Celebrating Wanganui

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

spring/summer 2014-15

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elcome to our Spring/Summer edition of Celebrating Wanganui.

It is a true pleasure producing this magazine, showcasing successful businesses and lifestyle stories of our beautiful city.

In this second edition, you will find more fascinating stories on our locals and the thriving businesses they operate. We hope it will provide you with a snapshot of life in Wanganui and the endless opportunities for those that live here.

We are proud to announce also that we are distributing Celebrating Wanganui even further afield, with over 160 High Commissions, Embassies and Consulates receiving copies of the magazine. As well as Tourism NZ offices throughout the world.

What a fantastic response to our first edition, both locally and from our international friends that received a copy and took the time to drop me a line.

Wonderful to hear from you!

With a pleasant climate all year round, world class schooling, affordable housing, venues to all sports, where else would anyone want to live!

We are passionate about Wanganui, we live in a incredible place.

3 Message from the Mayor 4 Whanganui Digital Leaders Forum 5 Chester Borrows 6 Sounds Air/ H&A Print 7 Vollrath Stud 8 SKIP / Stardust Creations 9 Riverboat Wairua 10 UCOL 11 Morrie Gibbons Signs 13 Trafalgar Square 14 Royal Opera House 15 Elite Engineering 17 Liquorland 18-19 Wanganui Education 20 The Grand Hotel/Fairway NZ 22-23 Ray White Wanganui 25 Churches

26 Famous Wanganui people 27 Perth Concrete 28 Cemetery Circuit 29 Regional Health Network/ Meteor Printers 30 Billy Webb Challenge 32 Whanganui Regional Museum 33 Spark 34 Whanganui River Adventures 36 Ruapehu 37 New World Wanganui 38 Wanganui Parks 40 Wanganui photos 41 Presbyterian Support 42 Find us on Facebook/Events Calendar 43 Map of New Zealand 44 Opera Week

Contents

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

alison.hollard@wanganuichronicle.co.nz

Writer

Paul Brooks

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!

Message from K

3

Mayor Annette Main

ia ora tatou. Welcome to this local publication which celebrates Whanganui. You might be a local who has picked this up in our i-SITE or in your favourite café, or someone who has always considered visiting our beautiful part of the world. Whoever you are, this publication is designed to tell you about what we have to offer in the place we call home.

We have businesses, families and individuals moving here to take advantage of our great house prices, our access to fast broadband, as well as our lifestyle.

Who wouldn’t want to live somewhere with a beautiful natural resource like the Whanganui River running through it, surrounded by parks, sports grounds, excellent cafes, galleries and schools? We are an innovative, warm and inspiring community, where people can achieve the essential balance between work, family and recreational time.

You will find out more about some of these people in this publication.

Whanganui works for us, and you may well find it works for you.

Growing Whanganui: Whanganui and Partners Not only is our district one of the best places in New Zealand to buy a house or property, value-wise, but our economy is in good shape too. We have one of the most diverse economies in New Zealand, which ensures we are well-equipped to prosper.

Our urban ultrafast fibre network ensures high speed internet access across the district and increasingly our rural areas have great access to broadband. Turn to page 4 for more information.

The agri-business sector is well established here and there are many opportunities for growth. We are working alongside the government to identify the best ways to increase returns from this and other sectors.

The location of a large milk powder plant in our industrial area is a factor in these discussions as is our increasing capacity for freight transport by rail and road. Due to the demand for exporting our products, we have a well-developed distribution network because our close proximity to other major centres provides ready access to international markets.

Our location near the sea, and plans to revitalise the Whanganui Port in partnership with iwi, makes this district the ideal location for a growing marine sector.

We already have an excellent reputation for boat-building which continues to grow.

We have a large hospital and associated health agencies and we are well-known for our range of excellent schools which provide quality education. We are also home to Whanganui UCOL, which has a range of options for tertiary study. We have a well developed arts and culture sector and we are home to the only glass school in New Zealand.

Those who visit and live here have a range of choices which equals many larger centres when it comes to shopping.

Many of New Zealand’s national retailers are here, as well a large range of high quality specialist retailers. Whanganui is well known as a place where entrepreneurs flourish and we are lucky to have a selection of markets around town which sell a range of creatively crafted products, food and unique art. The largest of these is The River Traders and Whanganui Farmers Market which sits alongside the river in downtown Whanganui.

Whanganui and Partners is the entity which delivers the planned economic development outcomes for the district and is a partnership between the Wanganui District Council, iwi and the business community, encompassing the tourism, business and education sectors.

It is chaired by Mayor Annette Main, with representation from its partners, who are all working together to ensure Whanganui has a sound future with opportunities to grow businesses and jobs for those in our community. Our Economic Development staff work across all sectors to develop and support local, regional and national partnerships, to assist the growth of local businesses, to identify opportunities for new business, and to provide research and support innovation.

Business support Access to business training and information for small or medium enterprises in the Whanganui District is available through the Regional Partnership Network and is delivered by our close neighbours in the Manawatu. www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

We also provide support for businesses looking to set up or relocate here. Part of this role is about ensuring the Council’s processes are business friendly and assisting in the co-ordination of building and planning processes. Part of the work we do is to facilitate the collaboration of businesses for the creation of increased external export opportunities.

Economic information We collect and monitor economic indicator statistics to enable us to identify our economy’s strengths and the sectors which are a priority and use this data to promote and pursue business and economic opportunities.

We are also working on a Rural Research Project, which is about improving farm profitability by identifying land use capability and producing products the market wants.

If you would like to find out more, please contact: Chris Heywood Economic Development and Projects Officer Business Whanganui Email: chris.heywood@wanganui.govt.nz Phone: (06) 349 3136 Mobile: 0274 888 182

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No Data?

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No Worries…

hanganui Digital Leaders Forum has a goal of 100% Connected Whanganui and this is great news for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Whanganui was one of the first places in New Zealand to begin building an ultra fast broadband (UFB) network. The urban fibre optic network represents $35M worth of new infrastructure and is due to be completed by mid-2015. The new network puts Whanganui back at the centre of the world in terms of being able to work and connect globally.

An open access fibre optic network was a priority for Whanganui to connect to the world but as people and businesses become more mobile it was also vital to ensure a robust wireless network was developed.

Whanganui Digital Leaders Forum worked with the Rural Community Board and Inspire Net to connect Whanganui’s most remote rural locations. There is now limited free wifi at a variety of locations across the district to boost connectivity. Free wifi hotspots are being added all the time as

the district works towards its goal of 100% connectivity. Connecting is easy; simply check your wireless device for ‘Inspire Net Free Wifi’ and follow the simple steps to connect. The service offers 100 megabytes a month of traffic free for each one of your devices, with no advertising. If the free 100 megabytes per month isn’t quite enough, paid plans are available for extra traffic. Check out www.inspirefreewifi.co.nz for more information on how and where to connect. You can also connect at the District Libraries, the Airport and the iSite.

In 2013 and 2014 Whanganui was named one of the world’s 21 Smartest Cities, based on a comprehensive set of criteria laid down by the New York think tank The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). The Smart21 list recognises communities around the world that have taken conscious steps to prosper in the broadband economy. Whanganui is the only place in New Zealand to make the list so far and was selected from around 400 entries around the world. Whanganui has www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

also been named a finalist in the 2014 NZ Innovation Awards for the 100% Connected project.

Mayor Annette Main, who chairs the Whanganui Digital Leaders Forum, is delighted about Whanganui’s inclusion in these prestigious national and international awards, which recognise the district’s vision of digital leadership.

“Our goal is for Whanganui to lead the way in the digital world and in order to measure our success we needed a global benchmarking system. The ICF takes expertise and experiences in creating broadband economies from around the world and shares that knowledge to help communities adapt for the digital future. ” Whanganui businesses can use the Smart21 logo on their websites and emails (go to www.wanganui.govt.nz to find out how) and for more information on Intelligent Communities check out www. intelligentcommunity.org For more information email marianne. archibald@wanganui.govt.nz

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Hon Chester Borrows – W

MP for Whanganui

hanganui has a lot to celebrate. Even after nine years of being Whanganui’s representative in Parliament, and the huge range of people and groups throughout our community that this lets me come into contact with, I still find little gems to marvel at.

We’re a small, close knit community, who all rally around our common identity as part of Whanganui.

Yet we’re large enough to enjoy the infrastructure of a provincial city, plus have relatively easy access to larger centres.

We’re an area rich in culture and history, a spirit that shines through in the ways that our people take advantage of this to build business on tourism, and in the vibrant arts and creative sectors that are both thriving locally and performing on the national and international stages.

Despite sometimes challenging conditions, Whanganui businesses are performing well, such as boat building, agricultural-based industry, and other manufacturing. Again, Whanganui products find their way to shops and factories all around New Zealand and the world.

Our social services sector brings out the best Whanganui people have to offer. We can boast one of New Zealand’s top teachers, schools and tertiary institutions that people travel from around New Zealand to attend. Whanganui is the New Zealand leader in using ‘restorative practices’ – a way of resolving conflict and improving the way we work, live and learn together – and one of four cities worldwide in an international collaboration to enhance the way we use restorative practices.

I never know what I’ll find in the next visit to a business, schools, community group or organisation.

A new invention exported to Europe; a school winning another international completion overseas; another inter-country collaboration in technology, justice, or the social sector; maybe another artist winning against all comers. Under-stated Whanganui folk would never crow about their success, so frequently we don’t know all the good stuff happening right under our noses, but look close and you’ll find a lot to celebrate.

