In just eight days, the 2009 ACC NZ Masters Games takes place in Wanganui. This fantastic event brings thousands of people to Wanganui to enjoy 10 days of sports, socialising and fun – and the opportunity to spend time in our great city. This year's Games has attracted over 5500 entries and people from 18 countries including Australia, the Ukraine, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and the UK.

Deputy Mayor Dot McKinnon, who is also Chair of the New Zealand Masters Games Company, is looking forward to this year's Games.

"Let's give our visitors a warm Wanganui welcome and show them what a great community and district we have. The Masters Games has a huge benefit for Wanganui and its economy as well as a great opportunity for local people to take part and have fun."

There is still time for local people to register for events, if they haven't done so yet.

"I hope many of our citizens will be participants or supporters. There's an event for almost everyone, whether you're a competitive sportsperson or just in it for fun. It's a great opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones and enjoy the sporting and social events."

The standard entry fee applies for registrations made on-line at www.nzmg.com

New noise control measures for Masters Games village

In addition to wide a range of sporting events, the Masters Games has an extensive social programme taking place each evening at the Masters Games village at Springvale Park. Whilst socialising and meeting people is a wonderful highlight of the Games for many people, there is inevitably an impact on nearby residents.

The Masters Games, working in conjunction with the Council and sound technicians, will introduce some new measures within the main tent at the village, to minimise noise problems. These measures include:

• carrying out acoustic monitoring at night
• repositioning the main tent so the stage will be at the Parsons Street end facing towards the stadium
• using directional speakers which focus on the dance floor area, as opposed to normal speakers that cover the whole of the tent
• positioning the sound control desk closer to the stage so the technician can get better sound levels
• briefing the entertainment manager and suppliers of the sound equipment on requirements and ensuring greater control on the sound technicians for compliance
• directing the entertainment manager to turn the sound off if volumes increase beyond the agreed levels
• using a "double skin" marquee which will contain some of the noise

The Council will work closely with Masters Games organisers to address any significant issues that may arise during the Games, as well as undertake a review of noise levels after the event.

Whilst the New Zealand Masters Games is a very important event for the local Wanganui economy, the well-being of our community is also important. The new noise control initiatives in place for this year's Games should create an atmosphere that can be enjoyed by participants while minimising the impact on those living in the area.

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.

The Council is undertaking a policy review of the management of the Wanganui War Memorial Hall and we are seeking public feedback. We encourage you to have your say.

The vision for the War Memorial Hall is to provide a high quality facility that caters for a range of community and commercial activities, while preserving our historic heritage.

The goals of the Wanganui War Memorial Draft Policy are:

• To promote the War Memorial Hall, and Concert Chamber within the hall, as a versatile community and conference venue.
• To ensure the accessibility of the War Memorial Hall complex for public use.
• To recognise and preserve the building's historic classification.
• To retain the building as a memorial to those who gave their lives for their country in World War II.
• To encourage optimal use of the hall to cater for a range of community and commercial events.

The draft policy covers:

• Facility management
• Parking
• Use and trading hours
• Charging
• General bookings

A key component of the draft policy is that the hall shall not be available for rental by transient, itinerant traders. The intention of this is to ensure our local businesses and economy are supported.

Copies of the draft Wanganui War Memorial Policy and feedback forms are available for public inspection, during normal working hours, at the Customer Service Desk at the Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, phone (06) 349 0001, the District Library, Queens Park, Wanganui.

The consultation period opens on 21 January 2009 and closes on 13 March 2009 at 5.00pm.

Your feedback is welcomed and should be addressed to:
Wanganui District Council War Memorial Hall Draft Policy
Wanganui District Council
PO Box 637
Wanganui 4540

Other methods of delivering your feedback:

• Deliver to the Customer Services desk at 101 Guyton Street
• Fax to the Council on (06) 349 0000
• Email us

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

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

Youth – Monday, February 9 (4.00pm)

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.