Celebrating Wanganui - Wanganui Chronicle

Wanganui

celebrating

NEW ZEALAND

Whanganui district business & lifestyle magazine

From the mountain to the sea, meet our culture, meet our vibrant people ... come & experience it for yourself!

showcasing our amazing lifestyle in Wanganui, Rangitikei, Ruapehu & Waimarino

autumn/winter 2015

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W

e are now in Autumn, and even though the mornings are crisp, we are still enjoying beautiful warm days around 22 degrees Celsius by lunchtime.

Before we know it winter will be here, the firewood will be stacked outside the back door and Ruapehu will become our Winter playground on the ski fields.

Over the Easter weekend I took my parents and children on a trip to Mowhanau beach, while the children played making sandcastles, we enjoyed the sun and fresh sea air. Later in the day taking a drive through Bason Reserve was breath taking. Dozens of families out on the long weekend enjoying the beautiful surroundings; picnics in the gardens, scenic walks for all ages and if you haven’t seen the upgrades yet and new structures, they are a must-see. I just love the open space in Wanganui, no matter where you are, it will never be over populated.

In this issue, you will find a plethora of thriving Wanganui businesses. You will also

read about the new commercial developments to our city. Wanganui is growing and we are blessed to live in such a positive location.

Our local daily newspaper is growing too – it was of one of five national newspapers to have readership growth, in this era of technology, our informative Wanganui Chronicle is still the most popular paper in our local market.

This is our third edition of Celebrating Wanganui covering the Autumn/Winter period. The Wanganui Chronicle team have had a wonderful time getting out and meeting everyone.

Thank you to all involved for your support.

Celebrate Wanganui!

3 Whanganui - Leading Edge 4 be.be beauty boutique 5 Wanganui War Memorial Centre 6 Fairway NZ / The Grand Hotel 7 Jane Winstone Retirement Village 8 SKIP / Te Punanga Haumaru 9 Waimarie 10 UCOL 11 Simply Wrought Iron / Ray White Wanganui 12 Bridge To Nowhere 15 Elite Engineering 16 Anderson Memorials 17 Unichem Pharmacy / Liquorland 18 Gateway Motor Lodge / Kingsgate Hotel 19 Budget Rental Cars / 151 On London Motel 20 Stonewood Homes 21 Perth Concrete Ltd / Aerowork

22-23 Trafalgar Square 24 Whanganui Chamber Of Commerce 25 Aranui School / Arahunga School 26 Jerusalem - Whanganui River Road 27 Hobday & Lorentzen 28 The Ward Observatory 30 Horizons 32 Wanganui Chronicle Home & Lifestyle Show 33 Building Boom 34 Our Winter Playground 36 King Kong Tram 38 Famous Wanganui people 40 Whanganui River Adventures 41 Local Websites & Facebook 42 Events calendar 43 Map of New Zealand 44 Ag Challenge Ltd

Contents

Celebrating Wanganui Enquiries: Advertising/Editorials: Alison Hollard 06 349 0716

alison.hollard@wanganuichronicle.co.nz

Published by

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

Celebrate Wanganui!

Warm regards, Alison Hollard

Where are you?

Let us know where you are, we will put you on the Celebrating Wanganui reader map!

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Whanganui – Leading Edge

Aliarc Logistics – one of the many world leading businesses here in Whanganui.

Introducing Whanganui and Partners Here in Whanganui we are confident leaders and influential trailblazers – operating comfortably on the cutting edge.

We are ‘a bit different’, don’t follow the pack and are energised and dynamic.

Whanganui and Partners is the entity which delivers the planned economic development outcomes for the Whanganui District. It is a partnership between the Wanganui District Council, iwi and the business community, encompassing the tourism, business and education sectors with an additional focus on the digital economy. Whanganui’s fibre network build is already complete – we are connected to the world from here.

Whanganui and Partners primary goal is to transform Whanganui into a vibrant and economically prosperous district: a place which works for everyone in their choice of place to live, to work or do business and to visit.

The Whanganui and Partners team work across all sectors to develop and support local, regional, national and international partnerships, to assist the growth of local

businesses, to identify opportunities for new business and investment, and to provide access to research and support innovation.

We also provide support for businesses looking to set up or relocate here. Part of the role is about ensuring the Council’s processes are business friendly and assisting in the co-ordination of building and planning processes.

Central Government have funded a Regional Growth Study, identifying key economic opportunities for the Whanganui Manawatu region. Whanganui and Partners is working with the other councils and economic development agencies within our region to implement the actions identified through the study. An exciting economic future is ahead of us.

Why Whanganui?

Whanganui has great schools, exciting heritage urban architecture, funky cafes, and top community amenities.

Whanganui offers an enviable quality of life – a mild climate, a beautiful natural environment, easy to live in, and the big city amenities and features without the hassle and stress of big city living. www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

We invite you to share our success by considering how your business plans, dreams and aspirations might fit with the thriving sectors and companies here in Whanganui.

Whanganui is open for business – the investment and business opportunities are vast, from early stage start-up ventures to mature companies seeking expansion capital.

We invite you to consider strengthening your business success by working with world leading Whanganui companies.

If you would like to find out more, please contact: Manager, Whanganui and Partners Adrian Dixon Email: adrian.dixon@ whanganuiandpartners.nz Phone: (06) 349 3136 Mobile: 027 4555 168

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Relax, Unwind and Recharge DISCOVER OUR WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDING: • Tinting

• Massage

• Waxing

• Body Wraps

• Facials

• Manicures

• Peels

• Pedicures

• Collagen Induction Therapy

• Gel Nails

• Special Occasion Makeup

• Spray Tanning

STOCKISTS OF LA CLINICA, YOUNGBLOOD AND FABY Welcome to be•be beauty boutique…

Come in for a free consultation with our qualified, specialist therapists to get your skin on the right track.

Come in to relax, unwind and recharge as our professional therapists soothe away aches, pains and daily stresses. The team at be•be beauty boutique know how to take care of you, with top of the line skin care range, La Clinica, an Australian made, organic range that gets results.

We also offer Youngblood photographic makeup that lasts all day and all night long. It is the perfect makeup for wedding or special occasion.

Be•be was runner-up best new business in the 2013 Regional Business has Awards and become better with more staff, additional advanced skin care techniques, and tailored services.

At the moment we are introducing Collagen Induction Therapy to our clients. This is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that is designed to stimulate the body’s own natural collagen production to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, rosacea, and some pigmentation as well as blemishes on the body including stretch marks.

293 Victoria Avenue, Wanganui, New Zealand Ph: (06) 348 2252 | www.bebebeauty.co.nz info@bebebeauty.co.nz www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

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Wanganui War O

Memorial Centre

n a cool, crisp ANZAC Day morning in 1960, the Wanganui War Memorial Hall was officially opened as a living memorial to the 375 men and women from Wanganui who lost their lives in the Second World War and thanks to the support of the local community, through fundraising campaigns and various donations, The Wanganui War Memorial Hall opened debt free.

Originally known as the Wanganui War Memorial Hall, they have recently rebranded to become the Wanganui War Memorial Centre (WWMC). The WWMC stands as a prominent figure in Queens Park and is considered to be one of the finest examples of New Zealand modernist architecture, rating in the top 1,000 modernist buildings in the world and the top 50 in the southern hemisphere. The design resulted from a national competition, organised by the New Zealand Institute of Architects in liaison with the Council, which attracted 42 entrants. The winners were Newman, Smith and Greenhough, New Zealand graduate architects who were based in London at the time. In 1961 the building design was awarded a Gold Medal from the New Zealand Institute of Architects and received a 25 year award from the Institute in 1997. The design, based on modernist concepts, has had a major influence on architectural development in New Zealand

and is recognised in architectural and conservation circles, being registered as a Category 1 Historic Building (registration number 7442).

Today the WWMC is used by locals and visitors alike as a wonderful multi-purpose venue for all occasions – weddings, exhibitions, conferences, dinners, seminars and many more! Its versatility allows it to cater for small groups of 10 to large groups of 1300 people with free parking for 120 cars. The team at the WWMC, provides support and expertise to ensure visitors and users are delighted with their experience. The team has worked tirelessly, with consideration and skill, to revitalise the venue into a centre Wanganui can be really proud of.

The Main Hall is very versatile and an excellent venue for meetings, conferences, sports tournaments, socials, balls, exhibitions, displays and public entertainment as well as many other activities. It is the largest of the single available areas at 1056 sq m, and has one of the largest sprung dance floors in the Lower North Island, at 573sq m.

The Hall can seat up to 1,300 conference style, hold 2000 for a concert or 700 in a formal dinner setting and a host of other alternatives.

The Concert Chamber features fixed auditorium tiered seating for 366 with an open stage (9.14m x 4.56m). With carpet

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underfoot and outstanding acoustics, it is ideal for concerts, conferences, presentations, meetings and much more.