Hon Chester Borrows MP for Whanganui

Authorised by Chester Borrows MP, 94 Victoria Avenue, Whanganui

facebook.com/chesterborrows twitter.com/chesterborrows

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

6

Ed Boyd Director

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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

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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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7

World-Class

Warmbloods

By Iain Hyndman

B

erny Maubach and wife Jutta Rosenblatt regularly celebrate Wanganui – even from afar.

The German couple operate Vollrath Stud (est.1982) on Kaikokopu Rd in Westmere producing world-class bloodlines of the majestic Hanoverian breed that for several years now have featured on podiums around some of the best dressage circuits on the globe.

The stallion Vollrath Worldwide P.B. (Imp. Germany in 1996) was ridden up

to Prix St George with Jutta before being sold to Australia where he was ridden by Joann Formosa at the Para Olympics 2012 winning the Gold Medal.

Berny Maubach had no hesitation in settling in Wanganui after arriving from Germany in 1978. He was especially impressed by the fertile pastures produced by the Westmere Loam, which is widely regarded among the best soils in the world.

Over the years Vollrath imported five Hanoverian stallions, Vollrath Dynamit, Vollrath Worldwide P.B. Vollrath Fuerst Patrick and the couple stand now three magnificent Hanoverian stallions on just 20-acres at Vollrath, including two German imports Vollrath Lessing and Vollrath Gershwin, while the latest arrival is Vollrath Remi Lion King from Australia.

LESSING is the older statesman and number one stallion at 11-years-old, standing 17.1 hh, while GERSHWIN is four, 16.3 hh and LION KING, three, at 17.1 hh. These stallions are elegant with absolutely breathtaking light footed movement.

“The surroundings, soil and climate, here in Kaikokopu Rd are outstanding for producing young horses and the training

Vollrath Stud provides world-class bloodlines with these three magnificent Hanoverian Stallions.

We would like to talk with you – Vollrath (06) 345 6636 For extensive information to our web page www.hanoverian.co.nz You may also follow us on www.facebook.com/VollrathHanoverianStud www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

facilities are so close in Wanganui,” Mr Maubach said.

Wife Jutta is largely responsible for educating the young progeny and keeping the stallions physically fit and mentally in good health. Jutta is kept busy training currently also two mares by Lessing to go up the ranks in Dressage.

“We do a lot of the work at home, but we are lucky to be able to take them to other environments to keep them interested,” Jutta said.

“Mowhanau Beach at Kai Iwi is less than a 10 minute drive as is the Wanganui Racecourse in town. I often use the center of the course to educate the horses.”

Wanganui also falls within the “Central District” and competitors from this region are arguably the best performers in the country. The National Dressage Championships are held in Feilding / Manfeild where they have built an Olympic size indoor dressage arena.

“It’s a magnificent facility and less than an hour away from Wanganui – we are very fortunate, so it’s hardly surprising we love living in Wanganui so much,” she said.

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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

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

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

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.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

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Historic Wanganui N

Riverboat Wairua

ot so well known to those outside of Wanganui but never the less a most unique and historic river vessel, the riverboat Wairua, is the only riverboat now operating on the Whanganui River that was actually built for the founder of the river service Alexander Hatrick.

Wairua along with her sister ship Waiora were built, in 1904, by Yarrow & Company in their Isle of Dogs yard at Poplar on the banks of the river Thames in the heart of London. Built as a kit set for Wanganui firm Hatrick & Company the Wairua arrived in Wanganui, was assembled and made ready for launching in November 1904.

Used mostly on the section of the Whanganui River from Pipiriki to Maraekowhai at the mouth of the Ohura

Photo by Andrew Shaw.

River where Hatrick & Co had moored a floating houseboat. This section to day comprises the very best part of the Whanganui National Park and there is still no access to this section of the river except by boat.

Wairua cruised this section of the Whanganui until 1937 when the vessel was withdrawn from up river service and bought down to Wanganui where the vessel was eventually laid up becoming a pontoon for one of Hatricks larger vessels. In 1955 Wairua sank at her moorings, the superstructure was removed and the hull sunk into the mud opposite Moutoa Gardens.

In 1987 a group of local river enthusiasts salvedged the vessel and asisted by many locals and business spent 19years restoring Wairua to servicable condition eventually reentering service in October 2006.

Since that time Wairua has been busy offering a reliable and pleasant service for smaller groups wishing to have a heritage and river experience.

David McDermid one of the original salvedge and restoration team now owns and operates the vessel. The

operation specialises in custom packages for smaller groups and works with customers to meet their needs and requirements. The vessel works closely with Cafe’ 4 forty 4 and the Avoca Hotel at Upokongaro. This enables the offering of a range of Dinner,Lunch and BBQ Cruises to these excellent establishments. Wairua licenced to carry 38 passengers is also available for picnic cruises to Hipango Park..

Scheduled Cruises to Upokongaro are available during the summer months. Private charter cruises are also available by arrangement. For further information visit the Website www.whanganuiriverboat.co.nz or phone 0800 924 782

“Mr Hatricks”

MOTOR VESSEL

WAIRUA

Dinner, Lunch & BBQ cruises for all types of social events.

Scheduled cruises, charters & group bookings a speciality.

All sailings depart Hatrick Wharf, opposite Moutoa Gardens

Ph: 0800 924 782

www.whanganuiriverboat.co.nz

email: info@whanganuiriverboat.co.nz

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

10

A Strong Future for

Whanganui UCOL

A plan co-designed by the District Council and UCOL, in response to Joint Taskforce recommendations, is underway to make sure Whanganui UCOL’s campus on the Rutland Street/Taupo Quay block is an integral part of Whanganui’s strategy for a vibrant and thriving riverfront.

There are four parts to the Plan, each contributing to the campus becoming self-sustaining from 2017 onwards, in a uniquely Whanganui way.

The Plan Working with others

+ Sharing the campus

+ Arts

+ Normal Activities

• Te Puna Matauranga o Whanganui • Open Polytechnic • + more • Arts & Design Centre concept • Atrium enhancements • Freeing up space to share • • • •

New Arts Short courses New degree programme Glass options Cease BFA and Glass programmes

Building on a base of 30+ programmes and 650 full time students

Working with others

Sharing spaces

Increasing the range of programmes offered through partnerships with other tertiary providers is a key feature of the plan. The first of these new partnerships is with the Open Polytechnic; meaning learners who enrol in some Open Polytechnic qualifications can study in their own time by distance, with extra local study support provided from Whanganui UCOL’s campus.

UCOL is opening up its campus for collaboration and a place where community expertise and education come together. This includes creating an Arts and Design Centre on Taupo Quay for community and UCOL use with the Council.

Two vacant buildings on Taupo Quay will be made safe and these beautiful spaces will be the home of the Arts and Design Centre.

UCOL’s central atrium area is undergoing a make-over to become a more inviting learning space for students with carpet, computer pods and areas for study.

Some spaces will also be available for wider use, including commercial lease.

Enrolments are now being taken for UCOL Open Polytechnic Partnership Programmes starting in 2014: • • • •

NZIM Cert Management Grad Dip Business Grad Dip HR Management Grad Dip Strategic Management

Another five programmes will be on offer in 2015 including Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood).

Te Puna Matauranga o Whanganui and UCOL have developed an Accord that refreshes the commitment of both parties to work alongside each other to improve education outcomes for Ma¯ ori.

New arts programmes Degree UCOL is proposing a new, three year Bachelor of Design and Arts (BDA), which includes majors in Visual Arts, Textiles/Fashion Design and Graphic Design. Creativity embraces contemporary and traditional media in this unique degree – bringing together cutting-edge technology with time-honored technique. UCOL will work with its iwi partners to ensure the learning experiences www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

encompass Matauranga Ma¯ ori. as a key philosophy. Starting on 9 March 2015 pending approval from NZQA, students will work collaboratively within a range of shared core and elective papers. It’s exciting to have local iwi, industry experts, local artists and staff working together to co-create something truly special.

Short Courses UCOL recently gained NZQA accreditation for a Certificate in Studio Practice and ran the first arts short courses, offering niche learning and experiences in a wide range of art mediums. The next courses are planned for November/December and enrolments are open now.

Glass The Wanganui Glass School on Campbell Street continues to run in 2015 and a new Hot Glass Facility is being explored with the District Council for shared use in 2016 and beyond. In 2015 a proposal will be developed for a glass qualification for 2016.

For more information about the programmes on offer please visit www.ucol.ac.nz or pop into the Info Centre on the Whanganui UCOL Rutland Street campus.

11

Where were you in 1959?...

F or one person, Morrie Gibbons, it was an exciting year ahead and with 10 years experience of sign writing under his belt, Morrie ventured out to start his own business. Hence the birth of ‘Morrie Gibbons Signs’ in Wanganui.

Fast forward 55 years to present day and you can still see the business going strong under the guidance of Nick Gibbons and Dean Emerson. They entered into a business partnership back in 2001 both working under Morrie since the early 90’s and they feel great pride in being a part of a Wanganui icon.

The business has seen its fair share of changes over the past five decades from gold leaf guilded windows, using a steady hand and a “Mahl stick” (the stick thingy with a padded ball on the end) to full vehicle wraps where images are digitally printed directly to self adhesive vinyl and then applied to cover the entire vehicle.

Another facet added to the business in 2006 was an embroidery machine offering

Dean

Morrie

Aaron

Megan

their clients stitched garment branding and clothing supply.

