Mayor Michael Laws has publicly apologised to the residents of Wanganui, and especially users of the new Splash Centre facilities, as ongoing mechanical and design defects plague the centre.

"On behalf of the council and its contractors, I want to express my apology for the problems that continue to afflict this flagship family amenity. No-one involved with the new extension – designer, contractor or council – can escape responsibility for the continuing problems.

"That we are still experiencing pool closures some 14 months after the extension was opened is a sad state of affairs. I want to thank the Splash staff and the Wanganui public for their patience because mine has certainly expired on this issue."

Mayor Laws said that two reviews had identified different issues and causes "but we are no closer to a solution. Today another attempt will be made to fix the problems, but I'm not holding my breath".

An upgrade of existing plant will be carried out on June 25 although it will take another couple of weeks to establish the effectiveness of the changes.

Electrical work for the plant upgrade commenced on Monday and there will be a 4 hour shutdown of the Splash Centre after 8pm Thursday to upgrade the heat pump and upgrade the air movement system.

After initial indications from council engineers that the poor performance was due to contractors and sub-contractors, "council staff have now informed me that the original design seems to be at issue too. In short, the design may not achieve what it was supposed to. We are closing pools when the outside temperature gets cold - around frost and freezing point. The heat pumps are not doing their job in ensuring temperatures remain constant across all the pools."

Mayor Laws said that the revamped Splash Centre is "an outstanding amenity when it works. It has few national rivals. The problem though is that in cold weather it isn't working properly. And 14 months of asking why has not provided us with a definitive answer."

An extensive and independent review has been requested by Mayor Laws and a full report will go to the next Council meeting on July 20. As well, council has briefed its lawyers to determine any legal liabilities. A daily watch has been established to determine the differing pool temperatures.

Wanganui District Council's Animal Control team is planning a blitz during the next two months to encourage dog owners to deal with "doggy doo" in the appropriate manner.

Community Development Committee Chair Cr Ray Stevens recently raised the issue of some dog owners not disposing of "doggy doo" in the bins provided or taking it home to dispose of.

"Dog owners have many responsibilities under our Dog Control Bylaw – and picking up and disposing of their dogs' droppings is one of them," Cr Stevens said.

It is an offence for owners not to clean up after their dog. If they are caught not clearing up they can receive an infringement notice, which is like a parking ticket, with an instant fine of $300.

The Animal Control team will be having a blitz in Springvale Park, and other parks, where the problem seems to be on the increase. During the school holidays people will be on duty in some parks to encourage owners to clear up after their dogs, handing out plastic bags and raising awareness about the consequences of not picking up dog droppings.

"Mars Petcare New Zealand has supplied sachets of dog food to assist with this campaign and any owners 'caught in the act' of cleaning up after their pooch will be rewarded. The company is a great supporter of our Animal Control service and we appreciate their ongoing commitment."

Dog owners can find lots of useful information on this page, including a Dog Owners Handbook which contains information about all aspects of dog ownership and the locations of dog exercise areas in Wanganui.

Shakespeare at the Sarjeant: An entertainment devised by and featuring David Charteris
Sunday, June 28, from 5pm to 5.30pm. Gallery opens 4.30pm

For the last three years David has been the guest performer at the Palmerston North Shakespeare Festival writing a new show about Shakespeare or his words each time. This year's performance is also being shown in Wanganui at the Sarjeant Gallery and is based on Cole Porter's lyrics from Kiss Me Kate, the musical version of the Taming of the Shrew.

Door sales on the night are $10 and enjoy a glass of wine with the show.

Community organisations working within the Wanganui District are advised that applications for Community Contracts for the 2009/2010 financial year (1 July-30 June) are now invited.

The Community Contracts programme provides funding to community organisations who provide service initiatives that:

• Support the Council's 10-Year Plan
• Provide depth of value and benefit to the wider Wanganui community
• Increase community capacity in the Wanganui community

There is $100,000 of contestable funding available for the 2009/2010 year. Please note that the Community Contracts Fund is separate from the Impact Fund which supports initiatives that attract visitors and deliver a significant economic impact to Wanganui, and deliver sustainable programmes that raise the national profile of Wanganui.

Community organisations interested in Community Contract funding can obtain a specific application form, explanation notes, guidelines and criteria from:

• Wanganui District Council, Customer Services Counter, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui
• Community House, 53A Ridgway Street, Wanganui
• Wanganui District Library , Queens Park and Mobile Library

The closing date for applications is Monday, 27 July 2009, at 5.00pm.

Thinking of applying?
If you are thinking of applying and are not sure if you meet the criteria, please contact Keith Smith, phone (06) 349 0001 for further information.

Time is running out to apply for a rates rebate for the 2008/09 year. Applications close at the end of June.

The income threshold for rates rebate is $21,180 and the maximum allowable rebate is $530.

Eligibility for a rates rebate is determined by:

• the ratepayer's income for the previous tax year (year ended 31 March 2008)
• the amount of rates (both Wanganui District Council & Horizons Regional Council)
• the number of dependents

To assist you with your application, please bring in the following:

• evidence of all gross income for the tax year ended 31 March 2008 (this includes income from interest)
• your Wanganui District Council rates assessment for 2008/09
• your Horizons Regional Council rates assessment for 2008/09

Ratepayers need to apply to the Wanganui District Council for a rates rebate. Those who are eligible will then either have their rates reduced by the amount of the rebate, or receive a refund if the rates have been paid in full for the year. The Department of Internal Affairs reimburses the Council from Crown funds.

The NZ Geographic Board's formal consultation period for the proposed change of spelling from Wanganui to Whanganui is from 14 May 2009 to 17 August 2009.

Members of the public have three months to make submissions supporting or objecting to the proposed name change. If a person objects to the proposal, they can suggest an alternative proposal or support the existing name.

Written submissions can be made by email, fax or post and sent to:
Secretary for the New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa
c/- Land Information New Zealand
160 Lambton Quay
Private Box 5501
Wellington 6145
New Zealand
Fax: (04) 460 0112
Email: nzgbsubmissions@linz.govt.nz

Further information about the submissions process can be found on the NZ Geographic Board website at www.linz.govt.nz.

Details of the following vacancies are available on this page:

Building Services Officer
Applications close 12 July 2009

Customer Services Advocate (After Hours)
Applications close 12 July 2009

Property Officer
Applications close 12 July 2009

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Council – Tuesday, June 30 (2.00pm)
- Adoption of 10-Year Plan 2009-2019.

Community Development – Tuesday, June 30
- Wanganui International Peace Day Celebrations; Youth Committee update; Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan; Iwi Liaison; New Zealand Masters Games 2009; District Plan Rule; War Memorial Hall Policy; Arts Developer; Community Contracts; District Plan Change 13: Windsor Park; Earthquake Prone Buildings Policy Review 2009; Community and Cultural Portfolio Activity Report; Strategy and Development Activity Report; Property Group Activity Report; Councillors' Reports.

Hearings – Thursday, July 2 (Committee Room 2, 9.00am)
- Plan Change 15, Central City Heritage Protection.

Finance and Infrastructure – Tuesday, July 7

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.