Arts Review Returns, Lake Cafe Reopens & Your Weekly What's On!

Good morning Whanganui, let's get into it! Hope you navigated Anzac Day commemorations respectfully and maybe even enjoyed the public holiday vibes. The weather’s looking… well, let’s just say ‘changeable’ sums it up nicely (more on that below). This week, we’re spotlighting the return of a major arts event, navigating road delays like pros, and finding out where to catch some free entertainment. 

Grab a cuppa, maybe hide the biscuits from yourself (just for a bit), and let's scoop!

🎨 Top Story: It's Back! Arts Review Returns After Hiatus, Calls for Entries

Get your canvases prepped and your sculptures polished – the countdown is on for Whanganui's biggest regional art showcase! After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus during the gallery's redevelopment, Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery is thrilled to announce the return of the prestigious 2025 Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review – the nation's longest-running open-call, regional art exhibition.

The Opportunity: This is a massive chance for local artists – emerging or established, working in any medium – to have their work professionally curated and displayed in the newly reopened gallery space at Pukenamu Queen's Park. Submissions Day is Monday, May 19th, so time is ticking to finalise those masterpieces.

Why It Matters: Beyond the prestige and the excitement of its return, there are significant prizes up for grabs, including the $7000 Pattillo Open Award which comes with a solo exhibition opportunity in 2026. It's a huge platform celebrating the creativity pulsing through Whanganui and its connected regions (Ruapehu, Rangitikei, South Taranaki). Find all the entry details and criteria on the Sarjeant Gallery website.

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🗞️ The Local Digest: Need-to-Know Nibbles

• Citizen Power Activated: Remember that talk about a citizens' assembly? Well, it's happening! The members have been selected to deliberate on… well, we'll find out exactly what soon enough. It’s a move towards more community input, so watch this space.

• Speed Limit Shake-up & Survey: Heads up, drivers! New lower speed limits have been signed off for various district roads. Separately, NZTA wants your feedback on whether a specific stretch of SH3 (north of Tirimoana Pl to south of Turere Pl) should stay at 50km/h or revert to 70km/h. Have your say via the short survey on the NZTA website before 5 pm, Wednesday, May 14th

• Rats! Tiny footprints have triggered a big response in one of our predator-free parks. Volunteers with backcountry skills are needed pronto to help monitor and keep our native critters safe. If you're keen and capable, if you can help or donate, click here.

• Something in the Air? If you've noticed a bit of a pong near the wastewater treatment plant lately, you're not alone. There's been a spike in odour complaints, and the council is investigating. Hold your breath (or maybe just lodge your FRIENDLY feedback via the Council website).

💼 Business Buzz: Opportunities & Safety First

• New Lease on Life at the Lake: Good news for lake-goers! The Rotokawau Virginia Lake Café (formerly Funky Duck) reopens Thursday, May 1st, under new management by Bizen Miyake of Momiji fame. Pop by for coffee, ice cream, and snacks from 8:30am-3:30pm daily. A fuller menu, including sushi and hot food, is coming later in May after kitchen renovations.

• Economic Crystal Ball Gazing: Curious about what's next for the Kiwi economy and how it impacts your business? Business Whanganui is hosting 'Business for Lunch: Opportunities in Uncertainty' this Friday (May 2nd), featuring Kiwibank's Chief Economist, Jarrod Kerr. Get insights, ask questions, and enjoy a light lunch at the Sarjeant Gallery. It's complimentary, thanks to Kiwibank. Check the Business Whanganui site for details/registration.

• Welcome Mat Out: A shout-out to the new owner of a local pharmacy who journeyed all the way from Nigeria to set up shop in our river city! Read their story here. Welcome aboard!

🤝 Community Corner: Good Folk Doing Good Things

• Health Support Closer: ACC's Te Ara Tūhono service, offering culturally appropriate support for injured Māori clients, is expanding into Whanganui through Te Oranganui. Great news for improving access to care.

• Wheely Confident Kids: Over 600 primary school kids are now safer and more confident cyclists thanks to a recent bike skills programme. That's 600+ reasons for drivers to be extra watchful!

• Housing with Heart: The Anglican Church isn't just saving souls; they're building homes! They're utilising unused church land to help address housing needs. Creative solutions tackling big issues

🗓️ What's On Whanganui: May 1st - May 7th

Right, let's get down to the business of having fun (or learning something new!). Here’s your expanded guide for the week:

• Thursday, May 1st:
  
  

  • 🌱 Potting Up Party: Get your hands dirty and help out at this regular volunteer morning. The Learning Environment, 9:30 AM. More Info via Eventfinda.