There are two top quality, fully equipped, dressing rooms which allow entry via the rear of the stage. The Concert Chamber also has a Steinway grand piano for hire, or which can be discreetly stored away if not required.

The Pioneer Room is the smallest of our three areas at the Centre and has splendid views overlooking Queen’s Park grounds. With direct access to the kitchen and serving hatches, it is extremely versatile and ideally suited for a variety of events. Seating for up to 200 conference style or 120 for a formal dinner setting ensures the possibilities are endless. It is also ideal to set up as a boardroom or classroom.

Over the last few years the Wanganui War Memorial Centre has been host to local business meetings, national conferences and internationally renowned music artists, to name a few. For further details on this fantastic facility or to book your event, check them out on Facebook or online at www.warmemorialcentre.co.nz

On Course For

F

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The Future

airway NZ Ltd is a financial services firm which has been operating in various forms since the early 80s.

The company although called Fairway NZ, today has changed and rebranded over the years as the industry and registration have changed.

Garry Williams and Graham Wood have been the driving force behind Fairway over the years and although Garry is still very active with his UK Pension Transfer Division.

Graham has decided that the lure of overseas travel and golf is becoming more appealing in his easing state of pending retirement. Stepping into Graham’s shoes is local Senior Advisor Peter Cassidy who is based in Wanganui and Kevin Aanensen who is based in Waikanae We have 4 registered AFA’s in our office.

Fairway NZ deals in most facets of the financial services industry and has a large client base spread from Kaitaia to Invercargill - the bulk of which are in the central lower north island.

Fairway has advisory expertise in residential and commercial risk management which include life insurance, critical illness based covers, income protection (both personal and commercial) along with numerous other risk management products which are backed up by our experienced administration team.

We have specialists in the UK Pension Transfer industry with over 20 years’ experience and we also provide all other areas of investment advice including Kiwisaver.

Fairway also works closely with a local fire and general specialist Ross Flintoff and Rivercity Insurance Brokers.

Here at Fairway we work on one theory “It doesn’t always happen to someone else” and we offer comprehensive advice accordingly.

There is a great saying in our industry, if you live your life and never make a claim – then you have too much cover, but when you make a claim you never have enough.

At Fairway we are mindful of these great sayings and provide sound individual solutions to fit.

In short we are a locally owned and operated company that believes the heartbeat of our community needs to be protected so our local economy can thrive.

The Grand O

Hotel

ne of Wanganui’s more iconic hostelries celebrates its 88th year in business later this year.

When building of The Grand Hotel was completed in September, 1927, it was described as palatial and one of the foremost houses of accommodation in the Dominion.

The architect’s instructions back in the day were to plan a house that was creditable in every way to the city. That was achieved and has remained so throughout its 87-year history.

The three storey majestic structure on the corner of Guyton and St Hill Streets continues to be a community focal point with its two bars, café and two function/dining rooms proving popular entertainment venues in Wanganui.

With its tastefully refurbished 55 bedrooms, all with en suites, and its central location, The Grand is a drawcard for visitors, especially those arriving for the many nationwide sporting events hosted at Cooks Gardens just across the road. The biennial New Zealand Masters Games that attracts upwards of 8000 competitors every two years is yet another event that creates a busy time for loyal staff at The Grand.

For the past 10 years Neville Gorrie has been at the helm running a tight, profitable ship and during his tenure the ambience he has created, particularly the Irish Bar, has proven a popular attraction for those seeking a great night out on the tiles.

And occupancy rates have steadily increased since the refurbishment of the accommodation suites.

While Mr Gorrie has thoroughly enjoyed his time at The Grand, the time has come for him to wind down to a more sedate lifestyle and he is offering the iconic hotel for sale or lease.

There is little doubt The Grand Hotel will continue to honour the intent of its original owners back in 1927 and be an integral part of the Wanganui landscape and community.

ACCOMMODATION Bed & Continental Breakfast $79 single & $99 double All rooms with ensuite

We look forward to seeing you at Fairway NZ.

Cnr St Hill & Guyton St, Wanganui The Grand Hotel

• Risk Insurance • Kiwisaver & Investments • UK Pension Transfer • Mortgages • Fire and General

06 3450955 the-grand-hotel@xtra.co.nz www.thegrandhotel.co.nz

Our new Office 41 Ingestre Street, Wanganui PO BOX 149, WANGANUI 4540 P (06) 345 6184 F (06) 345 2892 service@thefairway.co.nz Disclosure Statement available on request and free of charge

HOTEL FOR SALE This business is for sale - lease or purchase options available. Contact The Grand for further details. Financial assistance possible

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Connecting with SKIP Our vision is that all children in New Zealand are raised in a positive way with parents who feel confident about managing children’s behaviour as part of a loving nurturing relationship.

We do this in collaboration with Whanganui Notfor-Profit organisations by providing FREE to the Whanganui community: • Awesome resources for parenting zero to fives • Parenting seminars with great NZ speakers • Children’s Day event at Springvale Park • Toolbox Parenting Courses for Dad’s

To contact SKIP: Email: skipwanganui@xtra.co.nz or Phone: 345 3008 Cell: 027 626 1404 285 Wicksteed Street, Whanganui

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9 WAIMARIE

more than just a ride, an experience Since she was re-launched on the Whanganui River in 2000, the Waimarie paddle steamer has become an iconic symbol of the River City and a significant attraction for both locals and visitors.

Based on the banks of the Whanganui river, the Waimarie sails six days from October to April* up the river and back - the two hour experience, enhanced by tales of the colourful history of the steamer and of the river are popular with both young and old.

A Friday night cruise, now running over the summer months, is also offering a different kind of endof-week experience; drawing passengers from all over the region who get to relax over a drink whilst listening to live, local musicians.

Popular private charters Waimarie Trust Chair Chris Jones,

says the Waimaire is becoming increasingly popular and it’s not just her scheduled daily summer or Friday night sailings in demand with more private hires, available all year around, than ever before.

“The Waimarie has hosted all sorts of special chartered sailings, from weddings and birthdays to champagne breakfasts and corporate events, and even schools keen on educating students about the history of the river.”

“It’s unbelievable the amount of restoration work that has been donated by the people of the city to restore Waimarie to its former glory – it’s truly

remarkable and quite a story to tell on how she has spent her last 100 years.”

Mini-museum It’s not just the paddle steamer that takes one back down memory lane. Waimarie HQ, located within a restored 1818 building, is also home to some historic memorabilia with an intricate display of photographs and artefacts dating back to the riverboat era and of the Waimaire restoration project itself.

Mrs Jones says that the Waimarie experience is set to get even better with plans to develop the current service, upgrade its HQ and revamp its website.

A unique, turn-of-the-century paddle steamer offering a scenic insight into the historic Whanganui river

New Zealand’s only coal-fired paddle steamer

Did you know?

• Waimarie means ‘good fortune’ • Designed & pre-fabricated in London 1899 • Carried cargo, mail & river dwellers in its early years • Was known as the ‘queen of the river’ • Sank 1952 • Pulled from the river 1993 • Restored by the people of the city • Re-launched 2000 • Only surviving coal-fired paddle steamer from NZ’s golden riverboat era

Experience • Live vintage-style commentary • View the steam engine room • Stoke the fire • Retrieve your message from a carrier pigeon • Enjoy scenic views • Eat & drink from the licensed galley cafe

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The historic Waimarie HQ, otherwise known as the Whanganui Riverboat Centre

Find out more Visit: 1a Taupo Quay, Wanganui Phone: +64 (6) 347 1863 Email: info@riverboats.co.nz Web: riverboats.co.nz

*Weekend sailings throughout April only but daily over Easter

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Whanganui UCOL – L

from vision to reality

ast year UCOL and the Wanganui District Council co-designed a plan to ensure that Whanganui UCOL was an integral part of a vibrant and thriving riverfront. The plan aims for a self-sustaining campus from 2017, and includes working with iwi, the community and tertiary providers in a uniquely Whanganui way. Over the past year, great strides have been made in bringing the plan to life in two ways – redeveloping some areas of the campus and working with others. Building work has been completed, community ties have been strengthened and development of a new Arts and Design Centre is well underway.

Campus Re-development The aim is to make better use of the spaces on the campus, and free up more space to share with the community. Work has concentrated on two areas – bringing all public activities into the ground floor of the new block on Rutland Street, and upgrading two buildings on Taupo Quay for re-use.

This work saw the campus library transformed into an Info Hub providing one key location for all student and public interaction.

The main Atrium now offers an inviting learning space for students, with carpet, computer pods and areas for study. This area is warmer, quieter and has a real buzz.

Brand new Hairdressing and Beauty facilities built to industry standard gives our students and the public a truly authentic and meaningful learning experience.