Nick and Dean have a great understanding of the sign industry, not just in the fast moving technology side of the trade, also keeping traditional signwriting techniques by hand and brush for when the ‘old school’ craft is required, a rare skill in these modern times.

The team at Morrie Gibbons Signs have had some great results, nationally over the years taking out two bronze and one silver medal for various Signage works. Staff member, Gian Harvey is a silver medal ‘NZ Apprentice’ and this year Morrie Gibbons Signs won a gold medal at the New Zealand Sign and Display Association awards gala dinner in Auckland.

These New Zealand awards are a great achievement as the award entries are judged regardless of budget, therefore focus on the skills of the award winners. Next year the NZSDA will be celebrating its 50

Amanda

Marilyn

Gian

year anniversary, of which Morrie was a foundation member.

Both guys know that a big part of the company’s success comes from hard work and are proud to have staff that give 150%, go the extra mile and endeavour to deliver quality products on time. The commitment of long standing staff has also been a great asset for the direction of the business.

Found on the corner of Wilson Street & Taupo Quay, the company offers a wide range of signage solutions suited to any budget. Whether it be vehicle to building signage, flags and banners as well as the supply and branding of sports uniforms, workwear and headwear.

Morrie Gibbons Signs are proud to be a part of our local community and enjoy doing business in Wanganui. Both Nick & Dean who were born and raised here say “Wanganui - it’s a great place to live, work and play!”

Nick

Ph. (06) 345 5019 • 1b Wilson Street, Wanganui • www. mgsigns.co.nz

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

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The accompanying picture taken

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13

Twenty-five years of

Trafalgar Square

C

raig Whittaker has been centre manager at Trafalgar Square for five years and sees the quarter-century milestone as one of many to come.

Officially opened on Monday, November 6, 1989, the centre was a first for Wanganui with its big “anchor” stores – K Mart and Foodtown – and the variety of specialty stores to cater for every taste of the community.

The big shopping centre drew customers from afar, bringing people from Palmerston North and New Plymouth to sample the selection of shops.

Built by Girvan Corporation using McMillan and Lockwood Ltd as the primary contractor, project manager David “Taffy” Lewis tried to keep to Wanganui tradesmen when selecting sub-contractors for on-site work.

Work on the prepared site began on January 4 with a proposed completion date of November 7. The centre was opened

by Mayor Chas Poynter, a day ahead of schedule. More than 28,000 people visited on the first day of operation.

Now, 25 years later, two of the original stores remain: Wendy’s Supa Sundaes and Trafalgar Lotto.

“Our anchors have changed as well,” says Craig. “Originally Foodtown and K Mart, now we have Countdown and, at the other end, The Warehouse. The current owners are a syndicate of 24 interested parties called Trafalgar Square Equities and the centre is managed by Bayleys Property Services.”

Craig has worked for four different management companies since he started as centre manager.

One major development has taken place since the opening with the demolition of the Criterion Hotel to build the Rebel Sport premises.

That now gives Trafalgar Square Shopping Centre three anchor stores and 19 specialty shops.

The geography of the centre has altered over the years, with No1 Shoe Warehouse growing to take the space where smaller shops once stood, but the general demographic remains little changed since the opening.

The centre takes up a footprint of 13,000 square metres and provides parking for 460 vehicles.

The place has been kept in good condition, upgraded and, since 2009 has a constant temperature control working throughout the building. Craig says, “Watch this space”, as there are plans for future development to be unveiled in due course. www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

Centre security and cleaning services are contracted out to local firms, as are the rest of the maintenance and service contracts.

As with all major centres, there are stories attached. One is that during construction one of the apprentices “got a bit lippy”. His tools are now concreted into the wall facing Wilson St. Craig’s office is the repository for some Trafalgar memorabilia; three framed maritime prints donated by Portsmouth Royal Navy Museum, and a scale model of Nelson’s flagship, the Victory. Craig says the plinth on which the model sits is oak from the ship, dating from the 1802 refit, with a piece of copper plate from the hull sheathing.

“Twenty-five years and we’re still going strong,” says Craig, “with plans for the future.”

14

The Royal Wanganui T

he Royal Wanganui Opera House is New Zealand’s last Victorian theatre.

Located in St Hill Street in central Wanganui, the 114-year-old theatre seats 830 and is the venue for many local, national and international events.

These include grand opera, operetta, tribute concerts, piano recitals, orchestral concerts, school events, lectures, graduations, fashion shows, dance of all forms, and floral theatre. Functions requiring a stage and auditorium style seating can be accommodated. Wedding ceremonies have been performed and the stage can accommodate a reception of up to 80. The Opera House has its own ticketing system but maintains a link to TicketDirect Network.

The Background In 1897, councillor F.M. Spurdle proposed that Queen Victoria’s “record reign” should be commemorated by setting aside land on which the Council itself would build an opera house The Mayor, Alexander Hatrick, supported the idea, a committee was established to investigate and the council agreed to go ahead. In March 1897 the prospectus of the Wanganui Opera House company (Limited) was published in the local newspaper, with a capital of £5000. Of the 5000 £1 shares, 4000 were offered to the public. Plans were to erect the Opera House on a site in St Hill St. The council had plans for a competition drawn up to design the

Opera House

opera house. Terms, announced in September, 1898, noted that the successful architect would be rewarded with supervision of the job, and a commission of 5% on the total cost, with a second prize of £40 and third prize of £20. The winner, Wellington architect, George Stevenson, was announced in January, 1899, Mr Stevenson died that July, the day on which the foundation stone was laid. A retired Wanganui builder, James Tawse, took over supervision free of charge. The tender of £4597 was awarded to a former employee of his, Swiss-born Nicholas Meuli, who ran his own building company in Wanganui.

The Building The general design of the building is of the Tuscan order (pillars and pilasters) for the lower storey and the Doric for the upper one, and…somewhat in keeping with the Borough’s other building alongside, the Council Chambers. The plans Stevenson drew up are held in the Whanganui Regional Museum. Copies are displayed in the bar/ sweet stall lounge at the Opera House. The six sheets show “plans at basement, ground floor and dress circle levels, a longitudinal cross-section, and external elevations.

The Wanganui Herald of the day recorded that “the building which is of wood, resting on massive concrete foundations, all the inside walls being plastered. In size, it compares favorably with any theatre in the colony, the

Photo courtesy of Mark Brimblecombe

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

auditorium measuring 60 ft by 60 ft, affording seating accommodation for over one thousand persons. The dress circle and orchestral stall seats are of the latest pattern, with cast-iron frames and upholstered backs, the latter to tip up, thus giving ample room for persons to pass in front of those sitting down…” The circle itself was supported from below by 18 cast iron pillars, painted to imitate marble, and which spoiled the view of patrons. Even today patrons avoid buying seats located too close to the pillars. Behind the circle was a reception and refreshment room”.

Thomson notes that “the auditorium was comparatively narrow, and the circle ended at the proscenium on each side, strengthening the intimacy of relationship between actors and audience”. Ten large windows provided some ventilation and lit the auditorium and dress circle in the day time. Other ventilation was provided with “twenty-two ‘a hit and miss’ ventilator fitted into the walls, and in the dome itself is an ornamental cast-iron ventilator. At night electricity was used to light the theatre, power for which is derived from a 16 hp Crossley Brothers engine”.

15

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.

Elite Mechanical and Engineering Services Ltd is 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.

Elite Mechanical and Engineering Services Ltd 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 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 • Fault Finding • 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

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

16 ING HOTEyL IN D I IT A G lit OHIN ed Hospita ashion Good Old-f odation - Accomm Bar – Meals

www.wanganuigymclub.co.nz Selected Recreational Groups Program Tumbling Squad

Pre-School Gym

Recreational & Competitive

18 months up to 4 years

Trampoline T

Recreational Gym 5 years up to 18 years and over er

Competitive Co

Recreational Trampoline

Artistic

10 years & over

Competitive Mens & Womens

We also welcome enquiries from - Kindergartens, Early Childhood Centres, Kohanga Reo, School groups & outside clubs & groups

The Gym Club can provide short or long term gymnastic programmes and live-in camps at all levels Sports Accommodation

10 Rooms, catering for up to 30 people, full kitchen, shower facilities & laundry

Birthday Parties

From hearty country meals to more cosmopolitan fare Blackboard specials and Director’s selections (like wild venison with plum port and black cherries) All day breakfast Children’s meals ($10, incl. complimentary ice cream sundae) Light meals and lunch Evening meals with hotel-specialty desserts Takeaway menu including ‘fish & chips’, burgers, toasted sandwiches Cater for vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets Range of beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic Functions and event catering

Gym fun session on arrival, party food in the Flic Flac Cafe. We can comfortably cater for up to 20 children

Holiday Programmes

CAROL

For 2 weeks every school holidays. OSCAR & WINZ approved, subsidies available

Join us on facebook!

SH1 Ohingaiti, Hunterville

(06) 345 8670

office@wanganuigymclub.co.nz

Good-Times Manager

021 838395

Ph: 06 322 9733 Fax: 06 322 9817

www.ohingaiti-hotel.co.nz goodtimes@ohingaiti-hotel.co.nz Facebook: Ohingaiti Wildfern

Rural accounting professionals providing business advisory & consultancy services to many businesses in the Central & Lower North Island area.

Offices in WHANGANUI Ohakune | Taumarunui Telephone: 06 348 0062 Freephone: 0800 480 062

Your local supplier for biodegradable disposables.

