Ministerial visit to Wanganui welcomed - 9/03/2012

Mayor Annette Main has welcomed the visit of Hon. Maurice Williamson, Minister for Building and Construction, to Wanganui on Thursday, March 15.

In the morning Mr Williamson will attend a public meeting and talk about the impending legislative changes to the Earthquake Prone Buildings Act and issues affecting the construction, building and design industries since the Christchurch earthquakes.

“In Wanganui we have a large number of heritage buildings that are earthquake prone,” says Mayor Annette. “This visit will give owners, developers and businesses the opportunity to hear about the Government’s approach to earthquake prone building strengthening. It will also provide the opportunity for owners and developers to advocate for Wanganui’s particular situation and raise concerns directly with the Minister.”

In the afternoon Mr Williamson will visit Wanganui Girls’ College to address students from local secondary schools about technology, before going on to address a public meeting about the pace of change in the information world.

“I encourage the public to come along and hear about the new technological developments that are possible with the roll out of ultrafast broadband. The afternoon meeting coincides with the launch of TechEx - a technology exhibition which will be taking place in Wanganui in July and is a joint project between the Wanganui Digital Leaders Forum and the Wanganui Chronicle.

“TechEx will be an interactive and hands-on opportunity for Wanganui people to find out what the introduction of ultrafast broadband can mean for them at work, at school and in the home.”

The morning meeting about impending changes to the Earthquake Prone Buildings Act and earthquake issues runs from 10.30am to 12 noon. The afternoon meeting about the pace of change in the information world runs from 3.00pm to 4.00pm.

Both meetings are being held at Heritage House, St Hill Street, Wanganui and are open to the public. No bookings are necessary.