The Hair Salon and Beauty Clinic enjoy a shared, public facing reception which supports student engagement with the community on a professional level. This is next to our existing training restaurant Visions on Rutland.

Community partnerships Whanganui UCOL is developing valuable relationships with community organisations such as Community Education Services, the Youth Services Trust and the Computer Club House for mutual benefit. A new partnership with the Open Polytechnic adds more vocational programmes with local support.

The strengthened partnership with Te puna Matauranga focuses on joint Maori student success initiatives.

UCOL continues to work closely with the Wanganui District Council, and has been able to use the newly renovated

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Atrium to host events such as the NZQA Secondary Schools Top Art Awards and the Digital Whanganui directory launch.

An exciting Fast Fibre launch for the City is coming too.

There’s more to come Work being done on two heritage buildings on Taupo Quay will form a new Arts and Design Centre. Campus creative staff and Sarjeant Gallery staff have worked together to choose colours from the Resene Heritage Palate for the exterior of these heritage buildings, keeping in mind the aesthetic of the area.

The Arts and Design Centre supports the plan of ‘sharing spaces’ with the community and Council. It will be home to our new Bachelor of Design and Arts, which includes majors in Visual Arts, Textiles/Fashion Design and Graphic Design.

y

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Simply Wrought Iron is a locally owned and operated family business. Graeme & Hannah Kiff started the business in 2013 and it has been growing rapidly ever since. With the core business being manufacturing quality wrought iron gates and fencing, residential and commercial.

From the foundation to the instillation simply wrought iron can project manage your complete project be it large or small.

They have also developed an outdoor furniture range which is rapidly popping up all over the country. They call this Furniture For Life as each piece is covered by their 20 year guarantee on workmanship.

After manufacturing each piece is hot dip galvanized then powder coated to a clients choice of colour. Graeme is also working alongside a local glass artist Katie Brown and together they have producing glass

and iron fusion lights under the name Kiff and Brown Lighting, unique handmade frames with hand blown glass inside and no two are the same.

Graeme loves a challenge but more so bringing client’s ideas to life and getting great job satisfaction from this. They would love to hear from you for any ideas you have or projects you would like help with and offer a no obligation free quotes for jobs big and small.

You can find Graeme at the workshop on Heads Rd Monday to Friday or Hannah at the markets on Saturday mornings.

Alternatively you can call on any of the numbers listed or drop them an email, they look forward to meeting you in the near future.

IMAGINATION IS THE ONLY LIMITATION

Designers, Manufacturers & Suppliers of Quality Wrought Iron Products Gates (automation options) Fences Pool Security Balustrades & Light Engineering

PHONE GRAEME 06 344 1460, MOBILE 021 065 7868 Graeme@simplywroughtiron.co.nz www.simplywroughtiron.co.nz 358 Heads Rd, Wanganui

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Bridge to Nowhere

Returned soldiers scheme

During World War 1, the government offered land in the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka valleys to returned servicemen as part of a soldier settlement scheme. In 1917 the first pioneer settlers started taking up the available holdings.

Life was difficult from the start. The land was remote, hilly and untamed. Road access was limited and the settlers had to clear their holdings of dense forest and transform them into farm land. Despite the obstacles, the returned servicemen were enthusiastic and determined. At the peak of settlement there were 30 farms in Mangapurua and 16 in Kaiwhakauka.

The shared experiences – through war and these new challenges – created a strong bond, and for a number of years the community thrived.

Swing bridge A wooden swing bridge was constructed across the Mangapurua Stream in 1919.

This connected the isolated valley with the

riverboats that brought goods along the Whanganui River. However the settlers had always expected that roading access would be improved - a more solid bridge would be built and that it would form part of a road between Raetihi and Taranaki.

Planning for the new bridge started when the timber bridge began to rot. In 1936 the new steel-reinforced concrete bridge was finally opened. It was an impressive sight at nearly 40 metres above the river within the steep ravine walls. Today, you can still see the remains of the old swing bridge from the concrete bridge that replaced it.

Abandoned holdings By the time construction was finished, many of the Mangapurua settlers had abandoned their holdings. The physical labour and economic hardship had taken their toll on the returned servicemen and their families. Serious erosion (caused by the clearing of bush), flooding and poor road access were other obstacles that the settlers could no longer overcome.

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By 1942 only three of the farmers remained in the valley. They were eventually forced to leave when the government decided that road access would no longer be maintained. By 1944, everyone had gone.

Not only that, they left virtually penniless.

And now ...

The Bridge to Nowhere gets more use now than it did when it was first built. It is the unofficial flagship of Whanganui National Park and a major visitor attraction on the Whanganui Journey – one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

You can reach the Bridge to Nowhere by jet boating or canoeing the Whanganui River from either Pipiriki or Whakahoro to the Mangapurua Landing. From there, it’s a gentle 40 minute walk to the bridge site. Alternatively you can tramp or bike from Whakahoro via the Kaiwhakauka and Mangapurua Valleys.

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WE BUILD WEBSITES That look great on tablets, phones and computers, are easy for you to update, that connect with social media, that help you reach more customers, and generally increase y your awesomeness.

“The outstanding innovation, training and backup provided to St Mary’s School from Liquid Edge is the way 21st century graphic design should work.”

–Chris Gullery, Principal www.stmarys.ac.nz

Contact us today on 06 345 7267 for a free consultation.

You choose the café, we’ll buy the coffee.

Ed Boyd Director

“As I move into my 40th year of business leading H&A Print, I’m pleased to be still an integral part of the operation. I enjoy supporting our local community and projects with the profits of our company.”

98% of all work we produce is completed in-house ... when you want it!

Short/Long run offset & digital colour work brochures booklets business cards postcards posters etc

Carbonless (NCR) dockets invoices statements receipts etc

numbering perforating die-cutting hot foil stamping embossing Binding includes saddle stitching perfect binding wire/plastic binds

calendar rimming hole punching shrink-wrapping flow-wrapping postal wrapping mail merging wide format printing

Contact us now for a quote and further information 7-9 Purnell Street PO Box 305, Wanganui 4541 p: 06-345 3145 e: info@haprint.com w: www.haprint.com facebook/H&A Print

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We’ve been in business for the last 26 years ears and have retail stores in Wanganui and New Plymouth.

We stock a broad range of products including ding clothing, crystals, leather goods, sterling silver ilver and gem jewellery, posters, souvenirs, body piercings ercings and ornaments. We also carry Nemesis ornaments, naments, statues and fairies as well as Anne Stokes. elebration.

We have everything you need for a 21st celebration.

Get in touch to see how we can help you.

• 171 Victoria Ave, Wanganui • 79 Devon Street East, New Plymouth Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9.30am - 2.00pm

P: 06-345 4422

06-759 9910 | E: stardustwanganui@xtra.co.nz | W: www.stardustcreations.co.nz

www.splashcentre.co.nz l h t

CA ll cavice LO on S e r iness

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Springvale Park, London Street, Wanganui. Phone (06) 349 0113 Email: splashcentre@splashcentre.co.nz www.splashcentre.co.nz

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• Aquajet Swim School • Sauna & Steam Room • Birthday Parties • Green Prescription • Hydrotherapy Pool • Toddler Pool

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• Holiday Activities • Hydroslide • Café • Aquarobics • Circuit classes • Masters Swimming

s ter s i g Re s h ad as • C otep uters ers • N omp copi iture • C hoto Furn • P ffice S • O FTPO s r • E inte r •P

35 Ridgway Street, Wanganui | Phone 06 345 3479 Email: info@cohens.co.nz URL: www.cohens.co.nz

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Elite Mechanical and Engineering Services Ltd -“Your One Stop Engineering Shop” Elite Mechanical and Engineering Services Ltd is a growing company based in the heart of Wanganui’s manufacturing region.

From our beginnings, we have developed into a successful engineering company offering a wide range of services.

We are made up of a small team of tradesmen who are not only proficient in the maintenance and repair of trade machinery, but are also equipped with the technical expertise to design, develop and install machinery to meet your special requirements.

Our team takes pride in our ability to get a job done quickly and efficiently, with special attention given to detail and workmanship.

No Job Is Too Big Or Too Small From mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium, our fully equipped workshop in Heads Road enables us to fabricate a wide variety of sheet metal products. Precision waterjet cutting means we can cut almost any shape, from a wide variety of materials, to your specifications.

With over 1000sqm of workshop and a 3 and 5 tonne gantry crane, no job is too big or too small for Mike and our team whether it be a repair to a whitebait net or a complete overhaul of commercial machinery. Mike and our experienced tradesmen can do the job to a standard that’s second to none.

