Explore Whanganui TechWeek 2025; Council's Low Rates Plan Detailed.

Kia ora, Whanganui! We're staring down the barrel of mid-May, and if you thought things were slowing down, think again! This week, it's all about the numbers and the vision as the Council puts the finishing touches on our district's roadmap. Plus, there's still plenty of action around town to keep you buzzing.

 Ready to get into the good stuff? Let's get Scoopin'!

💸 Top Story: Whanganui TechWeek 2025 Set to Spark Innovation and Connection!

Get ready to explore the exciting world of technology as Whanganui TechWeek 2025 approaches! Hosted by the Whanganui Tech Network, this year's event (May 19th-25th) offers a diverse lineup of workshops, discussions, and presentations designed to engage tech enthusiasts, businesses, and the digitally curious alike.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on offer:

• Creative Tech for Youth (May 19th-23rd): Free hands-on sessions hosted by Ngā Tai o te Awa will get young minds familiar and creative with tech – making memes, maps, and more!

• Exploring AI & Digital Inclusion: Delve into the world of Artificial Intelligence and learn about crucial local initiatives with the launch of Digital Inclusion Whanganui's "Needs Analysis Report" and "Digital Inclusion Business Plan".

• Tech for Business: Discover how technology can boost your business with sessions on funding, cybersecurity, and improving efficiency.

• Community & Fun: Engage with fellow tech lovers at community meetups, and don't miss special events like a flight simulator experience and a "Us vs. AI/Man vs. Machine" quiz.

TechWeek 2025 aims to be a platform for learning, collaboration, and exploring how technology can shape a positive future for Whanganui. Check out the Whanganui Tech Network for full programme details and session times.

🌟 EXCLUSIVE FOUNDING MEMBER BONUS! 🌟

Just a heads up, Founding Members get the first crack at the free "RiverCity Scoop: Audio Edition" this TechWeek as a thank you! It's this week's Whanganui news in audio – great for listening while you're doing other things. Since we're trying out some American tech for this, the voice and pronunciation might sound a bit different sometimes. Let us know what you think! And keep an eye out, future Founding Member perks will involve more cool Scoop goodies.

📣  Grab Some Space!  📣

Advertise with RiverCity Scoop to connect with a wide Whanganui audience. Our affordable advertising options are an effective way to promote your business, event, or initiative. Email [email protected] to request our media kit.

🗞️ The Local Digest: Need-to-Know Nibbles

• Airport Upgrades Taking Off: Work is chugging along on that new sealed parallel taxiway at Whanganui Airport. This is all about boosting safety, efficiency, and getting us future-ready for more fly-bys. 

• Bushy Park Fence: 20 Years of Protection (and a Pesky Reminder!) It's been two decades since the predator-proof fence at Tarapuruhi Bushy Park was completed. The 4.8km barrier, finished on May 4, 2005, has been crucial in protecting native birds. A recent rat incursion highlighted the need for ongoing vigilance to maintain this safe haven. Volunteers and donations are welcome to support the park.

• Council's Blueprint – Lean Rates, Key Services & Community Input: The Whanganui District Council is finalizing its Annual Plan 2025/26 and a new Strategy, proposing a low 2.2% average rates increase. Eighty percent of long-term capital spending will focus on essential services. Feedback on the draft plan supported debt repayment and the new strategy's goals (Grow, Build for, Protect, Celebrate, Activate), with suggestions for digital inclusion and climate action. Final deliberations are scheduled for late May.

🤝 Community Corner: Good Folk Doing Good Things

• Arthritis Support Group Celebrates 20 Years! The Whanganui Support Group of Arthritis New Zealand celebrated 20 years of community support. Chair David Orr, secretary Liz Roberts, and committee members Lynn Powley and Sue Kumeroa lead the group, which offers a welcoming space and connection for people with arthritis.

• Whanganui Rotary's Global Impact: Whanganui Rotary, with a $30,000 donation and local fundraising, funded a "Mothers waiting shelter" in Chitambo, Zambia. The facility accommodates 20 pregnant women and their families, improving maternal and infant care. The opening coincided with Mother's Day, exemplifying Rotary's "Service Above Self." 

• Whanganui Kai Hub - A Call for Support (Ongoing): The Whanganui Kai Hub, which rescues and redistributes surplus food, faces potential closure this month due to lack of sustainable funding. They rescued 5,905kg of food in April of this year alone! Consider supporting this vital local service through community and business sponsorships.

🗓️ What's On Whanganui: Your Week Ahead (May 15th - May 21st)

Get your diaries out – there's plenty happening!

Thursday, May 15th:

• Trap Line Volunteer Induction: Learn how to become a trap line volunteer at Piwaiwaka Farm. 673 Papaiti Rd, Papaiti, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

• Live Music: Catch blues/rock trio BB & The Bullets live, at the Comm. 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

• Porridge Quiz night: Quiz night at Porridge. 30 Drews Avenue, 7:00 PM.

Friday, May 16th:

• FOVOS - Whanganui: DJ/producer duo bringing 90s rave energy. The Ministry of Works Building, 62 Taupo Quay, 9:00 PM - 1:30 AM. Tickets available online.

• 'Antechambers' exhibition: Georgie Johnson: Opening night of the art exhibition. Ann Parker Gallery, 20 Drew's Ave, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Exhibition runs until June 14th.

