling Venue Policy 2004 (use heading references).
• State whether you support or oppose the specific point or rule.
• State clear reasoning for your decision.
• State what change, if any, you would like the Council to make.
• State whether you personally want to be heard in respect of your submission.
• Ensure your full contact details are supplied.

Submissions close on Friday, 23 May 2008.

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.

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Wanganui District Councils' Forestry Joint Committee – Monday, May 19 (2.30pm, CR 2)

Council Meeting – Monday, May 19
- The Council will consider reports from all Committee meetings held in April and May.

Council Meeting – Thursday, May 22 (9am-4pm)
- Hearings of Submissions to Draft Annual Plan 2008/09.

Youth Committee – Monday, May 26 (4pm)

Council Meeting – Thursday, May 29 (2pm-5pm)
- Deliberation on Submissions to Draft Annual Plan 2008/09.

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.