Plates, cups, cutlery and more …

Delivery can be arranged.

Facsimile: 06 348 0107 Address: 16 Bell Street, P.O. Box 670, Whanganui

Visit: www.edengreennz.com

www.balanceonline.co.nz

EDEN Eco Products Ltd 56A Fitzherbert Avenue, Wanganui Phone & Fax: (06) 344 2942 Email: rombout@clear.net.nz

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

17

Love E

Local

nter Liquorland in Victoria Ave and you’ll be greeted, personally.

Jenny Murphy owns and manages Wanganui’s only locally owned liquor store, employing nine smiling staff members.

“It’s critical your staff are friendly and welcoming with a certain amount of product knowledge,” she says.

It’s the “customer friendly” attitude that turns casual shoppers into regulars and ensures everyone feels comfortable in the store.

Even with limited space, Liquorland is well stocked and product is laid out in “rooms” where customers can browse.

The stands are well spaced, easy to access, with room for mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Jenny says she is also keen to bring in new product at customers’ requests.

And Liquorland is a Flybuys store.

“Download the Flybuys app on to your smartphone,” says Jenny. “Come in to the store, look at the Flybuys app to see how many points you’ve got, you can push ‘redeem’ right there on the spot and walk out with product.” The idea is perfect when looking for gifts and there’s a stand in the store with product redeemable for Flybuys points.

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

An increased selection of European wines includes the new proseccos – lighter than standard Kiwi bubblies – and a variety of sparkling wine from home and abroad. From Lindauer Fraise, now only available from traditional liquor stores, a good lunchtime wine, to higher end sparkling wines and champagnes for special occasions – Dom Perignon, Bollinger, Moët...

Due out is Moët Ice. Fill a goblet (not a flute) with ice, pour your Moët in and add a slice of lime, a sprig of mint or freshly slice pineapple, for example. “It just transforms it,” says Jenny.

“The stickies [dessert wines] are still a nice option.” Jenny recommends a sticky wine over ice as a summer treat.

The Edenvale zero alcohol wines are in stock as well as lower alcohol wines from the likes of Belle by Invivo.

Of course, old favourites like Mateus Rose will always have a place on the shelf. “There’s still a big demand,” she says.

Liquorland has an expanded range of craft beers for those willing to experiment with flavours and there are even more single malt whiskeys in stock, including Monkey Shoulder, a blend from Glenfiddich Balvinie and Kininvie. Just the presentation will have an impact – a bottle in a cage with two of the bars prized apart. Has the monkey escaped?

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

section. Everyone needs a skull on their mantel piece, or an oversized bottle of Jim Beam.

Whatever your favourite, it’s worth a visit to Liquorland.

Contact Details:

Wanganui 291-293 Victoria Ave, Wanganui Telephone: 06 345 5000 Facsimile: 06 345 3875 Email: manager.victoriaave@liquorland.co.nz

Opening Hours Monday - Thursday: 9am - 8pm Friday - Saturday: 9am - 10pm Sunday: 10am - 6pm

18 Preschoolers At-home Uniquely Achieving

Do you need Childcare?

Offers educational programmes to ORS funded students

Consider home based childcare with one of our PAUA Educators. Our Educators are supported by qualified teachers who visit regularly. 20 Hours ECE and Work and Income childcare subsidies are also available for those who qualify.

Satellite classes for ORS funded students at

High quality educational al toys and resources!

We don’t sell PAUA just awesome educational toys and resources thatt are ‘more unique than most’!

• Carlton • Tawhero • Cullinane • Rutherford Junior High School Transition class (18-21yrs) at base

PAUA (Pre-schoolers At-home Uniquely Achieving) – based in large premises at 305 Heads Road – with over 50 staff (Visiting Teachers and Admin) supporting 306 Educators, who are caring for 740 children from Kaitaia to Christchurch. These numbers rapidly change as PAUA continues to grow every day. Managing Director Raewyn Overton-Stuart is following her dream to provide quality home based Early Childhood Education services that also reflect her personal Christian values.

PAUA’s concept is simple – Whanau, grandparents, aunties or the next door neighbour can go through our application process to become an Educator, responsible for up to four children in their home, with no more than 2 children being under two.

PAUA, through their qualified Early Childhood Teachers, provide assistance, advice and resources which are chosen according to children’s interests and development level. The Teachers prepare “photographic learning stories” which are available online and posted to the parents each month. PAUA provides quality home-based childcare for Pre-schoolers – with flexible hours and convenience, which can work around all work requirements even shift workers.

our Educate y to n re child their life ts, en requirem they so when ey are old th st” lo won’t be

Arahunga Special School, 1 Poynter Place, (06) 348 7139 | 0273487159 Enrolling now for 2015

Specialist Teacher Outreach Service Supports ORS funded students in their local school

ph 0800 728 277 www.paua.ac.nz PAUA Products A wonderful shop found at 305 Heads Road is bursting with fantastic a as quality wooden toys, puzzles, dress ups games for the children as well as an amazing and gam range of books including Christian books.

Open 9am-4pm Monday to Friday.

PAUA Products are toys that are built to last.

PA They also have a great shop in Mount Eden Th Auckland – catering for the Auckland families Auc filled with the same wonderful quality toys. fil Phone 06 344 8074

Arahunga Outreach Service

PAUA Poppetts A Babysitting and Nanny service also in the Auckland Area providing nanny care and professional child minding services in both the home and hotels.

Visiting Auckland and need childcare?

PAUA Poppetts is just a phone call away.

Phone 09 376 7774

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

Margaret Smith Manager 1 Poynter Place, Whanganui 4501 PHONE (06) 3487139 MOB 027 348 7149 margaret.arahunga@xtra.co.nz

19

Brunswick School

15 Campbell Road, Brunswick Only 10kms from Wanganui Have you considered a Rural Education for your 5 year old?

Or Have you considered a Rural Education for your 11 or 12 year old as a positive alternative to a large city intermediate?

We can offer your child: • A differentiated curriculum catering for Gifted and Talented students • Excellent computer and ICT resources • Education outside the classroom • International languages • Art intensives • A well resourced library • Manual classes off site for seniors • On site community swimming pool • Innovative and highly motivated staff • Cool Schools mediation in the playground • Regular information about your child’s progress

Limited spaces available

OPEN FOR ENROLMENTS 28th - 30th January

Return to School start date is Tuesday 3rd February www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

20

The Grand

O

Hotel

ne of Wanganui’s more iconic hostelries celebrates its 87th 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.

Of course, it was originally named Spriggens’ Hotel in deference to its then owner George Spriggens after whom nearby Spriggens Park was named.

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.

Under his guidance and leadership, Mr Gorrie has created a loyal staff structure with systems in place to ensure smooth sailing into the future.

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

On Course For

The Future

F

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.

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 We have moved:

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

41 Ingestre Street, Wanganui PO BOX 149, WANGANUI 4540 P (06) 345 6184 F (06) 345 2892 service@thefairway.co.nz

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

21 LOVE YOUR LOCAL

Wanganui’s largest range of Rental Cars. Available from Wanganui City and Airport.

the book gallery.

Small Cars Compact Cars Intermediate Cars Large Cars Medium SUV’s Large SUV’s 12 Seat Minibus Utes (on request) Vans (on request) Daily Hires Weekly Hires

Independent & award winning bookstore. Soak up the ambience in an armchair, befriend books with our array of titles in every genre imaginable.

All on the corner of Guyton & Wicksteed Streets.

“No place quite like it.”

Monthly Hires One Way Hires

We Sell ex Fleet Cars. Enquire Today Enquire about our WEEKEND SPECIALS

60 GUYTON STREET, WHANGANUI 06 3489095 // hello@paigesbooks.com (GPS: 39°55’50.6”S 175°03’01.4”E)

www.paigesbooks.com 11 Purnell Street & Airport Terminal, Wanganui (next to H&A Print)

Phone Direct: (06) 927-6543 Book Online: www.budget.co.nz Email: wanganui@budget.co.nz

SHOP INDIE. NURTURE YOUR COMMUNITY.

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

22

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

23

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

The Bell Tower,

24

Cooks Garden T his is a wooden structure with an octagonal peaked iron roof and balcony is on the site of the old York Stockade, and houses the original 1874 Sheffield fire bell and four bells from the Post Office Clock tower. Each night the fire brigade watchmen climbed to the top, and when a fire was spotted rang the bell, the number of strokes indicating where the fire was burning. The 6m high tower contains a central staircase which give access to the bells.

The hill in Cooks Gardens was the site of the fighting Pa, Patupohau. Taranaki people occupied this pa while Whanganui and Taupo tribes were visiting Kapiti Island in 1839. The Reserve was set aside in the original purchase plan of Wanganui and later the York Stockade was built on the hill in the reserve.

This was occupied by officers and men of the 65th (Yorkshire) Regiment from July 1847. On the base at the foot of the hill the Commissariat grew vegetables which the cooks would harvest each day to meet their requirements, hence the name Cooks Gardens. On the hill was built the Bell tower.

Your Event ... Your Way! Located in the heart of Wanganui, our multipurpose & internationally recognised venue is available for your next function, social, sports, school, club or community event.

Contact us today!