• Jobbing Work • Factory & Field Maintenance • Machining & Fabrication • Preventative Maintenance • Structural Steel • Conveyor Systems • Stainless Steel Specialists

• Installation of Machinery • Commissioning of Plant • ASMI Certified Welders • Full Sheetmetal Workshop • Food Processing Machinery • Waterjet Cutting • Aluminium Fabricators & Welders

Whanganui Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2013 WINNER “Best New Business” Call us on 06 344 4108 or drop into ELITE at 437 Heads Road, Wanganui. enquiries@eliteengineering.co.nz www.eliteengineering.co.nz

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100 Years I

f ever a business in Wanganui can point to a tangible sign of its enterprise, then Anderson Memorials is one of them. From the historic Heads cemetery to the currently expanding Aramoho cemetery, and in cemeteries in neighbouring districts, headstones made by the company are there in vast numbers.

In May 2014, Anderson Memorials celebrated its centennial, with an afternoon get-together for current and former staff at Heritage House on the afternoon of May 31 and a dinner at the Grand Hotel that night. Richard Anderson is a grandson of the company’s founder, Andrew Peter Anderson, and although retired still finds himself involved in the business. He spent the last 12 months putting the finishing touches to a book celebrating the company’s 100 years, picking up on work started by his father, the late Les Anderson.

Today Tony Anderson, the great grandson of the founder, runs the business and still from the same Aramoho site where it all began. That the company is at the top end of Somme Pde and right across the road from the Aramoho cemetery is more a matter of luck rather than management. “AP worked for a monumental mason striking out

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In Business

on his own. But a year after he started the business [1914] the cemetery was created,’’ Richard Anderson said. Some of the headstones in the old Heads Rd cemetery are the work of his grandfather.

“As far as our business is concerned it spans five generations. It started with AP Anderson, his son Les [my father], then me, then my son Tony and his son Daniel.

Daniel served his time with us but is currently in Australia,’’ he said.

While firmly rooted in Aramoho, the family business has branches in Palmerston North and Feilding and that spread has been responsible for its growth.

In his time as a monumental mason, Mr Anderson said there had been significant changes in how the headstones are created. “When I started it was all hammer and chisel before we went to using a pneumatic hammer.

Sandblasting followed even though that still meant we had to mark the letters onto the stone. “We still use sandblasting today but computers are used to mark out the inscription before we transfer the masking onto the stone and sandblast it,’’ he said. Very little work is in marble these days, with the majority done in granite.

“The marble was used at a time when we used to beat lead into the letters etched on the stone but after a while the lead drops out.

When the NZ Master Monumental Masons Association was formed in 1945 they wanted to get away from the use of lead because they were looking for something that was far more permanent.

That’s when granite came into vogue.’’

Years ago a couple of Kiwi firms used to import blocks of granite, cut it, shape it and polish it and the monumental masons would buy it from them.

Now Anderson Memorials is part of a group which buys the granite direct from India and China. “It comes here by the container-load but the group buying power means we can do things cheaper than we used to because it cuts out the middleman,’’ he said. Mr Anderson said the days of the ostentatious monument marking a grave site are now long gone.

When he started in the family business in 1951, the lawn area of the Aramoho cemetery was yet to be started. Until then graves used to be fully covered with concrete and plaster along with a headstone. But the lawn cemetery limits the headstone to being positioned on a small berm. “There’s a maximum height of about 1.4m for headstones in the Aramoho lawn cemetery so we couldn’t put in anything like the big, ornate monuments you see in the older part of the cemetery,’’ he said.

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17

Proud to be locally owned and operated

A

dam and Melina Holmes have always wanted to own a pharmacy. They moved to Wanganui seven years ago from Christchurch to buy Unichem Whanganui Pharmacy in Springvale, Wanganui.

Since taking over they have doubled staff numbers at the Fitzherbert Avenue pharmacy.

Adam and Melina are both trained Pharmacists and Unichem Whanganui Pharmacy’s philosophy is aimed at patient centred care and advice with a strong focus on delivering great local expertise, knowledge and service. With modern facilities and excellent service for prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, natural therapies, and first aid, all your health needs are covered.

Unichem Whanganui Pharmacy offers a number of services to help care for you and your family. Their Pharmacists are fully trained and certified vaccinators, offering influenza, whooping cough and meningococcal vaccinations. They provide a number of diagnostic and health checks including blood pressure and glucose testing, Warfarin testing, bowel health and bone density screening, and can prescribe the emergency contraceptive pill.

They can even help with your medicine management through compliance packaging so you can rest easy that you, or your family members, are taking the right medicine at the right time.

Unichem Whanganui Pharmacy is the only pharmacy in Wanganui to hold a Lotto outlet. They also have two full time beauty therapists. The pharmacy is open outside of normal hours, until 8.30 pm seven days a week.

The couple have two children, Matthew who has just turned two and Georgia who is six months old.

Both Adam and Melina come from a sporting background and are heavily involved in the Triathlon side of the Whanganui Multisport Club. Adam has entered multisport events including the Coast to Coast five times and the New Zealand Ironman in Taupo eight times. Adam is hoping to make the New Zealand team for the World Duathlon Champs to be held in Adelaide, Australia in October 2015. Melina previously concentrated on athletics, namely the pole vault, and has represented New Zealand for over a decade.

Her main achievements are making the New Zealand team in three Commonwealth Games, three World Champs and one Olympic Games. She is currently involved in shorter distance triathlons.

Adam and Melina are committed to providing expert knowledge, better access and local care to the Wanganui community. Their business goal is to be the best pharmacy in the country and they love living and working in Wanganui.

LoveLocal L all It’s a friendly place at Liquorland, Wanganui’s only locally owned liquor store.

Everyone who makes the choice to shop there will be impressed. With the “customer friendly” attitude, casual shoppers will soon turn to regulars.

Apart from the ambience, you’re spoilt for choice. The store is well stocked and the products are laid out in “rooms” where the customers can browse through the best ranges of wines, beers, whiskeys, blends, ciders, spirits, RTD’s and soft drinks.

“Our selection is definitely our strongest point. We have one of the better wine selections in town” says Jenny Murphy, owner/manager of Liquorland Wanganui.

Throughout the shop there is variety, from tried and true to new imports and seasonal promotions.

Gift packs are available to solve any birthday or Christmas conundrum, and the team at Liquorland are particularly good at gift wrapping.

From product advice to delivery, Jenny and her team have it sorted. They are the first call for functions, with five chiller trailers and more available if needed.

Aside from catering to the needs of their customers, Liquorland also sponsors a lot of sports clubs and tournaments around the region.

As well as the big range of spirits and fortified wines, plain and flavoured ciders and RTD favourites, have a look at the entertaining and interesting novelty section.

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www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

18

It’s not what you do but where you do it

B

usiness these days isn’t so much about what you do but where you do it, and for regional centres like Wanganui technological advances are game-changers.

And while it might be a struggle for provincial centres to attract big industries to set up in the city, it doesn’t mean the people who work in those industries need to stay away.

Andrew Whiteford, managing director and a senior economist at Infometrics, a Wellington-based company specialising in economic analysis, said it means the Wanganui District Council doesn’t necessarily have to focus on getting sizeable, valuedadded industries to relocate to Wanganui.

“What it can do it attract people who work with those industries or on the periphery of them and who can work from their homes even though the business is another centre,” he said.

He said most councils were chasing industries for their towns when he believed

attracting the people who worked in those industries, or in the businesses that serviced them, was a viable alternative.

“When people become comfortable with the technology that makes that sort of working possible, then it opens up all sorts of other opportunities.”

Mr Whiteford works from his home in the Wairarapa at least two days a week and finds it works very well.

He said the roll out of ultrafast broadband in Wanganui was another plus and technology, such as video conferencing and screen sharing, dramatically broke down geographical barriers, allowing staff to work remotely.

Flexible working conditions were an increasingly important strategy for companies to retain and attract talented staff.

“Many small towns in New Zealand are struggling for survival and bemoan the difficulty in attracting industries with high paying jobs. But smaller centres’ best

chances to tap into these industries is to attract remote workers.’

He said after a spell in the large centres, young professionals were often tempted to return to the region they grew up in and seek the support of family networks to help raise a family. It was all about worklife balance.

In that regard he said Wanganui was better placed than most centres.

“I visited about a year ago and it’s turned itself into a beautiful place. And emphasing the city as a nice place to live is important to professionals. The city’s a very pleasant environment and it’s a blueprint other centres would do well to copy.

“The economic development strategies of local councils often focus on picking ‘winning’ economic sectors and pushing those sectors. In future planning they could consider the impact of remote workers and how best to attract them,” Mr Whiteford said.

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20

Mainstreet

A

Wanganui

M

t p w

s we come to the end of another summer; we reflect on the busy season we have had. The Summer kicked off with the Festival of Cultures, then into the Christmas Parade, through to the Vintage Weekend and Rivercity Caboodle and then on to Mr Whanganui and the recent Twilight Market. The impending cold weather looms like a light at the end of the tunnel only winter brings a new set of projects and demands while we continue working to ensure that the CBD remains the beating heart of our city, for both commerce and community.

