Egg Hunts, Airport News & Positive Vibes in Whanganui!

Happy Almost-Easter, Whanganui! Whether you're gearing up for a long weekend sugar rush, diving into school holiday chaos, or just enjoying the crisp autumn air along the awa, plenty is happening in the RiverCity. Let's get into the scoop...

📰 Quick Hits:

• 🏆 Local Champs Shine: Big congrats to all the Whanganui athletes recognized at the inaugural Manawatū/Whanganui Sports Awards! Distance runner George Beamish nabbed the supreme Molly Dorne Cup. Check out all the winners who make our region proud. Read More.

• 🚌 Better Buses Ahead?: Horizons wants your thoughts on improving Whanganui's bus network! Options include more frequent services (maybe even 7 days a week!) and extended routes. Have your say before May 1st to help shape future commutes. Learn More & Give Feedback.

• ✈️ Aviation Museum Takes Flight: After years of planning, work has officially begun inside Whanganui Airport's historic control tower! Contractors are refurbishing the interior to create the long-awaited aviation museum and education centre, celebrating our region's rich flying history. Learn More.

• 🏉 Rugby's Positive Push: Whanganui Rugby kicked off its 'Positive Vibes Only' campaign last weekend! Look out for new sideline signage and volunteers in pink bibs promoting respect and support for players, refs, and everyone involved in the local game. Good sportsmanship wins! Read About It.

🏪 RiverCity Biz: The Citadel Heading out towards the coast? Make a stop at The Citadel in Castlecliff. Tucked in a block of shops near the beach, this colourful gem is a local favourite for weekend brunch, evening burgers, and seriously good coffee (often served in cool, locally made Ivan Vostinar mugs!). What makes them extra special is their heartwarming 'pay it forward' scheme – check the sign behind the counter where you can add a little extra (no pressure!) to help out local families. It's awesome community spirit alongside delicious kai, perfect for fuelling up after a windswept beach walk. Definitely pop across to the Vostinar Gallery afterwards, too! 📍 Rangiora Street, Castlecliff

🎉 What’s On in Whanganui (Apr 17 - Apr 24)

• 🎨 Ongoing: Wā: Pearls and Entrails Exhibition. Check out George Agius's stunning glass art from her 2024 residency. 📍 NZ Glassworks - Te Whare Tūhua o Te Ao. Details.

• 🐰 Thu Apr 17, Tue Apr 22 & Thu Apr 24: Easter Crafts Workshops. Get creative making clay keychains, animal headbands, or bunny burrows! (Ages 7+). 📍 Whanganui Regional Museum, 10 AM - 12 PM ($5, booking required). Details.

• 🧘 Thu Apr 17 & 24: De-stress, Drop-in Meditation Classes. Find some calm midweek. 📍 Whanganui Arts @ the Centre, 6:00 PM. Details.

• ⚽ Wed Apr 23: Central Football Goalkeeper Programme. A special school holiday session focused on goalkeeping skills for young players (Ages 6-12). 📍 Wembley Park, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM ($35 registration). Details.

🌟 Local Spotlight: Rural Women NZ - Fordell Mangamahu Branch Did you know Rural Women New Zealand, turning 100 this July, was founded by Whanganui's Florence Polson? Our local Fordell-Mangamahu branch carries on that legacy, providing vital connection, support, and advocacy for women in our rural communities. Beyond tackling important issues, they foster friendship and combat isolation with regular catch-ups and events, like their upcoming "Walk the World" hike on April 27th. They're a cornerstone of our rural fabric! Read More about RWNZ's centenary.

🌿 River Roundup After some recent rain, river levels along the Whanganui and its tributaries (like the Mangawhero and Whangaehu) are generally steady or falling, according to Horizons Regional Council data. Good news for riverside walks! For those heading further afield towards Tongariro, note the planned recreational water releases from dams on Sat/Sun April 26/27 – check Genesis Energy's site for flow details if you're planning water activities up that way. Horizons Flood Watch | Genesis Flows.

Weekend Picks (Apr 19-20)

1. Egg Hunt Mania! 🥚 Duke's Annual Easter Egg Hunt is on Saturday at Otamatea Reserve. Over 100 prizes up for grabs for kids, adults AND dogs (yes, even your four-legged bestie)... Starts Sat Apr 19. More Info.

2. Toy Library Fun! 🧸 Also on Saturday, the Whanganui Toy Library hosts an Easter Bunny's Adventure with bouncy castles, face painting, and treats. Starts Sat Apr 19, 10 AM ($5 entry). Details.

3. Feathered Friends! 🦜 Check out the Bird Show and Sale at Whanganui Girls' College on Saturday morning. See beautiful birds and maybe find a new pet! Starts Sat Apr 19, 8:30 AM. Details.

📚 Fun Corner: Whanganui isn't just famous for its awa! It's also home to one of the world's most unique motorsport circuits – the Cemetery Circuit. Since 1951, daredevil motorcycle racers have navigated the tight public streets around the old town cemetery on Boxing Day each year. Talk about raising spirits! 🏁👻

That's the Scoop for this week! Have a fantastic Easter break, Whanganui! 🐣 See you next Thursday.