P: (06) 349 1842 E: cooks@eventswanganui.com www.facebook.com/CooksGardens

God The gift of

to

this enlightened age

is the knowledge of the oneness of mankind and the fundamental oneness of religion. ’Abdu’l Bahá

0800 BAHAIS

0800 22 42 47 | www.bahai.org.nz

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

25

Churches

ST PAUL’S-ST MARK’S PRESBYTERIAN PARISH Based in Guyton Street and Puriri Street, Wanganui Tel 06 345 3918

Wanganui Salvation Army Church Service Sunday 10am 158 Wicksteed Street

Sunday Worship at 10am Weekly study groups Outreach activities include a drop in, an exercise class Living Well Seminars for seniors, cooking classes We welcome all visitors to Wanganui

Phone 345 2343

“To Know Jesus and Make Him Known” ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽

Faithfully Preaching God’s Word Family Oriented Youth Group Every Friday Junior Church Ministry to Senior Citizens

SANS DIEU RIEN

without God, nothing!

We’re proud to celebrate this beautiful place; a city founded on a complete reliance on God, as evidenced by the city’s motto above.

If you’re in town, why not come and worship with us? Every Sunday morning, 10:00am

285 Wicksteed St, City Centre | Ph: 06 345 3557 www.wcb.org.nz | facebook.com/wcbchurch

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

26

Famous people from D

Wanganui

ick Tonks was always serious about his rowing, breaking into the New Zealand team in 1971. He was in the national squad until 1975 and was a part of the first golden era of New Zealand rowing.

He won Olympic silver in 1972, as stroke of a coxless four that included Ross Collinge, Dudley Storey and Noel Mills. He was still competing when he coached at lightweight level in the late 1970s, then took a long break.

In 1989 a Wanganui Union women’s four asked for help, drawing him back to coaching. One of the four, Florence Matthews, became his second wife. His breakthrough came when double scullers Philippa Baker and Brenda Lawson moved to Wanganui in 1994 and asked him to coach them. They won a world title at Indianapolis that year, a bronze at Tampere in 1995 and made the Olympic final at Athens in 1996.

Soon after, Tonks was coaching Rob Waddell, who won world titles in 1998 at Cologne and 1999 at St Catharines, Canada, before his Olympic triumph. After the 2000 Olympics he moved north to head the high performance programme at Lake Karapiro.

At the 2001 world championships at Lucerne, Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell won silver in the double sculls and teamed with Paula Twinning and Sonia Waddell for a silver in the quad sculls. The coxless four of Rochelle Saunders, Nicky Coles, Kate Robinson and Jackie Abraham won a third silver. The Evers-Swindells won double sculls world titles in 2002, 2003 and 2005 and Olympic gold at Athens in 2004 and 2008, all under Tonks’ guidance.

He coached other Olympic finalists at Athens and the pay-off came in Japan in 2005 when besides the EversSwindells, he coached single sculler Mahe Drysdale and the women’s pair of Nicky Coles and Juliette Haigh to world titles. Other top rowers under his tutelage have included Hamish Bond and Eric Murray.

There was stunning success for the New Zealand rowing squad overseen by Tonks at the 2006 world championships, in Eton, England, and the 2007 championships in Munich, Germany. Beijing, 2008, marked Tonks’ fourth Olympics, one as a competitor, three as a coach.

The International Rowing Federation named Tonks coach of the year for 2005 and 2010. He was named Coach of the Year in the annual Halberg Awards in 1999, 2004, 2005 and 2009. Tonks was made a member of the New Zealand Order in 2003.

E

dith Collier is undoubtedly the most significant painter to have been born in Wanganui. The Sarjeant Gallery has had the good fortune to be the custodian of the Edith Collier Trust Loan Collection, consisting of some 500 artworks as well as personal ephemera, photographs and correspondence since 1985.

Edith Marion Collier was born in Wanganui on March 28, 1885, the eldest child of Henry and Eliza Collier. The Colliers were an early colonial family in Wanganui, with strong musical leanings (Edith Collier herself played the cello). However, it was towards art she most applied her talents and in 1912, at the age of 27, Edith Collier joined a number of young enthusiastic New Zealand artists of the time and left for England to become an expatriate.

The influence of modern art and teachers such as Margaret MacPherson in Ireland and Frances Hodgkins in St Ives is clear in her direct and expressive approach to painting during her time in Britain. A work like Frivolity, with its sketchy and abstract nature, shows Edith Collier’s spirit of artistic experimentation.

In December of 1921, Edith Collier travelled home to Wanganui. Without the support she had received overseas from like-minded artists, and facing the family responsibilities expected of a spinster aunt and eldest daughter, Collier lost the zest for experimentation that had characterised her earlier work. The situation was possibly due to Edith Collier’s modest and retiring nature and dedication to her family as well as a resistance to modern art practices in New Zealand. Within five years of returning to New Zealand, she started to put her training aside, with the exception of a few spasmodic efforts. In her last 25 years until her death in 1964, she had ceased painting altogether.

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27

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CT E E 3 1 NN NTR 0 i c 2 CO CE tike e D BP AIL ngi LS RET - Ra L BU 14 ulls 20 B

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4 201 CT Oct ONNE eet, tr C BP don S nui LonWanga

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SUPPLIERS TO LARSENS CONCRETE

Ma

rch Vic F to BUARMApri ria I E l 2 Av LDI RS 01 4 e W NG an ga nu i

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520 cubic metres W Largest concrete pour in Wanganui’s history IG Se 4 H in association with Allied Concrete Gl T pt 2 01 RT 2 as AL 0 e O i & Bullocks Concrete Jun L SPOES ganu Wagow UM 14 an BE C ng St INI RE BRIS et, W an re UM Jan - Sept 2014 e ui et, Str n SOUTH TARANAKI i bl Du DAIRY CONVERSIONS

Increased Residential and Commercial activity makes Wanganui a Boom Town Ph: Mac McDonnell 06 347 7717 info@perthconcrete.co.nz

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

Concrete Evidence Helping Wanganui Rangitikei & South Taranaki Grow!

28

Wanganui W

Cemetery Circuit

anganui, Boxing Day, Cemetery Circuit. It goes together like jam and bread and it’s been that way almost annually since 1951.Conceived as a motorcycle street race to replicate the Isle of Man TT and the Continental Round-the-Houses-style meetings popular in Europe in the post-World War 2 years, the event and the circuit has lasted, due in huge part to an objection by the Automobile Association in late 1951 to the original circuit as requested by the Wanganui Carnival Committee and the Sports Motorcycle Club and promoted as being the ideal Continental-style circuit.

It included the top of Victoria Ave, up St Johns Hill to Parsons St, down to Grey St, into Liverpool St and back to Victoria Ave. The main point of the AA objection was that visitors to the city would have to make detours on unfamiliar back roads in peak holiday time, which was upheld by the council. The organisers were asked to find a circuit that didn’t include a main road. They finally settled on the one we

know as the Cemetery Circuit and on December 11, 1951, the council approved road closures for a few hours practise on Boxing Day and racing the following day. Flag marshals around the circuit communicated by a hard-wired temporary telephone system while the ambulance remained at its base a short distance along the road at the hospital. Time keeping and lap scoring were manual. With the event on a fully-sealed course in a city handy to accommodation and shops, it attracted 4500 spectators, which meant approval from the council to do it again in 1952 was never in question. And so it all began. Back then all motorcycle road racing in New Zealand was on rural road circuits that were more often than not a mix of sealed and unsealed surfaces.

The Cemetery Circuit was the first in the country to run on city streets, which posed two safety problems for organisers- more spectators and more track-side obstacles such as power poles, kerbs, stone walls and buildings. Spectator safety was

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

managed by the spectators while sacks of sawdust padded up obvious obstacles to increase rider safety. Over time, straw bales replaced the sawdust bags and were eventually used extensively at all points around the circuit. Each year about 5500 were delivered to the circuit at 4am every Boxing Day. Lengths of rope strung around 44 gallon drums were nothing more than a guide as to where people could stand. Modern, expensive air-fencing has replaced the straw bales in strategic areas, offering greater safety for riders. The manual time keeping has gone, replaced by electronic timing providing lap timing to 1/1000th of a second. Add in the colour and spectacle of the pits and the presence of overseas riders and the picture could be one of an international race circuit anywhere in the world. Recently rated by an influential European magazine as among the world’s top 10 best street circuits, a valid question could be, if it wasn’t for the AA objection, would it have ever been?

29

Whanganui Regional

Health Network

T

here are seventeen general practices with the Whanganui Regional Health Network (WRHN), serving a population of approximately 62,000 across the Whanganui district. The benefits of belonging to WRHN are cheaper fees when you see your GP and access to a range of free health services (requiring referral by your GP or practice nurse), e.g. counselling service, immunisation service, social workers, community health workers, diabetes support, pregnancy and parenting education, pharmacist facilitators, long-term conditions nurses. So if you are not currently enrolled with a GP, this would be a good time to join one.

The practices currently enrolling new patients in Wanganui city are: Gonville Health Ltd, Te Oranganui Medical Centre, Jabulani Medical Ltd, St Johns Medical Centre; and in the rural areas (enrolling people new to their area): Taihape Health Ltd, Stewart Street Surgery (Marton), Waimarino Health Ltd (Raetihi), Te Oranganui (Ohakune and Waverley).

