The Wanganui District Council is leading the country in a number of ways, including the lowest annual rate rises over the past four years. We are also leaders in 'direct democracy' - giving you a real say in how your rates dollars are spent - in determining the priorities for this council.

In 2005 the council asked Wanganui for their views on what should be the capital project priorities for the next three years. In order, you chose - the Splash Centre extension, the riverfront walkway (pictured), footpath upgrades and the airport upgrade. All projects have been completed.

In 2008, we are asking you to rank your project priorities for the next three years. The projects are:

• the construction of an Events Centre/Velodrome
• the redevelopment and upgrade of Kowhai Park
• a new library - or upgrading the existing one
• upgrading Mosston Road and extending Fitzherbert Avenue

Over the next two months, we will publish all the background information and financial details. And in December of this year, you will choose the council's capital priorities for the next three years.

Referendum 08 - key dates

With just under a week left to run, the 2008 Wanganui Festival of Glass has already attracted over 2000 people to the Energy Direct NZ Information Centre at 97 Victoria Avenue.

The centre has displays of glass related products and information, festival programmes and an exciting range of glass for sale. Everyone who visits is encouraged to fill out a survey, with the opportunity to win one of three pieces of glass.

Visitors have also enjoyed touring the range of glass art on display in shop windows along Victoria Avenue. The enthusiasm of both retailers and visitors has been fantastic, and all of the glass artists would like to thank everyone for their support for the third year of the Festival. The Wanganui Festival of Glass runs until October 5.

Mangamahu residents are invited to attend a meeting with Wanganui Rural Community Board representatives to discuss a range of matters.

When: 7.00pm Thursday, 9 October 2008
Where: Mangamahu Hall

Items for discussion include:

• New roading maintenance contract & rural roading
• Rural security
• Bus shelters on school routes
• Rural rubbish bins
• Digitisation strategy (broadband provision)
• Stock grazing on roadsides
• Community Outcomes for Wanganui

The Board looks forward to meeting the community and hearing its views.

eDay 2008 will be held on Saturday, October 4. Read more (PDF, 871KB).

Sustainable Whanganui, in conjunction with Mainstreet Wanganui and City Mission, presents:

Biz eDay 2008 eWaste collection and disposal service from September 22 to October 3.

We are offering a cycle-powered collection and disposal service for businesses in Wanganui CBD. Book online @ www.freewebs.com/bizeday. For more information, and to arrange collection by cycle operative with trailer call Green Bikes on 347 2494.

Notice is given under Section 28 (1) of the Local Electoral Act 2001 that electors of the Wanganui District Council have the right to demand a poll on the electoral system to be used for the 2010 triennial elections of the Wanganui District Council.

The Wanganui District Council resolved on 2 September 2008 to continue with the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system for the 2010 election, unless a poll determines otherwise. The Local Electoral Act 2001 provides for the choice between the First Past the Post (FPP) and Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral systems.

A valid demand for a poll must be:

• Made in writing.
• Signed by at least 5 percent of the number of electors enrolled as eligible to vote at the 2007 triennial election of the Wanganui District Council. This will require 1536 signatures of current electors.
• Delivered to the principal office of the Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui, by Saturday, 28 February 2009, but note that under section 35(6) of the Interpretation Act 1999, the final day on which poll demands can be received is 2 March 2009.

Section 30 (3) of the Local Electoral Act states that every elector who signs a demand must also set out their name and the address for which they are qualified as an elector of the Wanganui District Council.

Details of the following vacancy are available on this page:

Road Opening Compliance Officer
Applications close 3 October 2008

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Youth Committee – Monday, October 6 (4.00pm)
- Minutes of Previous Meeting – 25 August 2008; Actions Arising from Previous Minutes; Boy Racers: Boredom or Bravado?; Treaty of Waitangi; Community Youth Development Initiative Funding Update; Bus to the Big Day Out; Mosquito Sound Device – Youth Deterrent; Skateboard Ramps; Action Group Updates; Youth Project Co-ordinator's Report; Wotz da haps?

Submissions Hearing Subcommittee – Tuesday, October 7 (Committee Room 2, 2.30pm)
- The Submissions Hearings Subcommittee, a subcommittee of the Community Development Committee, will hear submissions to the Community Organisations Leases Policy.

Wanganui Rural Community Board – Wednesday, October 8 (Committee Room 2, 4.00pm)

Community Development Committee – Tuesday, October 14

Council – Tuesday, October 21
- To adopt the Annual Report for year ended 30 June 2008

Finance and Infrastructure – Tuesday, October 21 (3.15pm)

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.