Issue No. 452 - 4 February 2010
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Issue No. 452 - 4 February 2010 |
We're not 'Fonganui'
In December 2009, the Minister of Land Information, Hon. Maurice Williamson, made the final decision that both spellings – Wanganui and Whanganui – would be official alternate spellings for the city and district. Although the decision has been made it is not yet law as a legislative change is required to effect the decision. Mayor Michael Laws told councillors that "a number of organisations – including some media outlets – appear to have jumped the gun in choosing their alternative. I particularly refer to mainstream national media". Many national media have chosen the spelling to include an 'h' which has led to the oral news media of radio and television mis-pronouncing the 'wh' sound as an 'f’. The local iwi dialect does not include an 'f' sound and pronounces the 'h' as silent or aspirated, as in 'what' and 'when'. "The pronunciation is at variance with both the desire of our community, and the iwi claimants," says Mayor Michael. "Our city/place is not called 'Fon-ga-nui' or 'Faa-ga-nui'… as is being rendered by Radio New Zealand, TV One, TV3 and the like. "It is arrogance to impose a pronunciation that has never existed in the history of human settlement in our region – neither pre nor post-European." Mayor Laws sought council's support to meet with media organisations and the Minister of Land Information with the aim of ensuring that Wanganui/Whanganui's unique spelling and pronunciation receives official and media support. The resolution was seconded by Cr Rangi Wills – a local Maori leader and proponent of the 'h' spelling. Cr Wills told the meeting, "The 'f' is an invention and I fully endorse this campaign." |
Police confirm partnership and costs for Hells Angels legal application
Police have confirmed that they will partner the Wanganui District Council in making an application to the Wanganui District Court to remove the gang fortifications at the Hells Angels compound in Kaikokopu Road. They will also share any financial costs 50/50. Mayor Michael Laws recently spoke with Central Districts Regional Commander, Superintendent Russell Gibson, and both men agreed that the costs of a legal application "are to be split and are unlikely to be expensive". "We both employ in-house legal counsel and the new legislation is relatively precise. It is not a large sum of money involved to lodge an application. Certainly less than $5,000 in total and our cost is only half that." Mayor Laws said that the council's 'no tolerance' policy with gangs "means that this issue will proceed sooner rather than later. The council's lawyer will talk to Police counsel within the next week". |
Balgownie stopbank and walkway
Balgownie Walkway is currently closed to enable Horizons Regional Council to carry out work on the stopbank, from Balgownie Avenue to Wharf Street. Signs have been erected advising of the temporary closure and appropriate safety barriers are in place. Contractors Midland Civil Ltd began on January 11 and the area will be under construction until June. Access to the river along this route will be restricted during the construction period. The contractors are currently working from the Balgownie Avenue end of the construction site (behind Imlay), between 7.00am and 6.30pm Monday to Saturday, for this section of work. While the contractors are working on this area the intersection at Heads Road and Beach Road may be congested at times with trucks delivering fill for the earthworks. Disturbance of vegetation within the works area has been kept to the minimum necessary to facilitate construction. A programme of tree planting, berm enhancement and walkway improvement will be undertaken immediately upon completion of the various sections. |
Become a Cemetery Detective!
As part of the 2010 Summer Nature Programme, the Historic Places Trust and historian Wendy Pettigrew will introduce the history of the cemetery, which is one of New Zealand's oldest public cemeteries. You can also take part in a quiz to discover our local history as written on the tombstones. There is no need to book for the History on the Headstones event. Meet at 2.30pm on Sunday, February 7, at the Guyton Street entrance to the cemetery. The cost is $4 for adults; $2 for children. |
Have your say
Draft Wanganui District Public Art Strategy Outstanding A Draft Wanganui District Public Art Strategy has been approved by Council for public consultation. The Council's strategy is to support and develop public art activities; and to assist the funding of art in public places, with the aim of improving the quality of life and creating an atmosphere and image of Wanganui compelling to residents and visitors. Council's strategic aims for public art are:
There are six major themes that define us as a city, a district and a community. These leading themes can provide a powerful framework for public art activity in its many forms: Awa city/Whanganui River; Wanganui historic city; Wanganui bicultural city; Wanganui peaceful city; Wanganui city of light; Wanganui surprising city. Consultation Your comments are welcomed and should be addressed to: Draft Wanganui District Public Art Strategy or delivered to the Customer Services Counter, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui If you have any queries or require further information, please contact Pete Gray at the Wanganui District Council, phone (06) 349 0001 or email Pete Gray. Comments are to be received by 5.00pm, Friday, 5 February 2010. |
Supporting cultural initiatives in Wanganui
Creative Communities New Zealand Local Arts Funding Scheme 2010 Te Mahi Taha Toi Me Te Mahi Whakangahau Mo Tenei Wahi Mo Nga Ropu Kei Te Pirangi Moni Awhinatia Mo Te Mahi Taha Toi Me Te Mahi Whakangahau Funding is available for local community based arts activities from the Creative Communities Scheme (CCS). The Scheme aims to increase participation in the arts at a local level, and increase the range and diversity of arts available to communities. Applications are now being called for from arts and cultural groups, organisations and individuals, based in the Wanganui District Council area. Application forms are available from: Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui There is a free Creative Communities funding workshop on: To register for the workshop and for further detailed information contact Sharon Duff, Community Development Consultant, phone 021 118 5036, email sharonsduff@gmail.com. This will be the only Creative Communities funding round for 2010. Applications close on Friday, 19 February 2010, at 12 noon. |
Proposed Wanganui District Council Animal Control Bylaw (2009)
(Sec 83, 86, 89, 155 and 158 of the Local Government Act 2002) Section 158 of the Local Government Act 2002 requires Wanganui District Council to review its Bylaws. In accordance with this requirement Council proposes to revoke and replace Part 4 – Animal Control - Wanganui District Council Consolidated Bylaw 1997 with a new Bylaw. Submissions are now invited on the Proposed Wanganui District Council Animal Control Bylaw (2009). Copies of the Proposed Bylaw, Summary of Information, Statement of Proposal and submission forms are available here. Submissions should be addressed to: The Chief Executive Submissions close at 5.00pm on Monday, 8 February 2010. |
Current vacancies
Details about the following vacancies are available on this page: Office Assistant Environmental Health Officer Development Engineer Water/Wastewater Engineer (fixed term, parental leave cover) The Wanganui District Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. |
Council meetings
We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings Youth – Monday, February 8 (Council Chamber at 4.00pm) Hearings – Thursday, February 11 (Committee Room 2 at 3.00pm) Wanganui Rural Community Board – Wednesday, February 17 (Committee Room 2 at 4.00pm) Council – Thursday, February 18 (Council Chamber at 3.00pm) Council – Monday, February 22 (Council Chamber from 9.00am to 5.00pm) Community Development – Tuesday, February 23 (Council Chamber at 3.00pm) 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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Mayor Michael Laws received unanimous support from councillors last week, in his attempt to get the New Zealand news media to pronounce the name of the city correctly.
On Sunday, February 7, you'll have the chance to become a 'Cemetery Detective' at Wanganui District Council's Heads Road Cemetery.