  • 🧠 Navigating Neurodiversity: Join this free session by Woven Whānau Whanganui to learn strategies and better understand neurodiversity for the child in your life. Presented by professionals. (Note: This session repeats weekly). 285 Wicksteed Street, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, FREE.

  • ♻️ Waste-Ed Workshop: Learn zero-waste tips and tricks. Whanganui War Memorial Centre 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, check it out here.

• Friday, May 2nd:
  
  

  • 💰 Business for Lunch: Hear from Kiwibank's Chief Economist on navigating economic uncertainty. Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, 12:00 PM. (Compliments of Kiwibank). Register via Business Whanganui.

  • 👗 Outfit of the Month Talk: Learn about a 1968 mother-of-the-groom dress. Whanganui Regional Museum, 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM, Koha. Museum Events Page.

  • 🧘‍♀️ Restorative Yoga and Sound Bath: Treat yourself to a luxurious Restorative Yoga session combined with a magical sound bath led by Lauren Hokulani. Expect soft candlelight, calming scents, crystal bowls, and deep rest. Whanganui Yoga Centre (Level 3, 76 Guyton St), 5:30 PM. Cost: $25 ($20 for WYC members). Booking essential: Call 022 622 1711.

  • 🎸 Butter Wouldn't Melt Album Tour: Catch Wellington-based folk-americana band Butter Wouldn't Melt (2023 Best Folk Artist Tūi finalists) as they bring their "Where the roots grow deep" album release tour to the legendary Musicians Club. Whanganui Musicians Club, 7:00 PM. Tickets/Info.

  • 🎺 Sound Canvas x Brass Whanganui: An immersive experience combining the sounds of Brass Whanganui with visual art, light, and creativity. Features live art creation and compositions by local musician Charlotte Melser. Christ Church Anglican (243 Wicksteed St), 7:30 PM. (Tickets from $31.51) Details & Tickets via Eventbrite.

• Saturday, May 3rd:
  
  

  • 🛍️ Whanganui River Markets: Your weekly dose of local crafts, produce, kai, and community vibes. Downtown Riverbank, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. (Always worth checking their Facebook page for updates).

  • 👕 Pop Up Thrift Fashion Market: Hunt for pre-loved fashion treasures. Wanganui City College Hall, 10:00 AM. Details via Eventfinda.

  • 🏉 Tackle Technique Clinic: Essential for all Whanganui Junior Marist Rugby coaches and players. Focuses on tackle technique using games and sports-specific equipment. Spriggens Park, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM.

  • 🖼️ COMING HOME | Art Exhibition: Immerse yourself in the vibrant, intuitive paintings and photographs of Angela Dickson. This collection reflects her healing journey, mirrored in nature. Whanganui Community Art Centre (19 Taupō Quay), Daily from May 3rd - May 7th (and continuing to May 11th), 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. (Check Whanganui Arts - at the Centre for details).

  • 🎶 Dimensions of Light Sonic Meditation: Experience a special 60-minute sound journey with Crystal Infused Singing bowls, Crystal harp (432Hz DNA healing frequency), and other sonic tools played by Kevin. Intuitively select a crystal for your meditation. Yoga mat & pillows provided (bring extra for comfort). Wisdom Is Yours - Wellbeing Centre, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM. $25. Limited to 12 people.

  • 🌬️ Breathwork and Sound Ceremony: Reset your body and mind in this safe space hosted by Flowstate Holistic Centre. Experience conscious connected breathwork for healing and insight, followed by sound healing instruments to assist integration. Cacao available. Whanganui Yoga Centre (Level 3, 76 Guyton St), 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. $25 energy exchange. Limited spaces - book via Flowstate/Kyle’s page or call 027 855 7382

• Sunday, May 4th:
  
  

  • 🚑 First Aid In Rugby Course: Learn how to assist injured players with this World Rugby recognised qualification from Whanganui Rugby & NZ Rugby. Includes online course + this in-person session, plus a free First Aid Medical Kit. Qualifies you for two years. Marton Rugby Club, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Cost: FREE ($50 subsidised by WRFU). Minimum numbers required. Register Now.