For further information on WRHN and an outline of general practice fees, visit our website www.wrpho.org.nz (please note that a new website is currently under construction) or we can be contacted on (06) 348 0109.

on ati s i n s mu ice Im Serv inatorn c e c r

Pregnancy & Parenting

Co un Se selli rvi ng ce mo Fo der r m i

Antenatal education. of s ate ld t Free programmes va hild ed o s t d t c a e c nd ress, ympt n g i e held week nights o a d Tra surin y prot cine F n e or x m p or weekends. en full vac le info ress iety s t e i o b s To register or for s n t rma on. ar ain nta . ti erv his ag reve ses information ice free on p sea the 3 p i t 4 contact d tac or 8 01 hone on n ask 09 Pikihuia Box Co rvice B4 GP you se 0800 1 348 0109 School 00 nur or_ r 5 se_ 77 Check Whanganui A nation wide programme offering a free health and development check for four year olds.

To find out more contact the Coordinator on Pik 0800 775 001

Te i O

Accident & Medical Whanganui Regional

Health Network

Quit

Clinic in Wanganui Hospital next to ED. Assessing and treating injuries/ accidents, and after-hours To ss GP medical e care cc

Clinic ra N A GP be othi a n t a Free support ou l ter ts a g ind nera to become con m he long f sel To h ge are diti alth smoke free. We f hic tices new t To mana on lik w can help find the c c fre regis gem e pra olling onta n, best way for you for e w ter en r s c oe n t t e mo ork f h s to quit. Drop in or s or . tien eld ion con re inf hop a pa en V nicat on call us. We are at r tac orm or Ka mmu nator Ka t A ati 49 Ingestre Street o u Co oordi 0109 34 ika o nne n (cnr Ingestre & Guyton) 80 C 348 10 n 0800 200 249 9

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

30

AON Billy T

Webb Challenge

he Billy Webb Challenge is NZ’s premier long distance sculling race, reproducing NZ’s first professional single sculling world champion Billy Webb’s historic defence of his World Title on the 5km Whanganui River course in 1908.

2014 will be the fifth running of the event, and this year will see a change of format, inspired by the Armada Cup (a popular event in Switzerland).

Single scullers are invited to compete on the Whanganui River, going head to head against Rowing New Zealand Summer School elite athletes, including Olympic Champions Mahe Drysdale, Eric Murray, and Hamish Bond.

Mahe Drysdale, 5 times Armada Cup winner, says of the Swiss race “This is an awesome race, its unique in the fact the scullers all start together in a shot gun start. Its carnage and a big advantage to be in front.”

There will be prize purses for winners in each category, including Elite Men and Women, Club, Masters and School scullers, and the extra participants should provide an exciting spectacle for the crowd.

In addition to the 5km race is the Corporate Eights Challenge, which will feature heats in the Aon Jury Cup Regatta on Saturday 29th November, with the final being held on Sunday 30th November.

The crowd cheer on their rowing heroes as they approach the finish line

2012 winner Mahe Drysdale

Billy Webb - famous Wanganui sculler after whom the event is named

Action from the Corporate Eight final on Whanganui River. As well as the star Olympians there were many amateur rowers and first-timers who had their moments on the water

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

31

THE AVENUE, WANGANUI 06 349 0044 theavenue@xtra.co.nz 2014 Beef & Lamb Excellence Award

12 times a winner! ✢ It’s nice to keep the tradition going ✢ We pride ourselves on the beef and lamb we sell ✢ Lamb Rack and Eye Fillet Signature Dishes ✢ Customers come back time and time again

LOOK GOOD! FEEL GOOD! Men’s and Women’s Wallets and Accessories Luggage and Travel Accessories

We are more than just a hotel

Hats and Hair Fascinators Kagi, Zsiska and other Fashion Jewellery Clothing, Shoes and Scarves Men’s and Women’s Business Bags Women’s Handbags 137 Victoria Avenue, Phone: 06 345 7722 Wanganui sales@silvestersbags.co.nz New Zealand www.facebook.com/silvestersbags

GROUP CHARTERS OF 5-6 DIRECT TO BLENHEIM & NELSON, COMPETITIVE PRICES

• Executive Business Charters • VIP on Board refreshments • Scenic flights • Advanced Pilot training • S.A.R • 6 or 7 seaters available Protege Hairdressing are celebrating their most recent achievements!

20 years service to Wanganui 2 pilot crew available - 2 pressurised aircraft All weather nationwide 30min response time Emergency delivery of documents and parts Express cargo

FINALIST NZARH/KITOMBA BOUTIQUE SALON OF THE YEAR & BEST NEW ENTRANT SALON OF THE YEAR TIFFINY AND KATE - finalists NZARH Editorial Stylist of the Year

www.airwanganui.co.nz

KATE - finalist NZARH Le Male photographic competition

Air Wanganui Commuter Ltd Airport Wanganui P.O.Box 42, Wanganui 4540 New Zealand

TIFFINY - Winner of Wella Ignite Competition 5 day course at Vidal Sassoon Academy in London

06 348 9210 off - 06 348 9204 Fax 06 348 9200 24hrs - 027 672 1400 flightops@airwanganui.co.nz

TUESDAY TO SATURDAY TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY LATE NIGHTS Phone now to make your appointment 06 345 4045

293 Victoria Avenue

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

32

Whanganui Regional T

he Whanganui Regional Museum, founded in 1892, has extensive collections of natural and human history with a regional emphasis. It houses objects of national and international significance. There are also significant collections from elsewhere, such as Pasifika tapa and ceramics from Asia and Cyprus.

The Museum programme includes long-term and short-term exhibitions, a changing calendar of programmes and events, lectures, fieldtrips, demonstrations and workshops as well as comprehensive education experiences, research services led by experts, identification of objects and specimens and heritage advisory services.

Exhibition highlights are: Te Atihaunuia-Paparangi - The Maori Court which features the waka taua (war canoe) Te Mata o Hoturoa and an internationally renowned collection of taonga Maori.

Te Pataka Whakaahua - The Lindauer Gallery has portraits of prominent Maori rangatira (leaders) by renowned artist Gottfried Lindauer. The Street - Wanganui 1900-1920 is a recreation of shops and businesses from this prosperous time. In Land - mana whenua, mana tangata we see Whanganui, its land, its community and the town during the 19th century, through experiences of both tangata whenua and European settlers, with particular reference to land, spirituality, conflict and alliance.

A team of dedicated professional staff and community volunteers contribute their vision and energy caring for and sharing the stories of the Museum’s collections.

The Museum Shop stocks a wide range of jewellery, souvenirs, books and DVDs.

Museum

opportunities for contact and engagement with a different slice of the community.

Annual exhibition programme involves: • Enhancement, maintenance and changes in long-term exhibitions • Programme of changing exhibitions; two large and six small per year • Local and curriculum focus during school term time • Summer tourist season exhibition with wide visitor appeal • Design effectively so elements of temporary programme transfer to enhance the long-term exhibitions • Each exhibition contains elements that acknowledge learning styles and interests of different sectors of community • Events include public talks, performances and holiday programmes and are linked to exhibitions or events within our community

Museum Services • Activities in the Museum enhance visitor experience and create opportunities for more learning and social interaction • Programmes are also designed to tie in with Whanganui or national initiatives

Exhibitions and Events

E

xhibitions bring the world to Whanganui and present Whanganui to the world. Research, curation, design and construction enable us to produce high quality exhibitions that tell the stories and Whanganui and the wider world.

We rely completely on external funding sources for all exhibition and event projects. Every exhibition and event are www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

• Programmes are designed to target different sectors of the Musuem audience and to cover all stakeholders over a year’s delivery • Comprehensive collection of natural and human history of New Zealand and the world • Around 200,000 objects in collection • Between 300 and 500 new objects or archives donated each year by about 100 people and organisations • Contemporary collecting focus is on Whanganui region and the regional experience • 70,000 collection records on database, transferring 115 years of paper records and early electronic records into consistent, reliable data. Will provide platform for much greater access to collection information • Designated repository for Crown Archives and Presbyterian Church of NZ Archives • Preservation, preventative conservation and conservation • Lending collection objects to other cultural institutions, nationally and world-wide • Researching the collection to support collection documentation • Research to support community projects and group activities

33

WHAT SPARK BUSINESS WANGANUI CAN DO FOR YOU Spark Business is a local service created just for you. Our job is to understand your business needs in order to tailor the right communications solution.

WHAT WE OFFER: •

Provide you with a dedicated business communications expert, as well as a team of people at your local business to provide invaluable support.

•

Regular tech checks to ensure you have the right broadband, landline, mobile and web solution.

•

One to one conversations at your premises at a time that’s convenient for you.

SIMPLY DIAL 0800 287 463 WE’LL COME TO YOU. www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

SPA0151_A4

Email us at info@hubwanganui.co.nz

34

Welcome to Whanganui O

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.

ACCOMMODATION Pipiriki Cottage

River Adventures

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.

Two Day Ride

HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE WHANGANUI RIVER AND CYCLING ADVENTURES WE OFFER:

Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail Hikoi

The Bridge to Nowhere (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”.

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.

Pipiriki Camping Grounds Along with our staff, we welcome you to our secluded and secure Campground,

Bridge to Nowhere – Butbuster Ride 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 Ohakune allow 10 hours.* minimum numbers apply.

Whanganui River Adventures

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.

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 fitness 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

Jet Boating Bush Walking The ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ Canoeing 100% Locally Owned & Operated Mountain Biking Pipiriki Camping Ground

P I P I R I K I

0800 TO BRIDGE

0800 862 743 www.whanganuiriveradventures.co.nz

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

35

We have an extensive range, offer a delivery service & will cut panels to order!

• Plywood • MDF • Particle Board • Melteca/Melamine • Hettich Hardware • Hardboard • Dowel

Whether you are building, renovating or would like to discuss your window and door options call us for a free measure and quote.

