The survey was conducted by an independent company as one step toward pursuing Council's mission: 'to enhance the quality of life in Wanganui through a proactive approach: promoting a positive image of Wanganui as a great place to live and visit; developing quality amenities and recreational facilities and encouraging economic prosperity'.

What was surveyed:

• Intention of moving out of Wanganui
• Overall perception – quality of life
• Emergency preparedness
• Feeling of safety within the home
• Cultural/leisure and sport/recreation participation
• Community satisfaction with services Council provides

Results of the survey:

• Percent of dissatisfaction with Council amenities has decreased. Dissatisfaction peaked in 2003 and has declined steadily since.
• The greatest dissatisfaction remains with recycling and the standard of footpaths, while cultural and sporting facilities (Sarjeant Art Gallery/Sports grounds) have received low rates of dissatisfaction throughout the period surveyed.
• Between 2003 and 2007 Wanganui residents perceived their quality of life to have increased by 20%; however, in the last year it has fallen by 12%. Despite this fall, 42% of residents believe they are enjoying a better quality of life than they have previously.
• There has been an increase in the number of residents who think that their quality of life has remained unchanged in the years subsequent to the initial screening. Only 3% of residents express concern that their quality of life has become worse.
• The survey indicates that there has been a decrease in the number of residents intending to move out of Wanganui from 41% in 1999 to 19% in 2008.
• There has been a 26% increase in those surveyed who desire to remain in Wanganui.
• Feelings of safety at home remain high, both during the day (94% in 2007/08 respectively) and at night (74% in 2007 and 85% in 2008).
• During the day, only 1% of those surveyed seldom felt safe in their home and 3% during the evening.
• Perceptions of safety at night have increased between 2007 and 2008.
• The survey noted a dramatic increase in the level of satisfaction since 2003 (46% increase) with Council's response to the needs/issues of the community. While there was a small decrease in satisfaction last year, there remains no increase in dissatisfaction.
• The survey suggests a dramatic increase in the satisfaction of Council/Mayor's performance (up 32% between 2003-2007).
• The public has viewed the performance of Council staff more favourably since 2003. Satisfaction remains at 65% percent (as it was in 2007) while the public's neutrality has increased and dissatisfaction decreased.

Intention of moving out of Wanganui

Note: Question not asked in 2000 and 2003.

Performance targets not achieved 2008

The Wanganui District Council unanimously bestowed "senior councillor" status upon Councillor Randhir Dahya at its June 30 meeting, in recognition of his outstanding service to the Wanganui community since 1992.

In moving the motion, Mayor Michael Laws said that Cr Dahya was "the unofficial father of the council", but this award denotes a senior status. It is a title bestowed only once before – to former councillor Phyllis Brown.

"Senior Councillor Dahya will officially represent the Council as and when required at civic and official functions.

"His electoral record is without equal. No-one – in the history of our borough, city and district – has been the top-polling candidate for five elections in a row. I would wager that feat is unique in the civic history of New Zealand."

Cr Sue Westwood seconded the motion, saying that Senior Councillor Dahya had impressed all with his calm reason and affability.

The motion was passed by standing ovation.

Samoacontemporary celebrates the very best of Samoan art in New Zealand today: its diversity, energy and innovation.

The media, techniques and styles represented by the artists in the exhibition are far-ranging, and include paintings, photography and installations. Seventeen artists explore themes of migration, identity, displacement and the interface of Kiwi life with customary Samoan culture.

The exhibition runs from June 28 to August 24 at the Gallery.

On 19 May 2008, the Wanganui District Council approved the Draft Sarjeant Gallery Collections Policy 2008–2011.

The Council now invites the public to provide feedback on the draft policy.

Consultation
Copies of the Sarjeant Gallery Collections Policy 2008–2011 and submission forms are available for public inspection, during normal working hours, at the Customer Service Desk at the Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, the District Library, Queens Park, and the Sarjeant Gallery, Queens Park.

The consultation period will be from 12 June to 1 August 2008.

Submissions are welcomed and should be addressed to:
Sarjeant Gallery Collections Policy
Wanganui District Council
PO Box 637
Wanganui 4540

or delivered to our Customer Services Desk at 101 Guyton Street, faxed to (06) 349 0000, or emailed to us.

Submissions close at 5pm on Friday, 1 August 2008.

If you have any queries or require further information, please contact Pete Gray, Deputy Community & Cultural Manager, at the District Council, telephone (06) 349 0001 or email Pete Gray.

On 19 May 2008, the Council approved the Wanganui District Council Draft Arts Policy 2008 for public consultation.

The Council invites the public to provide feedback on the draft policy.

The objectives of the Wanganui District Council Arts Policy are:

1. To build Wanganui's profile as a centre of excellence for the arts through improved management, marketing and promotion of the arts.
2. To build creative capacity.
3. To maximise the tourism and economic potential that can be derived from the arts sector.
4. To improve access to and participation in arts activities.
5. Our built environment reflects our culture through the use of public art.

Consultation
Copies of the Wanganui District Council Draft Arts Policy and submission form are available for public inspection, during normal working hours, at the Customer Service Desk at the Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street; District Library, Queens Park; Community Arts Centre, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. The consultation period will be from 5 June 2008 to 18 July 2008.

Submissions are welcomed and should be addressed to:

Wanganui District Council Draft Arts Policy
Wanganui District Council
PO Box 637
Wanganui 4540

or delivered to our Customer Services Desk at 101 Guyton Street, faxed to (06) 349 0000, or emailed to us.

Submissions close at 5.00pm on Friday, 18 July 2008.

If you have any queries or require further information, please contact Marie Gorinski at the District Council, telephone (06) 349 0001 extension 8066 or email Marie Gorinski.

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Youth – Monday, July 14 (4.00pm)

Hearings – Thursday, July 17 (2.00pm)
- Submissions to Gambling Venue Policy

Wanganui Rural Community Board – Friday, July 18 (4.00pm, Committee Room 2)

Community Development – Tuesday, July 22 (3.00pm)

Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held 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
Community Development – Thursday, July 10