On Saturday 2 May we will be celebrating NZ Music Month with The Great Busk Off. Between 11am and 2pm you can come down to the CBD and hear a plethora of different musicians. In June we will once again be asking you to vote for your favourite businesses in The Best of the Best Poll and in July we will be installing both Puanga and ANZAC Centennial displays in the Avenue. Then, before we know it, it will be summer again. Keep in touch with all the happenings in the CBD by visiting our website, mainstreewanganui.co.nz or liking us on Facebook/ mainstreet wanganui.

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21

Lies, damned lies, and statistics

M

ost would be familiar with the phrase “Lies, damned lies, and statistics”. It’s a phrase describing the persuasive power of numbers, particularly the use of statistics to bolster weak arguments.

But numbers sometimes send mixed signals and farming in the Wanganui region could attest to that.

And while some indicators about the region's farming economy may be grim at the moment, at least one farming leader believes that there is an undercurrent of quiet confidence.

Federated Farmers carries out biannual surveys covering the start of the farming season (July) and mid-season (January), and the results for the start of this year show a slump in confidence.

But Brian Doughty, Wanganui Federated Farmers president, said despite the negative response, there was still a “quiet confidence” in the farming community.

“There are things that have set that tone and the payout prices set by Fonterra and Open Country reflected that dip in

confidence. Nobody's jumping for joy but that's just the way it is.”

Mr Doughty said the drop in the payout to dairy farmers will have a negative impact on cash flow on dairy farms and some farmers will have moved to overcome that impact by culling stock sooner or committing to supplementary feed earlier.

“But I anticipate some quiet confidence will come through in the next few months.”

So what’s the basis for his argument?

One of them is the doubling of output at Open Country Dairy’s milk powder plant in Wanganui.

A second drying tower is being installed and while the company has not divulged the cost, the new dryer effectively doubles milk powder production from the factory to 60,000 tonnes annually.

There’s no doubt competition for milk supply is fierce and Fonterra suppliers are not afraid to shift to other processors, including Open Country.

Federated Farmers dairy chair Andrew Hoggard cited a source from Open Country Dairy saying it continued to get

INCREASED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY MAKE WANGANUI A BOOM TOWN

farmer inquiry and that it 500 farmers on a waiting list which includes the Wanganui region.

Open Country Dairy isn’t confirming that but its expansion in Wanganui signals it does have the supply to warrant doubling production here.The second drying tower will change the city’s skyline.To get an idea of its size, laying the footing for the second powder plant in October last year saw the biggest single concrete pour in Wanganui’s history.

It was a co-ordinated effort involving three local concrete firms in a day-long pour. The concrete was delivered in 100 truckloads and was the first time the three city concrete firms - Perth, Allied and Bullocks - had worked on a job together.

It was one of the biggest concrete jobs in the North Island last year, possibly only topped by the Christchurch rebuild, and saw about 500 cubic metres poured. The finished slab weighed about 1000 tonnes.

The second dryer is scheduled to start producing milk powder from August this year.

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Trafalgar Square

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24

Serving the needs of S

Whanganui businesses

ince 1885, the Whanganui Chamber of Commerce has served the needs of the Whanganui business community through its public policy and advocacy initiatives along with its business development programmes and services.

No matter what your vision is for the future of your business, the Chamber is prepared to help you achieve your goals and take your business to the next level. The Chamber’s wide range of programmes and services will help you attract new customers, expand your business base, reduce your costs of doing

business and assist with networks and referrals that will further your business goals.

The core focus of the chamber is to be a strong advocate for business in the city, to make a difference in Whanganui’s future and to help Chamber members’ businesses grow.

Current President Raewyn OvertonStuart says “A strong business is good for the wider community and a cohesive business community, working together, has got to be positive for Whanganui as well.”

Businesses from all over the Whanganui region belong to the

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

Chamber. They range in size from sole traders through to national and global businesses. Business has changed enormously in the last decade – Whanganui’s market now is truly global which now means that any Whanganui business has the potential to take on the world.

The Whanganui Chamber works with Business New Zealand, NZ Trade and Enterprise, Business Central and NZ Chambers of Commerce. To join the Whanganui Chamber of Commerce ring 345 0080 or click on www.whanganuichamber.net.nz for more details.

s

25 ARANUI SCHOOL LEADERS Aranui Primary School has a strong focus on developing children’s academic progress, sporting, cultural and life skills to prepare them for a successful and healthy future. The team at Aranui has a real strength with student well-being and a holistic approach to children’s learning, the teaching and learning being very responsive to the strengths and needs of their students. The values of C.A.R.E. (Co-operation, Attitude, Respect and Effort) are explicitly woven through everything.

Experiences for Learning are a top priority, especially with Student Leadership and Tuakana Teina. Our House Captains hold a number of responsibilities within our school as Leaders and a highlight for the year is attending the Halogen Foundation National Young Leaders event in Rotorua. House Captains learn about extending and challenging themselves beyond their comfort zone, working together as leaders and about being a leader.

ARANUI PRIMARY SCHOOL

is lead by Principal Miss Maryann Roberts (centre), Senior Professional Leader, Mrs. Ruth Jackson (left), and Junior Professional Leader, Mrs. Rebekah Wells (right).

Karlani Herewini and Angel Welch-Trower are the House Captains of

Kotare House.

Freyja Wrigglesworth and Logan Hohaiatara are the House Captains of

Kakapo House.

Jacob Meads and Beckham Gabriel are the House Captains of

Takahe House.

Diva-Rose Wilkinson and Tyla Tutauha are the House Captains of

Tui House.

Ph: 344 6183

Email: office@aranuui-primary.school.nz

www.arahunga.school.nz www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

26

Jerusalem S

Whanganui River Road

tep back in time and journey to Jerusalem along the Whanganui River Road on the North Island of New Zealand. This drive can easily take a whole day as you explore the heritage of the local iwi, the remnants of early European settlements and historic landmarks and features. The Whanganui River Road follows the majestic Whanganui River (Te Awa O Whanganui) from just north of Wanganui to Pipiriki.

The road took over 30 years to construction and was opened in 1934.

Before then, all access to remote settlements was by boat only. Key settlements included: Hiruharama (Jerusalem), Koriniti (Corinth), Atene (Athens) and Ranana (London).

Things To Find • Jerusalem - At Hiruharama (Jerusalem) there is a beautiful village and convent. This settlement is also

famous as the location for Mother Aubert’s mission and poet James K Baxter’s commune.

• Kawana Mill – Once the largest operating flour mill on the river, Kawana Mill is now a beautifully restored building and museum.

• Ranana – You will find a cairn commemorating the ‘Battle of Moutoa’ in 1864. This battle was fought between Whanganui Maori and invading warriors from the north.

• Pipiriki – This settlement is at the end of the Whanganui River Road and is a base for many river operators. Jet-boat trips are available from here to the famous ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ and many canoe tours start and end here too.

Things To Do • Scenic Drive / Day Trip - The loop from Wanganui to Pipiriki, across

to Raetihi and back to Wanganui along the Parapara Scenic Highway makes an ideal day trip which can be completed in 4 to 6 hours, depending on the number of stops you make.

• Mountain to the Sea Cycle Trail / Mt Ruapehu to Wanganui - The mountain to sea route includes the Mangapurua - Kaiwhakauka Track in Whanganui National Park and Old Coach Road from Ohakune to Horopito in Tongariro National Park. The 245-kilometre 4 to 6-day ride is mostly through DoC administered lands.

From the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, the route traverses the 294-metre Hapuawhenua viaduct, Whanganui National Park and the iconic ‘Bridge to Nowhere’. After a jet boat ride down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki, the cycle route continues on the Whanganui river road to Wanganui.

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27

Vehicle sales show W

region on the up

anganui’s economic heart is beating strongly, according to data gathered in the past six months.

Across a number of areas of economic activity there’s a positive air about the place, with car sales and population migration looking good.

Nationally, last month was the best March for 31 years for new vehicle sales, according to the Motor Industry Association, with registration of 11,755 new passenger and commercial vehicles.

And that sort of upturn was reflected in Wanganui, with Gareth Jones, sales manager at David Jones Motors, saying March was a “huge month” for their Suzuki dealership.

“We did 14 Swifts privately thanks to a finance deal we were offering. What happened was a lot of people looking at a used car took advantage of that and bought new,” he said.

“That’s not the sort of thing we see very often - they simply looked at the deal and bought brand new.”

The dealership sold a record 66 new and used vehicles in March, following the 57 sold in January which beat the previous best set in 2008. And February was good for a short month.

“I can’t get over how positive Wanganui has become after the ‘zombie town’ thing,” Mr Jones said.

“Every weekend it’s been flat-out everyone’s got off their bums and are wanting to do things.”

