Wanganui Referendum '05
Voting papers available from May 2

The referendum lists 14 optional projects and services to which the Council has not yet committed funding. We think it's important for our citizens to have direct input into how the Council allocates its budget - so we want to know what the people of Wanganui think the priorities in the referendum list should be for the 2005/06 financial year.

You should already have received a newsletter that gives information about the 14 projects in the referendum and how much they will cost. More information on some of the projects is available on our web site or you can request the additional information by phoning Customer Services on 349 0001.

All Wanganui ratepayers and residents who are on the electoral roll can vote in the referendum.

Voting papers will be delivered to your letterbox during the week starting Monday, May 2. All you need to do is mark your top three priorities and return the voting paper to us in the envelope provided.

If you spoil your voting paper and need a replacement, please contact Customer Services on 349 0001.

If you do not receive a voting paper and are eligible to be on the electoral roll, you will be able to make a special vote. Please contact Customer Services on 349 0001 to arrange to do this.

Voting closes on Monday, May 30.

Have your say on the Draft Annual Plan 2005/06

The Wanganui District Council has prepared its Draft Annual Plan and accompanying Service Management Plan for 2005/06 - and now it's time for you to have your say.

The Draft Annual Plan 2005/06 is open for public submissions from 2 May 2005 until 30 May 2005.

A Draft Annual Plan Summary will be delivered to all households. This document outlines the key information in the Draft Annual Plan. A submission form will be included with the summary document.

If you want more detailed information, copies of the draft plans will be available from May 2:

• From the Customer Services Desk at the Council building, 101 Guyton Street, or by phoning Customer Services on 349 0001
• From the Wanganui District Library
• On our web site
• By emailing us

Submissions can be made in the following ways:

• In writing to Wanganui District Council, PO Box 637, Wanganui
• By phoning the hotline on 349 0501 (8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
• By email
• Online

Please remember to include your name, contact details and whether you want to speak about your submission at the hearings on June 21, 23 and 24.

All submissions will be acknowledged and considered by the Council. Copies of each submission will be made publicly available when the Council considers submissions.

Key dates

Wanganui citizens are invited to attend the Town Hall Meeting on Monday, May 2, to get the latest Council information.

Mayor Michael Laws and Councillors will speak about current issues and there will be an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions.

If you want to know more about the Draft Annual Plan 2005/06, Wanganui Referendum 2005, River Queen premiere and Wanganui Inc (an integrated Wanganui development agency), come along to the Town Hall Meeting and hear from the Mayor and Councillors.

When: 12noon-1.30pm on Monday, May 2
Where: Concert Chamber, War Memorial Hall

Mayor's Rural Forum - Upokongaro
7pm, Monday, May 2

Residents of the Upokongaro, Okoia, Kaiwhaiki, Parapara and Makirikiri Valley communities are invited to attend a rural forum with Mayor Michael Laws on Monday, May 2.

The meeting will be held at 7pm at the Upokongaro Hall. There will be a welcome by Mayor Laws followed by discussion on the 2005/06 Annual Plan, rates and financial matters, the 2005 Referendum and general business. The meeting will finish with supper.

Chief Financial Officer
Applications close 2 May 2005

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Economic - Tuesday, May 3
- The agenda will include discussion on the Regional Partnership Programme governance issues and an update on Wanganui Inc.

Works and Transport (Harbour) - Wednesday, May 4
- Items on the agenda include a traffic safety report, safety management system, Victoria Avenue upgrade project, reconfiguration of Wakefield Street and No 3 Line intersection, road maintenance contract, report on standards for roads and traction sealing.

Strategy - Thursday, May 5
- The agenda includes a presentation on Horizons Regional Council's Draft 2005/06 Annual Plan, 2007 Local Authority Triennial Election - Review of Maori Representation, and the relocation of staff from Whenuapai Airbase.

Council - Monday, May 16 (Pioneer Room, War Memorial Hall)

Unless otherwise noted all meetings are held at 4pm in Committee Room 2, 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.