  • 🎭 Dad's Army (Matinee): The final performance – perfect for a Sunday afternoon laugh. Amdram Whanganui (likely venue), 2:00 PM. Check iTicket for details/venue confirmation.

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Goose Chase Scavenger Hunt: Join the River City Walking Group for a fun, family-friendly photo scavenger hunt! Meet downstairs at Church on Ingestre (next to the car park), split into teams, and complete tasks on an easy, self-directed walk around the CBD. Meet @ Church on Ingestre, 2:00 PM. (Check River City Walking Group - Whanganui for details).

• Monday, May 5th:
  
  

  • 🎨 Journey Through Art: Get creative and experiment with various mediums in this fun, supportive class from Arts for Health Community Trust. Perfect for trying something new and expanding your skills - no experience required, just bring your curiosity! (Note: This class repeats weekly). Arts for Health Community Trust, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM. 

  • 💬 Conversation Café - Quality of Life: Join the discussion on what quality of life means in our community. Venue: 63A Ridgway Street, 5:30 PM. Eventbrite listing (check details/cost).

• Tuesday, May 6th:
  
  

  • 🎭 Information Evening - Noises Off: Thinking of getting involved in Amdram's next production? This info night might be happening. Amdram Whanganui, 7:00PM - check Amdram Whanganui website/Facebook).

• Wednesday, May 7th:
  
  

  • 🕺 Final Morning Rave: Start your day with an energetic, sober dance party! Last one for a while. 1E Bell St, 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM, $10/Koha. AllEvents Link.

  • 📚 Silent Book Club: Following a successful first meeting, bring your current read and enjoy quiet reading time in good company. Hosted by Silent Book Club Whanganui and Porridge Watson. Porridge Watson, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. (Check  Silent Book Club Whanganui for details).

(Psst... Still looking ahead? Entries for The Mudder 2025 obstacle course are open now! And don't forget the Whanganui Comedy Gala & Comedy for Kids and adults on June 14th.)

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🏛️ Council Catch-Up: Decisions & Discussions

• Curtains for St George's Building?: The council has secured resource consent to potentially demolish the 98-year-old main building of the former St George's School on Grey St. Citing seismic safety issues and asbestos, council is assessing the site's future potential as part of its plan to keep rates affordable, but stresses no decision on demolition has actually been made yet. The consent lasts five years.

• Meetings on the Horizon: Wondering what council committees are up to next? Looking ahead, the Projects and Grants Committee meets next Thursday (May 8th), Hearings are scheduled for May 13th & 14th, and the Risk and Assurance Committee gathers on May 15th. Agendas are usually available closer to the time on the Council Meetings page.

🌦️ Your 7-Day Weather Window

Looks like we're swapping sunshine for showers early in the week, but things should brighten up. Pack a brolly and your sunnies! Check the full forecast at MetService.

• Thu (May 1): Rain easing, strong southerlies. 🌧️ High 19°C / Low 10°C.

• Fri (May 2): Occasional rain, potentially heavy later. Fresh southerlies. 🌧️ High 15°C / Low 9°C.

• Sat (May 3): A few showers hanging around. Southerlies. 🌦️ High 17°C / Low 8°C.

• Sun (May 4): Partly cloudy, southeasterlies. 🌥️ High 17°C / Low 7°C.

• Mon (May 5): Fine and sunny! Light winds. ☀️ High 18°C / Low 7°C.

• Tue (May 6): More fine weather. 😊 High 20°C / Low 7°C.

• Wed (May 7): Staying fine! 👍 High 21°C / Low 10°C.

(Forecast courtesy of MetService)

🏉 Sport Shorts: Honours & Nail-Biters

• Top Job, Mike! Huge congratulations to Whanganui Marist stalwart Mike Donoghue, who has been named the national president of New Zealand Marist Rugby. Nearly 60 years involved – that's dedication!

• Shield Secured: Kaierau are celebrating after reclaiming the Whanganui Rugby Shield with a win over rivals Border. Ethan Robinson was the hero, bagging two tries, including the match-winner.

• Drama At The Death: What a weekend for Rātana! First, they pulled off a stunning comeback against Border to snatch a draw. 

That's the Scoop for this week!

Go forth and conquer, Whanganui. Support local, stay curious, maybe check if there are any rat footprints near your place, and definitely catch some free events around town..

See you next Thursday!

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