Mr Jones said other dealers and car yards around the city were experiencing strong sales.

Activity at the car yards is indicative of a region clawing its way back after a few tough years.

Economic analysis group Infometrics’ report for the last quarter of 2014, estimates the region’s economy has grown by 1.9 per cent over the year to December, based on the district’s gross domestic product.

While housing continues to drag the chain, the report said all other spending and investment indicators showed positive growth.

One measure the analysts use is traffic flows and in Wanganui those flows grew at a “robust rate” (up 5.4 per cent). Traffic flows are the number of vehicles passing sites monitored around the city and district, and higher levels of economic activity generated more movement of people and resources.

Infometrics said the unemployment rate in the Wanganui district averaged just over 9 per cent during last year after peaking at more than 10 per cent in 2013.

Another positive was a gain in net population with the district seeing a

permanent or long-term gain of 49 people. It’s not many but looks better when compared to the loss of 84 people the year before, and an average loss of 85 people over the last decade.

Building consents showed a slight dip but were counter-balanced by a sharp lift in non-residential consents, and commercial activity. Commercial building in Wanganui is on a roll with an unprecedented $70 million-plus worth of building projects in the past two years.

Harvesting of the district’s forest estate is starting to ramp up, though Infometrics said export prices would be affected by demand, particularly in China.

Another positive lay with meat export where prices had remained healthy, and guest nights in December were up almost 6 per cent over the same period in 2013.

However, the reduced dairy payout was likely to be worth about $13.5 million this season in Wanganui, instead of the estimated $24.1 million in 2014.

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28

The Ward J

Observatory

oseph Thomas Ward was born at Chelsea, London, England, on 25 January 1862. From an early age Joseph showed a keen intellect and read widely. He was educated for the Catholic priesthood but decided instead to go to sea.

After serving as a sailor on a merchant ship, he migrated to New Zealand in 1879 or 1880. By this stage he had become interested in astronomy and it was in this field that he would ultimately achieve local and national renown.

Around 1899 he purchased a 4½-inch refracting telescope, and when a bright comet appeared in 1901 people in the town flocked to view it through this instrument. In 1901 Ward helped organise a series of public lectures in Wanganui.

The first of these, held on 12 July, featured Professor Richard Maclaurin from Victoria College speaking on astronomy. Within a few weeks the Wanganui Astronomical Society was formed and in early August Joseph Ward was elected president. One of the first decisions of the new society was to establish an observatory. Ward led a deputation to the Wanganui Borough

Council asking for a site at Cook’s Gardens; the council granted a site on 27 August.

Ward located a second-hand 9½-inch refracting telescope in England which the society purchased for £450.

It was installed in the newly constructed Wanganui Observatory, which was officially opened by Premier Richard Seddon on 25 May 1903. Ward was appointed honorary director, a post he would hold until his death. In 1926 the astronomical society gave the observatory, debt free, to the Wanganui City Council in trust for the citizens of Wanganui. It is now known as the Ward Observatory.

Ward was quick to recognise the research potential of the large refractor and in 1904 he and his assistant, local lawyer Thomas Allison, began systematically searching selected areas of the southern sky for new double stars. In addition to double stars Ward observed sunspots, the planet Mars and comets. His most important contribution was in astronomical education. He frequently gave talks to the Wanganui

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

Philosophical Society, of which he was vice president from its inception in 1911. Two evenings a week he ran public viewing nights at the Wanganui Observatory, where he eagerly shared his love and knowledge of astronomy with visitors. He delivered the Cawthron lecture in Nelson in 1926 and brought astronomy to a wide audience in a column he wrote for the Wanganui Herald between 1904 and 1926.

Ward was also a pioneer New Zealand telescope-maker, and over the years produced numerous mirrors, mainly in the 6- to 14-inch range. These mirrors found their way into private and society observatories throughout the country and many are still used for research purposes and for popularising astronomy.

Ward’s largest mirror, 20½ inches in diameter, was completed in 1924, and for more than 40 years remained the largest telescope made by a New Zealand amateur astronomer.

Located in Cooks Gardens, Wanganui, access to the observatory is from St Hill Street.

29

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30

Bastia Hill W

Water Tower

hen the Okehu water supply was planned in 1903 the engineer Mr Mestayer estimated that it would supply the requirements of the town for 20 years. Exactly 20 years later (in 1923) the Borough Council was complled to make major alterations and additions to the supply. The increased draw-off from the suburbs and the lower levels had reduced the pressure on the higher levels to a minimum.

Accordingly at a cost of £100,000 the dam at Okehu was raised, parts of the pipe line were duplicated, and the reservoir of Westmere was enlarged. The outward and visible sign of the extension was the Bastia Water Tower, designed to increase the pressure on the higher levels and to supply water to the newly-developing suburbs of Bastia and Durie Hills. Its design

was criticised at the time for want of apparent strength but it has withstood the Murchison and Napier earthquakes and is so far justified. The concrete water tower was finished and filled on 21st October 1927 at a cost of £22,900.

The height of the water tower, including the dome, is 50 metres with a staircase spiralling to the top. Capacity of the water tank at the top is 546,000 litres, supplying a static pressure at the top of Durie Hill of 530 kPa. The water is pumped to the tank at the top by means of electric pumps. The Christmas star/cross, which is lit at night, can be seen thoughout much of the city.

The water tower received a thorough maintenance checkup and concrete refurbishment in the 1990s. The tank is registered with the NZ Historic Places Trust.

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31 YOUR LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED FURNITURE STORE.

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Abingdon Retirement Village Enliven’s Abingdon Retirement Village offers old-world English country charm, right in the centre of Whanganui.

These quaint villas are nestled among native trees and picturesque gardens in Oakland Avenue, St Johns Hill.

At Abingdon Village you can enjoy the tranquil location and companionship of others at a similar stage of life.

These gorgeous villas surround Abingdon House – the village’s community centre where residents often socialise and enjoy a shared meal.

Why not take a look around? We’d love to meet you! For more information, or to arrange a viewing, call John on 06 349 1494.

Ask us about our flexible entry payment options.

Visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz or call 0800 36 54 83

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

32 WANGANUI CHRONICLE

HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW 2015 This is it!

Our biggest show yet is to hit Wanganui’s Jubilee Stadium on 29 & 30th August this year.

A whole weekend of exciting demonstrations and advice from the experts. What is your ‘To Do’ list that our experts can help out with?

Concrete work Garage Door openers Civil Defence Solar panels Showerdome Garden machinery Beds Sola Tubes Curtain and blinds Garden Furniture restoration

Water filters Home maintenance Home ventilation Painting/decorating Vacuum Cleaner Specialists Silver polish Ladders Gutter protection Retirement Village

It is not just a show on decorating and home upgrades, it’s lifestyle show too!

There is plenty for the mind, body and soul.

Magnetic jewellery Green Tea Light Therapy to relieve pain Avon cosmetics Cookware Pillows Expandable Hoses Liquorice Wines Miracle Whisk Coffee machines

Just a gold coin at the door will give you full access to over 100 exhibitors.

Be Inspired

Welcome to the 6th Annual Wanganui Home & Lifestyle Show August 29 & 30 2015 Jubilee Stadium, London Street, Wanganui Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 9am – 4pm Contact us to book your stand www.wanganuihomeshow.co.nz | Phone (06) 349 0716 | Email:homeshow@wanganuichronicle.co.nz www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

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33

Building boom

C

ommercial construction in Wanganui is on a roll with an unprecedented $70 million-plus worth of building either finished or ongoing in the last two years.

Wanganui District Council data show that, between February 2013 and February this year, council building inspectors signed off on 168 commercial building consents, representing an estimated building cost value of $70,683,716.

Greg Hoobin, council’s building control team leader, told the Chronicle buildings worth $21,500,000 were consented in 2013 but that jumped to $49,157,708 last year. He said the impetus had carried over this year with

building inspectors issuing 34 consents - eight of them for new residential properties.

If these projects have not directly involved Wanganui firms in lead roles, local firms have usually contributed as sub-contractors or suppliers. Big ticket items in the past two years include a start to the $22 million upgrade at Whanganui Prison and the completion of the $9.6 million Victoria retail centre, including the new Farmers department store. The other major construction job is a second drying tower for Open Country Dairy in Heads Rd. The company has not divulged the cost, but it will effectively double milk powder production from the factory to 60,000 tonnes annually.

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Among other builds were the $1.5 million fire station upgrade in Maria Pl extension, the Rebel Sport-Briscoes complex on the Avenue-Dublin St corner, and BP Connect’s new London St service station.

Other significant works take in the new Wight Aluminium extension in Glasgow St, additions to the Corrections building in Wilson St, Caroline’s Boatshed Bar and Eatery in the former Aramoho Hotel, and the new AA office on the Avenue-Ingestre St corner.

