Mayor Michael Laws says that the current application before the NZ Geographic Board to add an 'h' to the spelling of Wanganui will be resisted strongly by both the Wanganui District Council and the wider community.

The city and district has been spelt 'Wanganui' since it was given its name in 1854, the spelling and transcription based on the pronunciation by local Maori whose local dialect renders the 'h' silent – unique to the local iwi.

In 2006, the spelling of Wanganui was one of the issues voted on in the Referendum. Residents voted overwhelmingly to retain the current spelling – 82% (13,690 people) of those who voted did not want to include the 'h' in Wanganui.

Current petitioners to include the 'h' have claimed that the name Wanganui has no meaning in the Maori language with its current spelling. Mayor Laws believes "Wanganui has moved beyond being just a Maori word – it is a district and a name that belongs to everyone. 160 years of use has provided the name with its own legitimacy".

"There are also substantial costs involved in changing the name – both monetary and in recognition and awareness of the city and district. Our ratepayer dollars should not be spent on making changes that the majority of our ratepayers do not want. Wanganui business owners and organisations would also face added costs associated with having to change their signs, stationery etc.

"Another cost would be the loss of recognition and diminution of the Wanganui image that we have worked so hard to build up. Wanganui is known nationally and internationally. We want to keep increasing that recognition, not reduce it by changing our name."

Registrations are still being accepted for most sports at this year's Masters Games.

There are currently 5500 entries, with more entries from local Wanganui people expected. The standard entry fee still applies for registrations made on-line. The Games run from January 30 to February 8.

To register and take part in the ACC NZ Masters Games go to www.nzmg.com.

With the warm weather and long summer evenings, now is a good time to enjoy some of the local events and activities happening in the Wanganui district.

Pumpkin Series '09 – 3k and 5k walks and runs
Starts January 15 then weekly on January 22 and 29, February 19 and 26 and March 5 and 12. Walkers 5.30pm, children 5.45pm and runners 6.00pm. Entry $3, under 12s $2.00. Organised by Wanganui Harrier Club.

2009 Whanganui Summer Programme –
events to February 10 include:
January 17: Virginia Lake stroll
January 18: Kauarapaoa Valley visit
January 20: Cultural trip to Tieke
Janaury 21: Bushy Park night spotting
Full details and bookings for all trips can be made at the Whanganui Riverboat Centre Musuem, phone (06) 347 1863.

Arthritis Anniversary Garden Amble through nine summer gardens
One day only - January 19, 10am to 4pm
Tickets $10 per person with map available from all Wanganui garden centres and i-SITE Visitor Centre.

Wanganui District Council can be contacted at any time on (06) 349 0001.

The following arrangements will be observed by the Council on Wellington Anniversary Day.

Municipal Office Building
Closed

i-SITE Visitor Centre
Open 9.00am to 3.00pm

Wanganui District Library
Closed

Sarjeant Gallery
Open 10.30am to 4.30pm

Whanganui Regional Museum
Open 10.00am to 4.30pm

Royal Wanganui Opera House
Closed

Recycling Centre
The 'SaveMart' Wanganui Recycling Centre in Peat Street, opposite the netball courts, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to take your cardboard, newspapers, plastic bottles, aluminium cans, steel cans, plastic bags and textiles. Free drop-off.

After hours services are listed in the telephone directory under 'Wanganui District Council'.

Consumers are advised that the sprinkler restrictions have been reviewed by Council and automatic garden sprinklers can be used by all residents (irrespective of whether their house number is an odd or even number) between the following times:

7pm to 9pm During the hours of daylight saving
6pm to 8pm Outside the hours of daylight saving

Hand-held hoses can be used at any time.

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Council – Monday, February 2
- Reports direct to Council will be considered.

The meeting will be 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.