Issue No. 345 - 10 January 2008
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Issue No. 345 - 10 January 2008 |
Work progressing on major projects
Virginia Lake's nine white swans have been returned to the lake following the clearing of the recent algal bloom. The SolarBee aerator on the lake is circulating the 540 million litres of lake water and helping to restore the natural balance of the ecosystem. The location of the SolarBee will be reassessed soon. A large floating island has been installed in the north-eastern reach of the lake. This is a unique way of using selected plants to reduce the excess nutrients in the lake water. The photo shows the view across the lake to the floating island. A flushing system for the lake is another measure being worked on, with designs expected to be completed by February. The Council's Litter Team is regularly on duty at the lake, ensuring that the surrounds are kept clean and tidy and any rubbish is removed from the edges of the lake. Other work at the lake has included the construction of steps from the carpark up to the lawn and work is continuing on the path at the back of the lake.
Current work on the Splash Centre extension includes installation of tiles, internal painting and carpentry, flooring and mechanical and electrical fit-out of the air handling plant. Passers-by on the London Street side of the complex will see work progressing on the hydroslide columns and tubes. Wastewater treatment plant Installation of replacement aerators at Wanganui's wastewater treatment plant started on Monday.
Meanwhile, the existing aerators have been operating 24 hours a day. Other measures to deal with the aeration problem have included putting a propeller boat on the lagoons to break up surface scum and provide more natural aeration, and changing the levels of the ponds to increase oxygen. |
Bus to the Big Day Out The Council's Youth Committee has chartered a bus to Auckland for 15 to 17-year-olds to attend the Big Day Out (poster, PDF 114KB). The bus will leave Wanganui at 10am on Thursday, January 17, and arrive in Auckland about 6pm (drop off in Queen Street). The Big Day Out concert is at Mount Smart on Friday, January 18. The bus will leave Queen Street on Saturday, January 19, at 10am, arriving in Wanganui about 6pm. There will be two adults, trained in youth work, on the bus – they will have the contact numbers for all youth and will hand out their numbers in case of emergency. The theory behind the concept was to supply a safe and affordable way of young people to travel to the Big Day Out – a highly coveted event with national and international acts playing all day – instead of bringing the music to Wanganui youth, bringing the youth to the music! Tickets for a seat on the bus are just $20 – it covers return travel to Auckland only. No travel within Auckland, Big Day Out ticket, food or accommodation is included. That remains the responsibility of the youth and parent. Tickets are only sold with a signed parental permission form. Tickets are for sale at MyMusic. |
Wanganui Opera Week
January 3-14 Wanganui is hosting some of New Zealand's future opera stars, and world class tutors, during Wanganui Opera Week from January 3-14. Students from throughout New Zealand, and tutors from around the world, will participate in classes and productions, some of which are open to the public. The events are not shown anywhere else in New Zealand. Public classes and performances for the remainder of Energy Direct NZ Wanganui Opera Week: Thursday, January 10, 7.30pm – Opera Top 10 Saturday, January 12, 7.30pm - Great Opera Moments 2008 Bookings can be made at the Royal Wanganui Opera House or you can pay at the door, except for the Opera Top 10 events which must be booked and paid for at the venue. |
Graffiti hotline 349 0500
Members of the public are encouraged to report graffiti via the Council's graffiti hotline, phone 349 0500. This number is for reporting graffiti only. |
Sprinkler restrictions The public is advised that the sprinkler restrictions are: For sprinklers – even numbered houses can water on even numbered days and odd numbered houses can water on odd numbered days between 6pm and 10pm. Hand-held hosing is allowed at any time. |
Vacancies Details about the following vacancies are available on this page: Communications Officer IT Systems Engineer/Service Desk Support Assistant Archivist Executive Assistant Customer Services Advocate |
Scholarships on offer for sports course Up to four scholarships will be offered to students enrolling in Whanganui UCOL's Certificate in Exercise and Sport Performance. Administered by the Council's Sport and Recreation Committee, the scholarships will be supported by a range of Wanganui businesses including the YMCA and the Kingsgate Hotel and Conference Centre. The Certificate in Exercise and Sport Performance is a practically-based course which introduces students to aspects of sport science, exercise science (fitness) and sport coaching. This course has been running successfully at UCOL in Palmerston North for the past five years and Whanganui UCOL is proposing to run this full-time, one year, level four course in 2008. Fees The fees for this programme are $4,423.15 plus student association fees of $135.00. Qualification The Certificate in Exercise and Sport Performance is NZQA Accredited as a Level 4 qualification. This means it is an applied, hands-on, qualification that provides foundation knowledge and skills in this area. Graduates with the CESP qualification are well suited to work as gym instructors, athletic trainers, coaches, sport co-ordinators or sports administrators. This course also opens the opportunity for students to progress onto higher study, such as the Bachelor of Human Performance degree in Palmerston North. Delivery of the CESP Programme The CESP programme will be delivered in 2008 using a blended delivery model. This means that a variety of teaching methods (such as practicals, labs, online support, tutorials, practicum placements) will be used to maximise both student learning and its application to the sport and fitness industries. An important part of this course is the industry placements, and the ability for students to apply what they learn within this setting. In addition, throughout the course student learning is monitored and staff delivering the course will also be involved in mentoring the students to ensure they continue to progress towards a successful completion. Papers Within the course students study a range of papers focused on both sport and fitness:
To be eligible to apply for a scholarship students will need to register their 'intent' to enrol in 2008 by January 31. Call Whanganui UCOL on 965 3800, email to enquiry@ucol.ac.nz or go online to www.ucol.ac.nz or visit the UCOL information centre at 15 Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. |
An exciting global career
Wanganui District Council Sister City Scholarship to study at IPC
IPC offers
Expressions of interest for semester one close 31 January 2008. To get started phone Bex on 0800 367 472. |
Establishment of a Maori Committee
To comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002, the Council will establish a Maori Committee. This committee will not replace the Tupoho and TamaUpoko Link working parties. The establishment of the Maori Committee provides a forum for all Maori residing within the Wanganui District Council's district. The Council seeks wide representation from persons in the Maori community or people who reside within the Council's district who can represent Maori community groups. It is important for Council that the views of all Maori on issues affecting them are fully represented to Council. Tangata whenua will be represented on the committee; however, the Council wants wide Maori community representation so that all views are considered. For further information about serving on the Maori Committee contact Councillor Rangi Wills, phone (06) 348 8338. Please register your interest by letter together with your CV, including two nominated referees, to: Governance Services Manager Expressions of Interest close Friday, 8 February 2008. |
Upcoming Council meetings
We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings Council – Friday, January 18 (2.00pm) Strategy – Thursday, January 24 Council – Monday, January 28 Unless otherwise noted, these meetings are held at 4.00pm 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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Virginia Lake
Splash Centre extension
A manufacturer's problem with the aerators which were originally placed on the treatment pond meant they were not doing their job properly, resulting in offensive smells wafting over the city from time to time. The replacement turbines (similar to the one pictured) arrived from the United States last week and installation should be completed early next week.
In the interests of fostering international awareness, the Council invites students who are actively pursuing a career in International Business, International Relations, the Environment, Japanese or Ecotourism to apply for a full time scholarship to study at IPC in a Bachelor of International Studies programme.