Work is well advanced on a 400 sq m warehouse for Ali Arc Logistics in Gilberd St, while groundworks have started on the new Z Energy petrol station in London St, due to open in July.

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Our Winter

Playground

Mt Taranaki

R

ising above the clouds the 2518m high peak of Mt Taranaki offers spectacular scenery to those who make the challenging climb. For those wanting a more relaxing experience there are beautiful walks through verdant forest to waterfalls, wetlands and excellent viewpoints. Standing as it does in isolation from other mountains it is one of the best parks from which to get an elevated view of another New Zealand - the rural heartland.It was established as a national park in 1900, the second in New Zealand after its not too distant neighbour, Tongariro.Egmont National Park can be found on the western coast of New Zealand’s North Island. The nearest towns are New Plymouth, Inglewood, Stratford and Opunake.

Mt Ruapehu

R

uapehu has two commercial ski fields, Whakapapa on the northern side and Turoa on the southern slope. They are the two largest ski fields in New Zealand, with Whakapapa the larger. The club Tukino field is on the east of the mountain and is open to the public. The season is generally from June to October but depends on snow and weather conditions. Both ski fields are accessible by car and chairlifts, with beginners’ to advanced skiing slopes. Limited accommodation and refreshments are available at Top o’ the Bruce (the car park at the top of Bruce Road) and at the entry to Whakapapa, and elsewhere on the mountain. Alpine huts are provided for trampers and climbers. These are mainly owned by private clubs.

Mt Tongariro

E

stablished in 1887, Tongariro was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. It is also a dual World Heritage area, a status which recognises the park’s important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. It is a place of extremes and surprises, a place to explore and remember. From herb fields to forests, from tranquil lakes to desert-like plateau and active volcanoes - Tongariro has them all.

This is the home of the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks – the Tongariro Northern Circuit.

Whakapapa Village is the main entrance to the park. www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

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40 Maria Place Extension, PO Box 516, Wanganui 4540

Ph: 0064 6 349 2300 www.sportwhanganui.co.nz info@sportwhanganui.co.nz

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18-hole course Clubhouse with seating up to 120, overlooking course Golf shop stocking a selection of balls, clubs, drinks etc Club, trundler and cart hire Practice fairway and putting and chipping greens

Driving bays Men’s and Ladies changing rooms with showers Large car parking area Caravan park with power points Catering and bar facilities EGTF Golf Teaching Professional available

OFFICE AND GOLF SHOP HOURS

PLATES, CUPS, CUTLERY, BAGS AND MORE COMPETITIVE PRICES!

Wherever possible go for biodegradable products/disposables Your local EDEN Eco Products Ltd has an extensive range to suit your next party, event etc

Mon, Tue, Thu 8.30 - 2.00 Wed 8.00 - 1.00 Fri 8.30 - 12.00 Sat, Sun 8.30 - 3.00

CASTLECLIFF GOLF CLUB 8 Awatea St, Wanganui, New Zealand E-mail: admin@castlecliffgolf.co.nz Website: www.castlecliffgolfclub.org.nz

Ph: +64 6 344 4554, Fax: + 64 6 344 6010

Please visit www.edengreenpak.nz Send an e-mail for quotes and orders Phone & Fax: (06) 344 2942 Email: rombout@clear.net.nz

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36

Trust ready for W

King Kong tram

anganui is getting its very own celebrity tram.

Yes, you heard right - a tram used in Peter Jackson’s film King Kong will join the No 12 Tram Mable down on the waterfront in several months.

The tram, which has been gifted to the Tram Shed by the Wellington Tramway Museum, was built in Melbourne and used as public transport in the late 1920s.

The tram, referred to as “dreadnought”, was built between 1908 and 1925.

“Our tram track has a wider gauge than the tram tracks in Wellington, which is why we have been given the dreadnought,” Tramways Trust chair Kritzo Venter said.

“We feel that it will provide variety to our riverfront tramway experience, and it would be a really exciting project for our volunteers to restore it to its former glory.”

People were looking forward to the restoration process, Mr Venter told the Chronicle.

“A lot of our volunteers are looking forward to that process because of the history.”

He could not say how long the restoration process would take or what would need to be done. “The first step would be to generate a conservation plan for the restoration of the tram based on its condition and what needs to be done.

The aim would be to restore it as close as we possibly can to its original aesthetic appearances and operational behaviour.”

He could not say yet how much it would cost to restore the tram.

New track would need to be built before the tram could be brought to Wanganui, and that was expected to cost around $20,000, he said. By the time that could be done, and further modifications to

the tram shed made, it would be about April or May before the tram could be brought here. The trust is also looking at potential next steps for the tram project based on input from the public. These include extending the track to the Dublin Street Bridge or developing a track along Victoria Avenue.

“We won’t be able to afford either of these options straight away, but now that we have successfully developed the first stage of the project, we are thinking about where to go next,” Mr Venter said.

“Priority will be given to routes that could be staged and which would contribute to the Wanganui District Council’s strategies to increase economic development and visitor numbers. We will be tabling our proposals to the council for consideration and endorsement in the council’s 10-Year Plan during the submission process.”

Star of the show

No 12 tram Mable Peter Jackson

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The street scene in King Kong with the tram in the distance

37

Want to go camping?

9978599

like Grounds resque 4.9ha Park Set amidst a pictu BLE: FACILITIES AVAILA wered sites s - powered & unpo nt Te d an ns va ra • Ca le sty e - dormitory • Cabins • A Fram ounge /L om Ro • Function le ats up to 70 peop se en tch Ki g/ • Dinin le for hire ab ail s BBQs are av • Picnics/BBQ - Ga

WANGANUI

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10am-12pm, 12.45pm-2.45pm and 5.30pm-7.30pm

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Monday - Friday 7.30am-5pm, Saturday 7.30am-4pm, Sunday 9.30am-3pm Delivery Service or FREE Loan Trailers • Top Soil • Compost • Garden Bark • Sand • Garden Mulch • Stone • Sleepers • Shell Rock • Garden Mix • Weed-mat • Potting Mix • White Chip • Grass Seed • Cement • Rocks

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126 Duncan St, Wanganui 06 343 2172

38

Famous people from J

Wanganui

ane Winstone’s courage as an aviatrix has earned her the honour of a Wanganui retirement village being named after her. Miss Winstone was a pupil at Sacred Heart Convent. Aged 16, she took up flying as a hobby and was a foundation member of the Wanganui Aero Club.

The Jane Winstone Retirement Village was built by Ryman Healthcare on the site of the former Sacred Heart Convent, Oakland Ave. Ryman Healthcare managing director Kevin Hickman said he felt Miss Winstone was an incredibly brave woman and was devoted to serving others in peace and war.

“By dedicating villages after female pioneers, we hope that memories are rekindled for residents and local communities, of a generation of sacrifice and achievement,” Mr Hickman said.

Born in Wanganui on September 24, 1912, Miss Winstone was the daughter of chemist Arthur Winstone. She was New Zealand’s youngest woman pilot at the time of her death at the age of 31, flying a Spitfire over England during World War 2. She flew solo at 17, became the country’s youngest woman pilot at the time, and gained her pilot’s licence before turning 19.

Another note of distinction was flying in the first official plane from Wanganui airport. Miss Winstone flew Charles Kingsford Smith’s Southern Cross and in New Zealand accompanied Jean Batten after her recordbreaking flight from England to Australia in 1934. She was one of four female pilots to accompany Ms Batten in flight to Wanganui, Hawera and New Plymouth.

L

ieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae was sworn in as New Zealand’s 20th Governor-General for a five year term on 31 August 2011. He has previously worked at senior levels in the New Zealand public service and military as well as contributing to many sporting and community organisations.

He was born in Whanganui in 1954 and went to Castlecliff School, Rutherford Intermediate and Wanganui High School. Of Maori descent, his tribal affiliations are to Ngati Tuwharetoa and Ngati Kahungunu. He also has links to Tuhoe and tribes in the upper Whanganui. He is New Zealand’s second Governor-General of Maori descent.

Sir Jerry Mateparae enlisted as a soldier with the Regular Force of the New Zealand Army in 1972 before graduating from the Officer Cadet School at Portsea into the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment in 1976. He served in both battalions of the RNZIR and with the New Zealand Special Air Service. He commanded a regionally-based combined force Truce Monitoring Group on the island of Bougainville during Operation Belisi in 1998, for which he was made an Additional Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 1999 New Year’s Honours list.

His community service includes the Rotary Club of Wellington, the Palmerston North Boys’ High School Board of Trustees and the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. In the past, he has been a patron for various organisations and groups.

Sir Jerry Mateparae is married to Lady Janine, and they have two daughters, three sons and four grandchildren.

His interests include keeping fit, diving, reading, sport, and health and wellbeing.

