We provide Animal Control

To protect public health and safety. To protect the public from nuisances. How this service is provided A team of rangers, based in Guyton Street (with dog pound facilities in Ridgway Street), administers dog laws and the Council's Dog Control Policy. Currently the rangers respond to 3500 enquiries per year, carry out regular patrols and inspections, register 7600 dogs per year, and impound 1000 dogs per year as well as wandering stock in the rural area.

1. Dog registration in accordance with the Dog Control Act. The goal is to register all dogs.
2. Ranging and impounding animals causing nuisance or danger in accordance with the Impounding Act.
3. 22 signed exercise areas with serviced 'doggy poo' bins.
4. Information and advice, including school visits, particularly relating to housing and welfare of animals.
5. Prosecution of offenders.
   

• Animal control services are available through the Council's front counter and telephone services from 8am to 5pm on weekdays. After hours services are available through the Council's after hours telephone service; however, response is determined by the urgency of the problem.
• The dog pound (Ridgway Street) is open between 12 - 1pm and 3.30 - 4.30pm.
  

• Independent audits of the service on a regular basis.

Encouraging people to celebrate the Wanganui District's history is the focus of the Wanganui Heritage Trail Working Party.

The Working Party is a voluntary group which has compiled five heritage trails for the Wanganui District.

2001 is the International Year of Volunteers, a United Nations-designated year devoted to the promotion, recognition, networking and facilitation of volunteers and volunteerism worldwide.

Council promotions officer Don Gordon said the work of a dedicated group of volunteers had paid dividends with the establishment of a range of heritage trails. They are the Wanganui West, The Three Valley (Fordell-Turakina) Wanganui-Rangitikei, Old Cemetery, East of the Whanganui and West Bank of the Whanganui heritage trails.

The New Zealand Lottery Grants Board Heritage Fund has provided
funding assistance for the trails.

The trails are part of a national network of heritage trails which link the unique cultural, historic and natural heritage resources in each region.
They provide a fascinating journey of discovery for the independent traveller to self-drive, cycle or walk. The trails are marked by distinctive teal and yellow signs.

Heritage trails have been operating in New Zealand since 1989 and more than 100 trails have been developed by community volunteers who value and identify with their own heritage. They are a celebration of what each community believes is important and special about its past in its own community.

Brochures about Wanganui's heritage trails are available from the Visitor Information Centre.

Haunui Trails
The series of heritage trails in the Wanganui/Manawatu area is known collectively as the Haunui Trails. Haunui is derived from the Maori chief Haunui a Paparangi and his descendant Haupipi whose unfaithful wife Wairaka eloped with her lover Weku down the southwest coast of the North Island. As Haupipi pursued her southwards he named the principal rivers Whanganui, Whangaehu, Turakina, Rangitikei, Manawatu and Ohau after the difficulties he experienced in crossing them. Haupipi finally found Wairaka near Paekakariki where he commanded her to wade into the sea to gather shellfish for his tea. When the water had reached her waist Haupipi uttered a sacred chant and Wairaka was turned into stone where she stands as a rock at Wairaka to the west of Pukerua Bay.

Thanks to everyone who made an effort to save electricity during the recent power conservation campaign.

The Government's electricity saving campaign has now been wound down, six weeks after Energy Minister Pete Hodgson asked for 10 percent savings for 10 weeks.

The Council made a commitment to assist by making electricity savings where possible and asked for support from residents and businesses. Now that the potential power crisis has been alleviated, the Council would like to thank Wanganui people for contributing to the campaign.

In a statement, Mr Hodgson said he hoped New Zealanders would continue some of the energy-saving habits they have developed lately.

"Many people will have found ways to save power that cause them no real inconvenience at all. Continuing those savings makes sense for both the household budget and the national electricity system."

The Council has resolved to proceed with the formation of a holding company, subject to public consultation, to own the Council's shares in Wanganui Gas Ltd and to monitor Council's trading undertakings.

A holding company is a company that owns shares in another company. The proposal would not undermine or reduce the work of the Wanganui Gas Ltd Board and it would not replace the Council's overall control of its assets and trading activities.

More information on the proposal is available from the Council Offices at 101 Guyton Street between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Any member of the public interested in making comment on this matter can do so until 4:30pm on 1 October 2001.

Submissions can be made in writing or by phoning Jill Jones at the Council on 349 0001, 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

The decision on whether to proceed with formation will be made at a meeting of the Council to be held at 1pm on 5 October 2001.

Council Meeting

Council Meeting (Council Chamber)

7.30pm, Monday, 24 September 2001

Agendas are available at the Help Desk, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui and the Wanganui District Library two working days prior to the meeting.

The Council welcomes members of the public to attend its meetings.

Free firewood

Free firewood, suitable for next year, is available at the Aramoho Holiday Park. No chainsaws required.

All those wishing to get the firewood must check in with the Camp Custodians between 9.00am and 4.30pm, Saturday, and before 1pm on Sunday.

Noisy vehicles are not permitted. Trucks by appointment only; contact Richard Terrey on 349 0001 during normal office hours.

This offer is dependent on fine weather. The Camp Custodians have the right to decline access.

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