Ph: 06 344 6777 - 0800 000 67 admin@creativealuminium.co.nz

www.creativealuminium.co.nz 200 Taupo Quay Wanganui

call in nnow and chat with Bruce or Graeme Beadle 4 Springvale Road - Wanganui - 06 345 7688

Commercial and Property Team

• • • • • • • •

Business Transactions Commercial Property Farming Transactions and Contracts Sale & Purchase of Residential Property Subdivisions Wills, Power of Attorney and Estates Setting up Trusts Leasing Structures

For all your helicopter requirements

Call us today to find out how we can help

06 349 1599 8 Bell Street, PO Box 441 Wanganui 4540

WWW.ARMSTRONGBARTON.CO.NZ www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

Pilot: Dean Lithgow (06) 348 4777 a/h (021) 900 845

Quality without compromise

36

Ruapehu A s a district Ruapehu is blessed with spectacular scenery, a magnificent range of attractions and activities offering an unparalleled lifestyle for both residents and visitors alike of every age group, interest and fitness level.

Nestled alongside Lake Taupo and containing the Whanganui National Park and the Tongariro National Park with Mt Ruapehu, a dual World Heritage location, Ruapehu is not only a ‘must do’ destination but a gateway to the rest of the North Island.

Ruapehu’s central location in the centre of the North Island means it is ideally situated for a wide range of businesses and entrepreneurs looking to service the main centres and world export markets.

This unique location together with our iconic natural attractions also makes the Ruapehu district the North Island’s adventure and getaway capital.

We are now attracting close to one million visitors per year with summer visitors now out ranking our traditional winter season visitors.

Our visitor growth is underwritten by major new visitor draw cards. These include two national cycleways – the ‘Timber Trail Pureora to Ongarue’ and the ‘Mountains to the Sea’ cycle trail, and the award winning ‘Forgotten World’ self-drive rail cart adventure between Ohura and Stratford in Taranaki.

These visitor attractions alongside our traditional winter snow sports and the Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields on Mt Ruapehu means Ruapehu is now seen as an all season, all year destination.

Ruapehu district has always enjoyed a strong working relationship with Whanganui and other regional partners.

We are focused on working strategically with our partners on a range of issues for the benefit of the region. The upgrading and sealing of the Whanganui River Rd linking Wanganui with Pipiriki and Raetihi is a good example of this that has opened the door to greater tourism and business development between the Ruapehu and Whanganui districts.

Ruapehu’s local communities are extremely entrepreneurial and, along with Council, are focused on achieving and maintaining sustainable development within the District. We are currently

taking an active part in the ManawatuWhanganui Regional Growth Study Programme.

The Regional Growth Study will help to identify and prioritise the big economic opportunities open to the various business sectors in Ruapehu and the region with the goal of increasing investment, employment and incomes.

A key outcome of the Study will be to provide input and direction for the Central NZ Agribusiness Strategy that aims to double agribusiness exports from the Manawatu-Whanganui Region from $1.9 billion to $3.8 billion by 2025. Ruapehu primary producers are well placed to play their part and make a significant contribution to achieving this growth goal.

No other district can offer the same business opportunities, variety of adventure and holiday options than Ruapehu.

Whether you are looking for a place to locate your business, a rewarding career opportunity, a holiday with a difference, a change from big city pressures, a great place to raise a family, or just a weekend break – you need to take a closer look at Ruapehu.

Whaia e koe ki te iti kahurangi; ki te tuohu koe, me maunga teitei.

Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

37

New owners for

Wanganui New World Owners John and Victoria Kelly (Compliance Manager)

I

started working holiday jobs in the Supermarket industry at just 12 years of age, my Father and Grandfather were also Grocers and I’m very proud to say that I am a third generation Grocer.

When I was young we wore walk shorts, walk socks, airtec shirts and tie, a grocery apron and had the classic pencil behind the ear. We unloaded all deliveries by hand, priced everything by hand and packaged many products ourselves.

My father knew pretty much all of his customers by name and our New World was truly a family business owned and operated by the Kelly family who, as

members of the community, believed in supporting their community. Many things have changed in the past 34 years but I would like to think that we can retain the most important values of being a fully locally owned and operated Supermarket.

At New World Wanganui we pride ourselves on providing a wide range of quality fresh food at competitive prices and over the coming months you will see many new products being offered across the store, especially in our bakery and service deli departments. Our dedicated staff aim to provide a high level of customer service and to look after every single one of our customers to the best of our ability to ensure you feel welcome in store.

I am very proud of the team I work with everyday, like me they are committed to making New World Wanganui the best supermarket in town. For us to deliver what our customers expect we value your feedback and welcome it with open minds

so don’t be shy in letting us know your thoughts, I promise to call you personally to talk through any issue or opportunity.

My wife Victoria and I have four children, two of whom are studying at Otago University and two who are currently at secondary school in Wellington, they will also be working in the store over the Christmas break. As we now live in Wanganui I wish to contribute to the local community by assisting with sponsorship and support for worthwhile activities. Sponsorship application forms are available from the service desk.

To all our customers a big thank you for making us feel so welcome, it has been a pleasure to meet you and I appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement, I look forward to seeing you in store and catching up on your news. For those of you who are not currently shopping with us please take the time to visit us and experience for yourself the New World difference.

Steven - Coldshelf & Frozen Foods

Arran - Produce Manager

Vaughan - Butchery Manager

James - Grocery Manager

Wendy - Checkout Manager

Sandra - Office Manager

Talia - Liquor and General Merchandise Manager

Sarah - Service Deli, Bakery and Fish Manager

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

38

Wanganui

Parks

Kowhai Park

Bason Reserve

K

owhai Park is the most unique children’s park in New Zealand and is located on the banks of the Whanganui River off Anzac Parade. The park has some of the most imaginative playground equipment.

There are several slides but none of them are conventional.

With turtles to sit on, Humpty Dumpty’s wall to fall off, rocket ships to drive and mountains to climb there won’t be time to eat your lunch at the toadstool picnic tables!

A massive pumpkin, 8 metres in diameter and 3.6 metres high, is a focal point at the park. It houses two large steel plate barbecues heated by gas for 20 minutes at a time. All this is provided free of charge for the enjoyment of those using the park’s facilities.

Little Miss Muffet and a scary looking spider, complete with swings for toddlers hanging from its legs, adds a new touch to a conventional theme. With a skating rink, water-play fountains for hot days and a fort with a flying fox, there is something for all ages.

Mini-train rides are available during the weekends and school holidays on the Tot-Town Railway and across the tracks there is a castle to explore and a ship to sail. At the other end there is a massive skate/bike park to suit the older or more adventurous “kids”.

I

n 1966 the late Mr Stanley Bason offered his farm property to the Wanganui City Council for the creation of a botanical reserve. Work began on roading and damming the Mowhanau stream in 1971 and from there Wanganui’s Bason Botanic Gardens has flourished.

As the Bason Botanic Gardens developed, the architecture of the glasshouses and other structures has become a unique feature. These buildings house some of the botanical collection and feature orchids and begonias, along with outdoor areas showcasing beautiful delphiniums, succulents, camellias and a diverse range of plant material in a magnificent rural setting.

Bason Botanic Gardens offers people of all ages fun, entertainment and education. Its numerous indoor and outdoor gardens, bush walks and relaxation areas with free BBQs provide year-round enjoyment. To guarantee this, extensive planting of native and introduced plants has been carried out over the years and this is being extended every year.

Castlecliff Domain

W

anganui’s seaside city suburb, Castlecliff, is just minutes from the city centre offering the classic seaside holiday option with patrolled swimming, a well established motor camp, fantastic playground, skate park and easy access to an exensive west coast sandy beach. This is also Wanganui’s prime surfing beach with great breaks available at the River mouth breakwater. At low tide the walk to the cliffs is worth the effort, or hike 2-3 hours at low tide to Kai Iwi beach www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

39

Caring for animals large & small

WE HAVE

MOVED

Appointment A ppoiinttmentt onl only ly Monday-Friday 8am-6pm 60 Carlton Avenue, Wanganui www.vetsoncarlton.co.nz phone:

345 5672

Dr Peter Scott BVSc Dr Malcolm Jansen BVSc Dr Erin Carver BVSc Dr Julene Kelly BVSc

We have moved to 124 Victoria Ave (located inside the BNZ bank) Same Great Team, Same Great Service

(06) 348 3500

holidays.wanganui@airnz.co.nz

Holidays that give you more

In the recent WanganuiManawatu Region House of the Year Awards, Stonewood Homes' Wanganui franchise picked up another Gold Award in the Placemakers New Homes $350,000$450,000.

Gold Winners Again!

Now “Gold Reserve” for making the National Top 100 and proudly representing Wanganui in the House of the Year National gala November 15th

Just one of numerous awards achieved during many years of building beautiful new homes in Wanganui.

So if you want your new home to be a winner, come and take a look at ours first!

Office 24 Gibson Street, Aramoho, Wanganui Phone 06 343 5007 Showhome 9 Webster Place, Otamatea, Wanganui Sat - Sun 1 - 4pm or by appointment.