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

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219-221 Broadway, Marton. Ph 06 327 6045

www.stardanceacademy.co.nz Enquire Now - Mama Marie-Louise | Cell: 027 242 0222 Email: stardancewhanganui@gmail.com

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Are you sick and tired of going on and then off a diet, are you sick of being being overweight Are you sick of being tired Here at Revitalise We Do Not Do Diets, we take the time to educate you and instruct you how to eat for your body. Both men and women have had fantastic results..

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Start Your Transformation TODAY Call NOW for a FREE Consultation 16 Wilson Street, Ph 348 9451 a.r.okeefe@clear.net.nz Massage | Skin Care | Sports Supplements | Nutrition Plans & Advice | Workout Studio

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40

Welcome to Whanganui O

River Adventures

wned and operated by locals Ken and Josephine Haworth, we are a Commercial Jet boat and Canoe business based in Pipiriki and come with many years of experience.

We take great pride in delivering the best service we know how, to all our clientele, friends, family and returning customers to your destination and return.

We cater for all groups and sizes.

Pipiriki Camping Grounds

ACCOMMODATION Pipiriki Cottage

HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE WHANGANUI RIVER AND CYCLING ADVENTURES WE OFFER: The Bridge to Nowhere

Along with our staff, we welcome you to our secluded and secure Campground, a great base also for you and your families as it is within a short drive to Mt Ruapehu, the popular Tongariro Crossing. The coach road and ever popular BTN Mountain Bike Track (package options available to suit all) or do our scenic Whanganui River Road Drive, right on our back doorstep.

(4-5hrs – Jet boat Tour) Whanganui River Adventures invites you to join Ken or Thomas, your driver/guide with extensive local knowledge and years of experience on a 4 to 4.5 hour tours to the Historic Landmark “The Valley of Abandoned Dream” better known as “The Bridge to Nowhere”.

Bridge to Nowhere – Butbuster Ride Sleeps 6 Lovely three bedroomed cottage located amongst the village residence. It has two double bedrooms with two single bed in the third room. All linen and towels plus all the necessities of home.

Ride from Raetihi or Ohakune the 40km down the Ruatiti Road end (half sealed and half gravel road) then carry on down the Mangapurua valley to meet with our Jet Boats at a pre-arranged time before being jet boated back to Pipiriki and ten transported back to Raetihi or

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Ohakune allow 10 hours.* minimum numbers apply.

Two Day Ride If the Butbuster sounds just a bit hectic for you, take along your sleeping bag and tent fly and the ride in two days. With many great spots in the Mangapurua valley, it’s not hard to lose a day or two. Jet boat pick up. * Minimum number apply.

Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail Hikoi This track is 35km long from the Ruatiti Road end of the Whanganui River via the Bridge to Nowhere following an old road is now part of the National Cycle Way/ Note- Mangapurua (Bridge to Nowhere) Track is rated as a grade 3 and is a reasonable mountain bike experience and fi tness level is required.

Traveller With Very little Time Your driver/guide – Ken or Thomas will jet boat you upriver for 13 kms and will give you instruction and a demonstration on how to operate your canoe before you paddle yourself/s back to Pipiriki , exploring and enjoying the native scenery, deep river gorges and some of the more exciting rapids along the away.

To find our more call us or check out our website www.whanganuiriveradventures.com

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41

Local Websites & Facebook

NOW ONLINE

Ginza Bargains is a family run business operating for over twenty five years.

Offering a range of new and used quality goods including: • Home Furnishings • Beds • Lounge Suites • Whiteware • Decorations COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

54 MARIA PL EXTN, WANGANUI

06-347 1227 · 96 Guyton St, Whanganui 4500

Your Local One Stop Furniture Shop

PH 06 345 3154 | OPEN 6 DAYS | www.ginza.co.nz

WINZ quotes, Layby and Trade-Ins welcome

Ko te Rongoa, he Pakari Tinana EXERCISE IS MEDICINE

KICKSTART THE NEW YEAR WITH THE BODY BLITZA MEMBERSHIP (06) 345 9486

ROYAL WANGANUI OPERA HOUSE BOOKING OFFICE HOURS MONDAY – FRIDAY 9.30AM — 5.30PM SATURDAY 10AM — MIDDAY

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JOINING FEE

• 32 Wilson Street • www.inspirewhanganui.co.nz

Modern Men and Women’s Essentials Find us on

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Bookings www.royaloperahouse.co.nz/bookings

The Total Gift Shop

BEAUTIFUL FURNITURE

www.facebook.com/pages/Mischief-On-Guyton/

NIk Naks Top Party Shop 15 Maria Place, Wanganui

COSTUMES FOR EVERYONE

‘Find us on facebook at Nik-Naks-of-your-choice’

www.niknakscostumes.co.nz

“To Know Jesus and Make Him Known” Sundays 10:00am 54 Nixon Street, Wanganui East Tel: 06 343 8999 www.webc.org.nz

PHONE 06 3490511 ON LINE www.royaloperahouse.co.nz

35 Taupo Quay, Wanganui, NZ PH 06 345 7047 E bamboo@farmside.co.nz www.bambooonthequay.co.nz

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 7.30-3pm

McCARTHY’S

LOCKSMITHS 2010 Ltd

Phone/Fax 06 345 6098

Top Friendly Service For • Key Cutting • Safes - Cash, Fire, Data Disc • Code Keys • Security Master Keying • Lock Supplies & Installation • Automotive Locks • Car & Home Lockout Service • Mobile Eftpos Opp Trafalgar Square Quay Centre, Taupo Quay, Wanganui Email: mccarthyslocks@xtra.co.nz

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

Scan | Copy | Print | Fax Business & Production Digital Colour Copy, Print & Scan Solutions Live and local in Wanganui since 2006

348 Victoria Avenue, Wanganui Phone: (06) 345 7426 Email: stuart@ricohwanganui.co.nz

www.ricoh.co.nz

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Events calendar 15 April - 9.30am Duncan Pavilion Yoga by the Sea

The Boardwalk

Queen's Park

Autumn / Winter 2015

18 April - 7.30pm Royal Wanganui Opera House The Jews Brothers This created a sensation when they first hit the local scene early 1995.

23 April - 12.30pm Wanganui Racecourse Industry Race Day All ages, free admission 23 April - 11.00am War Memorial Centre Opera’s Greatest Hits A selection of the most popular opera hits from such composers as Puccini, Verdi, Bizet, Donizetti and Mozart.

25 April - 8pm Space Monster Great North and The Bads

Mid-Winter Swim

Embassy 3 Cinema

26 April - 10am The Glass Factory Introduction to Kiln Glass 30 April - 8pm The Riverside Bar Jesse Brand Equinox Tour 2 May - 11am-2pm Majestic Square The Great Busk Off Help us celebrate New Zealand Music Month.

21 May - 6pm St John Building Second hand book sale

View of Mt Ruapehu

Moutoa Gardens

30 May - 11am-4.15pm Wanganui Racecourse Ag Challenge Stakes Featuring listed $50K Ag Challenge Stakes WFA 1600 5 June - 10.30am-12.30pm Wanganui Collegiate School NZCT Chamber Music Concert: Wanganui District Rounds Experience young NZ talent in the NZCT Chamber Music Contest Jubilee Year.

11 June - 11.30am Wanganui Racecourse Clan’s Race Day Acknowledges the families involved in the club and racing in Wanganui over the years.

Royal Wanganui Opera House

Wanganui Racecourse

2 July - 12pm Wanganui Racecourse Mid-Year Winter Race Day Admission free

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

2 July - 11am War Memorial Centre Best Musicals Of All Time Iconic artist Helen Medlyn leads our team of music theatre exponents in a show that highlights the best musicals of all time.

23 July - 11am War Memorial Centre 3 Mad Fiddlers ... and the Odd Singer It’s triple trouble as mad fiddler Marian Burns is joined by two other mad fiddlers and two odd singers.

29-30 August Jubilee Stadium, Springvale Park Wanganui Chronicle Home & Lifestyle Show The largest indoor show of its type in Wanganui. www.wanganuihomeshow.co.nz 5 September - 7.30pm-9.50pm Royal Wanganui Opera House Swan Lake XDR (Australia) Cultural Promotion Pty Ltd presents The Russian National Ballet Theatre production of Swan Lake.

6 September - 7.30pm-9.30pm Royal Wanganui Opera House Sleeping Beauty XDR (Australia) Cultural Promotion Pty Ltd Presents The Russian National Ballet Theatre production of Sleeping Beauty.

17 September - 11am War Memorial Centre Legendary Vocal Groups From a time when harmony and vocals were king.

Suzanne Lynch, Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua and Pat Urlich and band.

22 October - 11am War Memorial Centre The Many Faces of Gilbert & Sullivan Our five stunning singers showcase all the fabulous, funky, fun and famous G & S characters from The Mikado, Pirates of Penzance and more.

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www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

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