Mayor Michael and councillors wish every Wanganui citizen – and visitors to our city – Christmas greetings for the festive season.

"Christmas is traditionally a time when families – no matter how far flung – reunite by travel, telephone call, e-mail or internet," says Mayor Michael.

"It is an opportunity to relax and recharge and recall all that is best in humanity.

"For many of us, 2008 has been challenging and difficult. Our family was rocked by Lucy's diagnosis of leukemia, and her battle for survival. But thanks, in part, to the prayers and good wishes of Wanganui folk our family will all be together for a Christmas that seemed impossible earlier this year. Leonie and I thank you: we will always be in Wanganui's debt.

"We have been blessed again with the birth of Theo – and we are looking forward to sharing his first Christmas - with the traditional tree, presents and Christmas feasting.

"But I especially want to remember and honour those who serve our community without thought of reward or salary. To all the voluntary, community and charity workers in Wanganui: my heart-felt thanks. Your devotion and love extends the Christmas spirit to every day of the year."

Pictured are Christmas angels Lucy and Zoe on the mayoral chair – Lucy holding baby Theo.

A number of festive Wanganui residents have adorned their houses with thousands of Christmas lights and decorations, to create a Christmas lights trail across the city. There are currently 26 houses included in the trail and lights are switched on from 8.30pm every evening.

The home of Sharon Ross at 11 Rogers Street has already had a number of visitors – including a bus full of people from a local youth group. Sharon enjoys taking part in the festive trail and watching the look on people's faces when they see the magical lights.

Trail maps are published regularly in the Wanganui Chronicle. The Christmas lights trail runs from now until after the New Year.

The Sarjeant Gallery is open as usual, despite the scaffolding and work taking place on the exterior of the building. Visitors to the Sarjeant Gallery over the festive season will be able to see a range of exhibitions including:

Ben Cauchi: Lull – which features work made between 2006 when Cauchi was artist-in-residence at Tylee Cottage up until this year. The exhibition is on until 8 March 2009.

Mark Braunias: London Town - an installation with paintings and drawings, including images painted directly onto the Gallery walls and a catchy animation. On until 22 March 2009.

Tony Lane: a survey - embellished with precious metals, these rich paintings imbue contemporary subject matter with the venerative qualities of mediaeval icons. Co-curated by Richard Arlidge, Director of the Tauranga Art Gallery and the artist. On until 4 January 2009.

The Umbrella Project – created by 60 Wanganui secondary school students working with well-known artist Michel Tuffery. The umbrellas are suspended in the Gallery's central Dome area until 1 March 2009.

The following are the closures for the Wanganui District Council for the 2008/09 Christmas and New Year Holiday period. However, for urgent enquiries you can still contact us at any time on phone (06) 349 0001.

View list of opening hours (PDF, 12KB).

A liquor ban will be in force this New Year's Eve at Mowhanau Beach.

The ban will be in place between 3.00pm on 31 December 2008 and 3.00am on 1 January 2009.

The general ban area includes roads, domain, foreshore and public areas within the Mowhanau Village/Domain starting outside the Mowhanau Community Hall.

More specifically it is the area bounded by the low water mark to the south-west; the Kai Iwi Stream to the north-west; the Mowhanau Stream to the south-east, including SO14957, SO18911, and Sec 71 of the Mowhanau Domain, including roadways and public thoroughfares of Sunset Parade, Waitangi Parade, Broadview Heights, Tangi Street and Mowhanau Drive up to a point adjacent the entrance to the Mowhanau Hall.

Assistant English Teacher to Wanganui's Sister City, Nagaizumi-cho, Japan

The Nagaizumi-cho Education Board is seeking applications for the position of Assistant English Teacher at its Junior High and Elementary Schools for 2009.

Nagaizumi, Wanganui's Japanese Sister City, is a thriving town situated close to Mt Fujiyama and three hours by train from Tokyo. It enjoys a mild climate and abundance of natural beauty, and its main industries include agriculture, medicine and paper manufacturing. Nagaizumi is special to Wanganui due to its enduring Sister City relationship of 20 years.

The period of the appointment will be for one year from 1 April 2009. By mutual agreement the term may be extended for a further 12 months. Preference will be given to applicants with a university degree and teaching experience. However, other interested persons with university qualifications are also invited to apply. A cheerful, outgoing personality and interest in Japanese culture will be important qualities in intending applicants. Single accommodation is available.

Persons wishing to obtain a copy of the Conditions of Appointment should contact Customer Services, Wanganui District Council, telephone (06) 349 0001.

Interviews for the Assistant Language Teacher will be held during January 2009.

Written applications, together with curriculum vitae and contact details for three referees, should be addressed to:

Governance Services Manager
Wanganui District Council
PO Box 637
Wanganui

Applications close at noon on Friday, 9 January 2009.

Current Assistant English Teacher Becky Lindsay (pictured below) shares some thoughts on her experiences in Japan:

I have been living and working in Japan for over 6 months now and it's been such an amazing experience.

If you are after an adventure and want some unique experiences then I definitely recommend you take up this challenge because there is so much to be gained. The job of an ALT has been very enjoyable. The kids are really friendly and curious. The teachers and principals of the schools have been very welcoming and inclusive, despite a bit of a language barrier at times.

I have weekends off, and Nagaizumi is in a very handy location for visiting interesting parts of Japan, so weekend trips by train have been very convenient and fun.

Being able to speak Japanese would be an advantage, but you can definitely still get by without it. Most ALTs I have met have had no Japanese knowledge prior to coming over. Living is relatively cheap and the pay is decent. I had plenty of money to travel and get out, as well as save a bit.

If you are interested and want some more information I'd be happy to answer your questions by email: becstar_135@hotmail.com

Becky