"2009 is going to be tough."

That is the warning of government, civic and business leaders as we head into the New Year. Treasury is estimating 70,000 jobs will be shed over the next 12-18 months as the global credit crisis impacts upon New Zealand and Wanganui.

Mayor Michael Laws says that despite the grim predictions, Wanganui is well-placed to weather the storm.

"Provided that council do not impose sizeable rate increases - and that we spend your money wisely and well - then we will come through OK. If that means delaying capital works for a couple of years or longer, then so be it. It would be grossly irresponsible to plough ahead regardless of our constituents' ability to pay."

Mayor Laws said that a number of minor works to spruce up the city "are subsidised, like the Southern Entranceway and the Somme Parade walkway. They will make a real difference without being expensive."

Artist's impression of the Somme Parade walkway is pictured.

The soft water switch-over in July 2009 is also expected to return hundreds of dollars to Wanganui households.

"Provided that we are sensible, Wanganui will come through 2009 very well. I look forward to working with the community on creating a better Wanganui. There is no problem that we cannot solve together."

Wanganui Opera Week will take place from 5–13 January with a variety of performances and events across the city.

Wanganui Opera Week attracts people from throughout New Zealand and internationally to Wanganui. This year's programme includes a lunchtime concert at the Sarjeant Gallery and evening café performances, as well as Master Classes at Collegiate and a performance at the Royal Wanganui Opera House. Wanganui Opera Week has received funding from Wanganui District Council's Community Contracts scheme.

Tickets for all staged events can be purchased from the Royal Wanganui Opera House Box Office, phone (06) 349 0511.

Work is under way on the urban footpath renewal programme for 2008/09.

The programme is scheduled to continue through until April 2009. The following footpaths are included in this summer's programme and work on some of these has already been completed:

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).

Consumers are advised that the sprinkler restrictions have been reviewed by Council and automatic garden sprinklers can be used by all residents (irrespective of whether their house number is an odd or even number) between the following times:

7pm to 9pm During the hours of daylight saving
6pm to 8pm Outside the hours of daylight saving

Hand-held hoses can be used at any time.

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