Issue No. 424 - 23 July 2009
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Issue No. 424 - 23 July 2009 |
Public invited to comment on Visitor Strategy for Wanganui
The aim of the strategy is to improve Wanganui's image and position as an attractive prospect for visitors, business development and enhanced lifestyle opportunities. The strategy takes into account findings from the National Perceptions Survey which was commissioned to obtain an insight into how people throughout New Zealand view Wanganui across a range of 'quality of life' indicators. It also examined Wanganui's key features and identities – as perceived by New Zealanders – and the kind of qualities and amenities that people would look for if visiting or seeking to live in Wanganui. The survey indicated that Wanganui is not considered a tourism or lifestyle location compared to other centres and regions, despite having a wealth of the landscape features and outdoor attractions that respondents associated with their preferred locations.
The goals will be achieved through a variety of initiatives including developing a strong and co-ordinated tourism industry, growing the domestic market through conferences and events, creating a visitor hub and relocating the Visitor Centre. A tactical marketing and promotion plan will be developed to support the strategy and achieve its aims.
"I urge anyone with an interest in the future of our city to look at the strategy and take the time to comment on its content. We need to change Wanganui's perception on a national level. We're not a provincial backwater. We are a very pretty city with a family-friendly quality of life and fantastic amenities. It is time to tell all of New Zealand that Wanganui is the place to visit and live." The draft Visitor Strategy will be available for consultation in the next few weeks. |
Rotokawau pond and Virginia Lake stormwater improvements
Work will begin in the next week to improve stormwater drainage from the Rotokawau pond to Virginia Lake and out of Virginia Lake. The work is a further step in the ongoing programme to improve the water quality of Virginia Lake and reduce flooding risks for Otamatea residents. View map (PDF, 1.16MB) of work area and pipelines. The first priority is strengthening the lower track around the lake, just past the statue of Tainui, to support the new pipe as well as vehicles required for the work. This will be followed by the trenchless installation of a new plastic stormwater pipe from the Rotokawau pond area to the lake edge. The work has been specially designed to minimise disruption to existing trees and vegetation and will include stabilising and enhancing the Virginia Lake edge with new planting along the rock-filled wire gabions. New inlet and outlet pipes will be installed in the lake itself. These large black plastic pipes will be submerged below the lake surface and held in place by ties to concrete anchor blocks placed on the lake bed. A large structure will also be built below the ground between the gazebo and Great North Road near the entranceway. The work is scheduled to take just over two months to complete and during that time the lower track in the vicinity of the work area will be closed to the public. The middle and upper tracks will remain open; however, care should be exercised due to regular construction traffic movements to and from the site along the access track past the aviary bowl. Work occurring at the Rotokawau pond site will involve machinery access off Gumtree Rise as well as restrictions for pedestrian access beside the pond. For information contact Robert van Bentum at Wanganui District Council, phone (06) 349 0001 or Tony Gordon at Opus, phone (06) 349 6600. |
Have your say
Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan Our waste…..our challenge The Wanganui District Council has prepared a Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan for this district in line with the requirements of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. This draft plan intends to make environmentally sustainable practice easy, accessible, attractive, efficient and cost-effective. This should mean better services, better costs and better uptake. The draft plan envisions: 'A family friendly district where people have access to services that encourage individual and community responsibility for sustainable waste minimisation.' It sets a target of 60% reduction of waste to landfill by 2015. The draft plan supports the following key goals:
Council wants to hear what you think about its proposed efforts to improve waste management and minimisation services. You can do this by making a submission on the framework and strategies of the draft plan. Council will take your views into account when finalising the plan. Copies of the draft plan, the statement of proposal, the summary of the statement of proposal and submission forms are available:
Submissions may be made from Monday, 27 July 2009, and close on Monday, 24 August 2009, at 4.00pm. Enquiries about the Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan can be directed to Stephanie Rose, phone (06) 349 0001. |
Impact Fund 2009/10
For the purposes of this fund "significant economic impact or economic impact" is defined as a demonstrable and measurable impact/increase in visitor numbers and expenditure. If you are seeking "seed" funding for a new project/event or initiative,the term of the "seed funding" will be at the discretion of the Assessment Committee. This fund has traditionally attracted applications specifically for events. There is an intent this year to also seek applications for initiatives and projects focused on new economic opportunities. Wanganui District Council Impact Fund grant applications will be assessed in accordance with the following key considerations:
Applications close 5.00pm Monday, 3 August 2009. Application forms are available from the Wanganui District Council or on this page. For enquiries please contact Keith Smith, Wanganui District Council, phone (06) 349 0001, email Keith Smith. Wanganui Judo Club (pictured above) received money from the Impact Fund 2008/09 towards hosting the North Island Judo Championships in September 2008. |
Community Contracts
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:
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:
The closing date for applications is Monday, 27 July 2009, at 5.00pm. Thinking of applying? |
NZ Geographic Board consultation on Wanganui spelling
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: Further information about the submissions process can be found on the NZ Geographic Board website at www.linz.govt.nz. |
Vacancies
Details of the following vacancies are available on this page: Cafe Library Frontline Services (2 vacancies) |
Upcoming Council meetings
We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings Youth – Monday, July 27 (4.00pm) Wanganui Rural Community Board – Wednesday, August 5 (4.00pm) Hearing – Thursday, August 6 (9.30am) 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. |
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A draft Visitor Strategy has been approved by the council for public consultation.
The draft Visitor Strategy is guided by four main goal statements:
Deputy Mayor Dot McKinnon, Chair of the Image and Promotions Working Party, is keen to see the draft Visitor Strategy widely circulated to everyone with an interest in the Wanganui visitor and tourism industry.
Applications are now being accepted for projects, events and initiatives occurring between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2010, that deliver significant economic benefits to the Wanganui city and district. $200,000 is available in the Impact Fund.