• Hot Shotz Karaoke Competition 2025: Karaoke competition at Shotz Bar & Gaming Lounge, 75 Guyton Street. Registrations open at 9:00 PM, competition starts at 10:00 PM. Entry fee: $10.

Saturday, May 17th:

• Surfcasting Workshop: Learn surfcasting techniques from rod selection to bait presentation. Whanganui Town Wharf, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. 

• Chakra Awareness Workshop: Learn about energy centers. 59 Victoria Ave Whanganui, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Cost: $25 pp.

• Smokefree Rockquest 2025: Whanganui Regional Final. Royal Whanganui Opera House, 6:00 PM. Tickets available from the Opera House Box Office or online.

• Concert: Home for the Winter performed by Liam: Performance by Liam Wooding and Hannah Darroch. Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Tickets available online.

Sunday, May 18th:

• Whanganui Toy Fair: Collectable toys for sale. Springvale Stadium, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Over 140 tables.

• Hundertwasser inspired houses: Pottery workshop. 11 Kotuku Street, Whanganui, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

• Sip and Swing: Golf and socializing event for ladies. Wanganui Golf Club, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

• Acoustic Open Mic: Sunday Session: Open mic event. Lads Bar and Brewery, 1 Taylor St Whanganui, 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM.

• IJD Jam Sessions: Jazz jam session. Porridge Watson, 30 Drews Avenue, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. No Charge.

Monday, May 19th:

• Whanganui Techweek 2025: (Day 1): Free hands-on sessions to get familiar and creative with tech – making memes, maps, and more! Hosted by Ngā Tai o te Awa, runs all week, various times.

• KILO Whanganui: USA Vintage clothing sale by the kilo. Whanganui Racecourse, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

Tuesday, May 20th:

• Building Better Relationships - Meditation Drop-in Classes: Cultivate some inner peace. Whanganui Arts @ the Centre, 6:00 PM. 

• Women Who Lead with Mollie & Tania King: 17-year-old Mollie King, fresh from placing third in the world for 87+ Youth Weightlifting in Peru. Barracks Sports Bar, 5:30 PM. 

Looking Ahead:

• Friends of the Whanganui River Trip: A weekend trip to the Blue Duck Station at Whakahoro is planned for May 23rd-25th. Includes accommodation, meals, and a jet boat trip. Bookings essential! 

• Secretary / Treasurer Roles Workshop: Learn about the role and responsibilities of a secretary and treasurer. Hosted by Sport Whanganui. May 22nd.

• Midnight Basketball – Youth Week 2025: Midnight Basketball at Springvale Stadium is back as part of Youth Week 2025! Get ready for a fun night of hoops and games at Springvale Stadium. May 23rd.

🏛️ Council Catch-Up: Community & Council Goings-On

• Risk and Assurance Committee Meeting: This committee is scheduled to meet  Thursday, May 15th. Agendas are usually available closer to the time on the Council Meetings page on the Whanganui District Council website.

• Māori Ward Info Evening - TOMORROW! A crucial event for anyone interested in local governance or knows someone who'd be a brilliant voice on council. Hear from experienced Māori ward councillors and learn about Whanganui's new Māori ward. Te Ao Hou Marae, Friday, May 16th, at 5:15 PM.

• Welcoming New Whanganui-ites: The Whanganui District Council will host a Citizenship Ceremony on Wednesday, May 21st, at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre. It's a heartwarming occasion as we officially embrace our newest community members.

🌦️ Your 7-Day Weather Window (May 15th - May 21st)

A bit of everything this week! Check the full forecast at MetService.

• Thu (May 15): Showers, possibly heavy. Southwesterlies. 🌧️ High 16°C / Low 9°C.

• Fri (May 16): Occasional rain, easing. Southerlies. 🌦️ High 15°C / Low 8°C.

• Sat (May 17): Partly cloudy. Light winds. 🌥️ High 17°C / Low 7°C.

• Sun (May 18): Fine spells, a few showers possible. Westerlies. 🌦️ High 18°C / Low 9°C.

• Mon (May 19): Mainly fine. Southwesterlies. 🌤️ High 17°C / Low 8°C.

• Tue (May 20): Partly cloudy. Northeasterlies developing. 🌥️ High 18°C / Low 10°C.

• Wed (May 21st): Cloud clearing, becoming fine. Westerlies, turning northerly. ☀️ High 19°C / Low 12°C.

⚽ Sport Snippets: On the Sidelines

• Youth Week Buzz: Sport Whanganui is celebrating Youth Week with events like "Women Who Lead" (May 20th), a Secretary/Treasurer workshop (May 22nd), and Midnight Basketball (May 23rd). Check their website for full details.

• Local Club Rugby & Netball: The seasons are in full swing! Check the Whanganui Chronicle sports pages and local club Facebook pages for weekend fixtures and results. Recent reports highlighted Kaierau claiming the Paul Mitchell Cup and Waimarino's strong start in Premier netball.

• Anne Kauika's Dragon Racing Success:Whanganui's Anne Kauika is aiming to represent New Zealand in the Dragon Boat Racing World Championship in Germany. Kauika has achieved significant success in dragon boat racing, including gold and silver medals at international competitions. She is currently fundraising to support her participation in the World Championships.

That's your RiverCity Scoop for the week! Get out there, engage, explore, and enjoy all that Whanganui has to offer. If you see something cool, snap a pic and tag us, or send us a tip for next week's edition!

See you next Thursday!

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