0800 86 00 00 www.stonewood.co.nz

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

40

Wanganui coastline at sunset

The velodrome

Jet boats on the Whanganui River

The Sarjeant Gallery

The Chapel at Jane Winstone Retirement Village

No 12 Tram

Wanganui Opera House

Swans on Virginia Lake

The Whanganui River

Sky Show at Cooks Gardens

Gateway to Wanganui

View from the top of Durie Hill tower

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

41 The options are endless: enjoy life with Enliven

Kowhainui Retirement Village

Abingdon Retirement Village

Are you looking for carefree retirement living, with access to support as you need it?

Did you know there is old-world English country charm, right in the heart of Wanganui?

Kowhainui Retirement Village offers brand-new townhouse style villas in Edith Collier Drive, adjacent to Kowhainui Home. You’ll enjoy the security that comes from a brand new, modern brick build and the comfort of knowing help is on hand if you need it.

Enliven’s Abington villas are nestled amongst native trees and picturesque gardens in Oakland Avenue, St John’s Hill. These gorgeous villas surround Abingdon House – the village’s community centre where residents often socialise and enjoy a shared meal.

In-home support

Kowhainui Home

Do you need a little extra support and assistance to maintain, or regain, your independence at home?

Are you looking for a rest home that’s vibrant, bright and welcoming?

Enliven’s in-home support services include household management, personal care, rehabilitation and mobility support. These services can be tailored to suit your needs, and when your needs change, so too can the support we provide. We’ll work with you to work our what’s best for you.

Wanganui’s Kowhainui Home is a community icon – it’s a rest home with a difference. At Kowhainui Home you’ll be supported to maintain your independence and continue with your hobbies and passions.

Residents enjoy a varied social calendar, the company of others at a similar stage of life, friendly staff and a vibrant atmosphere.

Email enliven@psc.org.nz Call 0800 36 54 83 (that’s 0800 ENLIVEN) or Visit www.central.enliven.org.nz

At Family Works we support people of all ages – kids, teens and adults – through challenging times. We’ll empower you, your family/whanau, to flourish.

Our services, include: • counselling • parenting advice and education • social work and advocacy • support for those experiencing family violence We focus on supporting you to make positive changes using the strengths and resources you already have.

Call us on 06 345 6681

or visit www.central.familyworks.org.nz

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

42

Events calendar

Spring / Summer 2014-2015

Whanganui’s WHY WEIGHT 6 Week

Lifestyle Programme

www.facebook.com/InspireWhanganui

• • • • •

Nutrition & Exercise Workshops Bring your Whanau support Entry criteria: 120kg plus Starts Sunday 2nd November at 1pm Limited spaces available

ENROL NOW or PHONE (06) 345 9486 www.inspirewhanganui.co.nz

Have you tried our Ezee Meals?

• Wholesome and nutritious FROZEN meals • Delivery available (see in-store for details) • No added salt • 27 Delicious meals and desserts • Diabetic desserts available • Made with fresh ingredients

Mainstreet Wanganui facebook.com/mainstreetwanganui www.mainstreetwanganui.co.nz

City Mission Wanganui 62a Taupo Quay Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm • Phone: 3452139

NIk Naks Top Party Shop “THE HOME OF THE BRAZILIAN”

$1 Upper lip threading with any other service

Phone to make your appointment today

06 345 9731

164a Victoria Avenue, Wanganui

FACIAL THREADING

15 Maria Place, Wanganui

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

www.niknakscostumes.co.nz

Check out what we offer!

Mail Tour • Transport Cycling • Jet Boat

Kits, Collectables and Hobby Supplies PHONE: +64 6 343 2172

Alois and Val, 12a Cambridge Street, Gonville, Wanganui 4501 Ph: 06 345 3475 Cell: 027 201 2472 alymuller@msn.com www.whanganuitours.co.nz

Email: sales@booksandtoys.co.nz Website: www.booksandtoys.co.nz

DOGGY DAYCARE - No more guilty goodbyes Puppies – let us help you toilet train, socialise and teach your pup to be confident and free of unwanted behavioural issues now and in the future Adult dogs – Good News! Places have become available for small and medium size dogs (up to 24kg) Visit our facebook to see what your ‘social butterfly’ dog could be doing next week.

PET DOG SCHOOL OPENING HOURS: Monday - Friday 7.45am-6pm Caversham Road, Springvale, Sarah Hesketh • 345 2553 www.petdogschool.co.nz • training@petdogschool.co.nz

Oct 18 – 10.30am-3.30pm Majestic Square Whanganui Festival of Cultures Celebrate our vibrant diversity – a great day out for the whole family featuring 20 food stalls showcasing cuisine from around the world.

Oct 31 – 3pm-7pm Majestic Square Mainstreet Halloween Dress up, trick or treat, rattle your chains and join in the spooky fun – complete with face painting, bouncy castles, the haunted museum and a haunted hay ride.

Oct 31 – 10am-2.30pm Cooks Gardens Mitre 10 MEGA Tough Kid® Over 1200 kids will take on the Tough Kid® course to see who will be crowned the Toughest School for 2014!

Nov 8 – Whanganui River Whanganui River Challenge This will have a race to suit everyone. All races start and finish at Kowhai Park river front.

Nov 15-16 – 10am Springvale Park A & P Show Wood chopping, pet calf and lamb competitions, displays of vintage machinery, trade sites, food and craft stalls, McDonalds Petting Farm, entertainment and Mahons Side Shows. Mahons are also open on Friday and Saturday nights 7 to 10pm. Entry is FREE to the show, but there is a $2.00 gate entry to Mahons Side Shows for all persons aged 10 years and over. A fun-filled family package.

Nov 15-16 New Zealand Grand Prix Hydroplane Regatta Excitement on the Awa! Featuring the Downtown Flying Lap and the NZF1Powerboat Tour Round One Nov 22 – 2pm-4pm Wanganui Christmas Parade See all the amazing festive floats as they pass down Victoria Avenue then head to Majestic Square for live music and a giant lolly scramble.

Nov 29 – Whanganui River Aon Jury Cup Regatta NZ’s largest provincial rowing regatta takes place on the Aramoho 2000m course.

Nov 30 – 9am-12pm Whanganui River Aon Billy Webb Challenge This event is named after the great Billy Webb, a Wanganui man who won New Zealand’s first ever world sculling title in 1907. Big crowds have watched the “best on the planet” race, including NZ’s four time world champion Mahe Drysdale.

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

Dec 6 – 11am-4pm Kowhai Park Picnic in the Park Entertainment and activities for all the family.

Dec 18 – 5pm-9pm Christmas Late Night Shopping Get into the festive spirit and head down to the CBD, enjoy live Dec 26 Cemetery Circuit Street Races Of international fame and run for the first time in 1951, this event captures the hearts and minds of motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere!

Formula 1, BEARS, classics and side cars, international and national legends, this street circuit is one mile long with eight corners, two railway crossings, an overbridge and blind S’s beside the old Whanganui cemetery.

Dec 27 – gates open 11am V8 Jet Sprint Championship Round 1 New Zealand Jetsprint Championship, Shelter View Wanganui.

Jan 6-17 Wanganui Opera Week In support of the NZ Opera School, young opera singers have the opportunity to develop their abilities with tutors of international standing. Experience master classes, restaurant, lunchtime and evening recitals, a non-denominational church service and a gala concert with NZ’s up and coming operatic talent. Who knows, you may be lucky enough to hear the next Pavarotti or Dame Kiri…

Jan 17-18 Whanganui Vintage Weekend Join in the nostalgic fun all weekend long with the return of The Rivercity Caboodle, The Riverside Festival and The Soapbox Derby plus a plethora of other vintage events, dinners and outings.

Whanganui’s Vintage Weekend is a must do on the annual calendar Jan 30 – Feb 8 NZ Masters Games Centred at the Games Village in Springvale Park, this nine-day event comprises more than 55 different sports and 2,400 individual events as well as nightly entertainment.

Alternating between Whanganui and Dunedin each year and targeting the over 30s, the NZ Masters Games attracts competitors from more than 20 countries.

43

New Zealand Raetihi Ohakune Waiouru

Hawera

Wanganui

Marton Bulls

www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

Wanganui Opera Week 6th - 17th January 2015 www.wanganuioperaweek.co.nz

OUR PROGRAMME

TUESDAY 6TH JANUARY 2015 12.00noon Lunch followed by Recital Heritage House, 136 St. Hill Street, Wanganui

MONDAY 12TH JANUARY 2015 7.30pm Public Masterclass 2 Prince Edward Auditorium,Collegiate School, Liverpool Street, Wanganui

THURSDAY 8TH JANUARY 2015 7.30pm “In Conversation” with Simon O’Neill Prince Edward Auditorium, Collegiate School, Liverpool Street, Wanganui

TUESDAY 13TH JANUARY 2015 Make up a party and enjoy the students singing Quality Inn Collegiate – phone 06 345 8309 Red Lion Inn – phone 06 348 4080 The Grand Hotel – phone 06 345 0955

FRIDAY 9TH JANUARY 2015 7.30pm Public Masterclass 1 Prince Edward Auditorium, Collegiate School, Liverpool Street, Wanganui SUNDAY 11TH JANUARY 2015 11.30am Chapel service – to music Collegiate School Chapel Collegiate School, Liverpool Street, Wanganui

FRIDAY 16TH JANUARY 2015 TBA Talking about Opera Prince Edward Auditorium, Collegiate School, Liverpool Street, Wanganui SATURDAY 17TH JANUARY 2015 7.30pm Great Opera Moments 2015 Royal Wanganui Opera House, St. Hill Street, Wanganui

Tickets are available at Royal Wanganui Opera House Ph 06 349 0511 from 1 November 2014