Issue No. 571 - 17 May 2012
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Issue No. 571 - 17 May 2012 |
Collaboration breeds success for transport planning
The NZPI Best Practice Award: Integrated Planning and Investigations recognises outstanding creativity, innovation and service in planning for work on the Wanganui Urban Transportation Strategy. The award was presented during a ceremony held in Blenheim recently. Wanganui District Council’s Roading Manager Rui Leitao, who was also the project manager, said he was delighted with the process and the result. "It was a fantastic team effort across a broad spectrum of specialties," Mr Leitao said. "What makes an outstanding team is taking the big step up. It’s the demonstrated passion for the project, the open and honest interaction between all parties, a focused commission with common goals and objectives, and the drive and ownership by the team. "The strategy is an outstanding example of integrated transport planning and will influence many of the Council’s future decisions on infrastructure development and land use planning, while efficiently using our existing infrastructure. It also reflects our focus on a family-friendly and healthy community." Horizons Transport Planner Wayne Wallace says the strategy sets the direction for Wanganui transport over the next 30 years in the understanding that building an effective transport network is not just about building roads. "Working in partnership with Wanganui District Council and Opus we were able to take a big picture approach to Wanganui transport and come out of it with a succinct strategy for an integrated and sustainable transport network," Mr Wallace says. "It's a strategy that seeks to provide real choices for the community going forward, with opportunities for walking, cycling and improved public transport working alongside traditional roading activities." Opus Consultants Ltd Senior Planner Brenda O'Shaughnessy says that this was "one of our most rewarding projects. Our local team, seamlessly supported by a wider network of experts, was a key to the project’s success". "The client was clear about outcomes and together we worked to engage both the community and politicians, in order to create a sustainable family-friendly transport strategy that was relevant, useful and would be implemented," Ms O'Shaughnessy says. The strategy focuses on six key themes with a view to enhancing accessibility; creating a vibrant, people-focused central city and riverfront experience; enhancing the safety and efficiency of freight movement; and providing real transport choices which are safe and easy to use. Copies of the strategy are available at the Wanganui District Council office and here. More information about Horizons' role in transport can be found online here. |
Talk talk! Floor talk at the Quay Gallery – 2.00pm on Sunday, May 20
It includes the best of New Zealand ceramics with Titian Studios, studio potters such as Briar Gardner and Jovan Rancich and iconic Crown Lynn ware. Join Sarah McClintock, Assistant Curator, and Helen Slater for a guided floor talk in the exhibition at the Quay Gallery at 2.00pm on Sunday, May 20. The Quay Gallery is upstairs in the Wanganui Visitor Centre, 31 Taupo Quay. Image: Titian Studio, Slater Collection Lunchtime talk at the Sarjeant Gallery – 12.00pm on Wednesday, May 23 Blue Smoke to Blue Beat: The Lost History of Kiwi Pop is a musical conversation with Nick Bollinger and Chris Bourke during which they share their discoveries and their passions: lost classics, missed opportunities and beloved local talents. From Douglas Lilburn and Johnny Devlin, to the more recent Aperahama Brothers, Wanganui has made a huge contribution to local music. When did New Zealand rock’n’roll find its groove? What did the sophisticated set get up to after hours? Nick and Chris have been involved with New Zealand music for many years, behind the scenes, on stage, on radio and in magazines. Come along to the Sarjeant Gallery at midday on Wednesday, May 23, to hear them discuss the rich history of New Zealand pop music. Entry by gold coin donation. |
Technology will help with parking planning decisions Our Parking Services Team is looking at new ways of collecting data to help make decisions about timed parking areas. They will be using Smart Eye technology, developed by New Zealand company Car Parking Technologies, which is used in other parts of New Zealand as well as Australia and Europe. Sensors will be placed in some parking bays in St Hill Street for about six weeks to monitor parking patterns. The parking bays are between Guyton Street and Ingestre Street, on the same side of the road as the Energy Direct building, and have time limits of 120 minutes (P120) and 15 minutes (P15). It is important that motorists use the car parks as usual during this time so that the Parking Services Team can get accurate data of parking patterns. The data will help us to assess whether time restricted areas are the best way to manage parking use. Manual surveys have been carried out in the past to assess parking patterns and habits but this is the first time that this kind of technology has been used in Wanganui. The Council is currently consulting on the Proposed Parking Management Plan and, together with submissions from the public, the data gained from the Smart Eye technology will help to ensure that any changes in parking meet the needs and habits of residents. |
Wanganui Innovation Network event The next Wanganui Innovation Network (WIN) get-together will be held at Element Cafe, 24 Victoria Avenue, from 5.15pm to 7.00pm on Thursday, May 24. This free event is open to businesspeople and organisations who are interested in innovation and networking in Wanganui. In addition to networking and discussing business challenges, Warren Bebb, Business Growth Manager of Manawatu’s BCC group, will speak about his organisation's support for start-ups and smaller businesses in Manawatu and Wanganui. There will also be a demonstration of GoToMeeting, an online, high definition video conferencing product which can accommodate up to 15 people in an online meeting. Participants will also have the opportunity to suggest how future WIN get-togethers can be improved. If you would like to attend please email win@lampstudios.co.nz with your name and that of your organisation. |
Rates Instalment 4 due date reminderA reminder to all ratepayers that the due date for payment of Instalment 4 is Wednesday, 23 May 2012. Please ensure payments reach our office by close of business on this day. Council offers direct debit as a method of payment. Frequency of payments can be weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly or yearly. Please contact the rates department for further information, phone 349 0001. Rates rebate reminder 2011/12 rating year Ratepayers who may qualify for a rates rebate must make an application by 30 June 2012 for the 2011/12 rating year. (The rating year runs from 1 July – 30 June). If your income is low to moderate (maximum $23,240) then you may be eligible for a rates rebate up to $580. To determine if you are eligible we require your gross income earnings (before tax) for the tax period ending 31 March 2011. The rates rebate will be calculated on your income earnings and your 2011/12 Wanganui District Council rates and Horizons Regional Council rates. Please contact the rates department for further information, phone 349 0001. |
Clear streams and drains on your property Property owners are reminded to ensure that streams and drains on private property are well maintained and kept clear of debris. Infrastructure and Property Committee Chair Cr Ray Stevens said that with winter rains, there is potential for flooding if streams and drains become blocked. "We encourage owners to help each other by ensuring that streams and drains don’t overflow and flood their own or neighbouring properties. Regular maintenance of these areas will help to prevent flooding problems." |
Durie Hill Elevator The Durie Hill Elevator will be closed on Wednesday, 23 May 2012, from 1.30pm to 3.00pm to enable the annual survey to be carried out. |
Have your say on the The Wanganui District Council has prepared a Wanganui Parking Management Plan and now it is time for you to have your say. The Wanganui Parking Management Plan sets out how Council will manage parking provision and maintenance, in and around the central city area, over the next 20 years. Development of this Plan is an action identified in the Wanganui Urban Transportation Strategy and links with Council’s 10-Year Plan, strategies and statutory plans. The Wanganui Parking Management Plan is open for public submissions from Thursday, 17 May 2012, until Friday, 15 June 2012. If you want more detailed information, copies of the proposed Plan and submission forms are available:
You can email us or view the information online here. Submissions can be made in the following ways: Post to: Parking Plan Submissions, Wanganui District Council, PO Box 637, Wanganui 4540 Please remember to include your name, contact details and whether you want to speak about your submission at a Council hearing. All submissions will be acknowledged and considered by the Council. Copies of each submission will be made publicly available when the Council considers submissions. Submissions close at 5.00pm on Friday, 15 June 2012. |
Land and building for sale by tender
Tender closing date: 4.00pm Tuesday, 19 June 2012 To inspect the property or obtain tender documents, please contact: |
Resource Management Act 1991 Public notice is hereby given in accordance with Clause 10(3) and Clause 20(2) of the First Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991 that the Wanganui District Council has approved the following plan changes to the Wanganui District Plan: Plan Change 19: Noise from Events in Reserves and Open SpacesPlan Change 19 Noise from Events in Reserves and Open Spaces amends rules for noise emissions in Springvale Park and Cooks Gardens. Plan Change 20: District Plan Online Format Plan Change 21: Central City and Riverfront Areas At its Ordinary meeting of Monday, 30 April 2012, the Council adopted the above plan changes, which are to become operative on Friday, 25 May 2012. If you have any queries on the above plan changes please contact Jonathan Barrett at the Council, phone 349 0001 extension 8069, or email. |
Meetings
We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings Wanganui Rural Community Board – May 23 (3.30pm, Committee Room 2)
Youth – May 28 (4.00pm, Council Chamber) (please note change of date) Infrastructure and Property – May 29 (2.00pm, Council Chamber) Community and Environment – May 31 (2.00pm, Council Chamber) Hearing by Independent Commissioner – June 1 (1.00pm, Committee Room 2)
Strategy and Finance – June 5 (2.00pm, Council Chamber) 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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A collaborative effort between Wanganui District Council, Horizons Regional Council and Opus International Consultants to develop a plan for Wanganui transport has been recognised with an award from the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).
New Zealand Ceramics: The Slater Collection is an exhibition from the collection of Wanganui resident Helen Slater, who started acquiring pieces with her late husband Basil more than 30 years ago.
Wanganui District Council and Royal New Zealand Plunket Society Wanganui Branch Incorporated jointly offer the land and building at 76d Koromiko Road for sale by tender.