Grey Street Consult Kicks Off, Local Stars Shine & Your Whanganui Events Blitz!

Alright, Whanganui, let's get into it! Your RiverCity Scoop is here, and it's loaded! This week, we're leading with a crucial council consultation on the historic 125 Grey Street – your input is vital! We've also got the latest on local businesses making moves, community heroes getting well-deserved kudos, and an events lineup that’ll have your week sorted. 

No time to waste – let's get to the good stuff!

🌟 Top Story: Your Voice Counts! Shape the Future of Historic 125 Grey Street

It's decision time for the council-owned property at 125 Grey Street in Springvale, and your input is vital! The Whanganui District Council is calling for community feedback on what to do next with this site, a spot that holds a fair few Whanganui memories.

A Legacy Site Facing New Questions: Many will know 125 Grey Street as the long-time home of St George's School, with its main neo-Georgian building gracing the site since 1927. These original school buildings even have a Class C heritage status. After the school relocated in 2011, the property, which the council's Holdings company bought in 2019, has seen various tenants and proposals. However, the buildings now face significant challenges, including being earthquake-prone (some as low as 10-20% NBS) and containing asbestos. This deterioration and the associated costs are central to the current discussion.

What are the options? The Council has outlined five potential paths:

• Do nothing (retaining current use, which incurs an annual loss).

• Retain and refurbish the buildings for future council use (a costly option, estimated at over $12 million for strengthening and asbestos removal).

• Retain the site and demolish the buildings for a new council use.

• Sell the property to a private developer.

• Lease it long-term to a private developer.

Why your feedback is key: This is your opportunity to weigh in on a community asset with a notable past. As Mayor Andrew Tripe has highlighted, "Heritage is an important part of Whanganui's story, so we need to hear a range of perspectives". The consultation is open now and runs until Sunday, June 15th, 2025.

How to have your say: For all the details on how to submit your feedback – be it online, via email, or in writing – your best port of call is the Whanganui District Council website. Don't miss this chance to help shape a piece of Whanganui's future!

🌟 EXCLUSIVE FOUNDING MEMBER BONUS! 🌟

The bonus continues, founding members get access to the free "RiverCity Scoop: Audio Edition”. Remember, the voice and pronunciation might sound a bit different sometimes (USA tech), it’s a work in progress. Let us know what you think! Should we continue with this feature?

✨ Seen by the River City? You Betcha! ✨

Want your business, event, or brilliant idea to be the talk of Whanganui? RiverCity Scoop puts you directly in front of engaged locals who love supporting local. Our advertising packages are designed to be effective and won't break the bank. Curious? Grab our media kit by emailing us [email protected]

🗞️ The Local Digest: Need-to-Know Nibbles

• M+N Complete Rehab: Three Years Strong! Congrats to M+N Complete Rehab on their third anniversary serving Whanganui! They're sending a big thank you to their clients, fellow health pros, and the community for their support in helping locals manage everything from injuries to everyday aches.

• Dublin St Bridge: Heritage Bid: A community group is pushing for heritage recognition for the Dublin Street Bridge, citing its iconic engineering and potential cost savings if preserved. They've presented their vision to the council, which is concurrently exploring options for a potential replacement bridge.

• Sophie Toyne's Debut Album Coming Soon: Whanganui's 15-year-old country singer Sophie Toyne is releasing her debut album, "Orange Skies," later this year via Tasman Records. The album features a rediscovered Sharon O’Neill track, "Service of Mine." Don't miss the official launch at Barracks Sports Bar on July 18th!

🤝 Community Corner: Good Folk Doing Good Things

• Bouquet for a Decade of Small Talks: Kudos to Neil Jones! A huge shout-out to Neil Jones, co-founder of "Small Talks" (formerly Pecha Kucha), now celebrating 10 years! His ongoing dedication, alongside Kathy Cunningham, keeps these charity-supporting community events vibrant. Well done, Neil!

• Pedal Power & Community Spirit at Whanganui Green Bikes: Big ups to the awesome volunteers at Whanganui Green Bikes, including Lennox, Zac, Dean, Adam & Sarielle! Some are even developing bike maintenance skills through their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

• Big Love for "To Be Kai Unity"! Huge kudos to "To Be Kai Unity" for serving free hot soup/lunch every Thursday (11:30 am - 1 pm) at Harrison Street Community Church Hall with such warmth! This lifeline service truly embodies unity. Massive thanks to their sponsors and volunteers! Want to help this awesome team? Chat with Linda on-site or call 0221865620.

🗓️ What's On Whanganui: Your Week Ahead (May 29th - June 4th)

What's coming up in Whanganui? Check out these events!

Thursday, May 29th:

• Calla of Ursa - 'Animal Reaction' Album Release Tour TONIGHT! Calla of Ursa (operatic soprano, violinist, electronic producer) with cellist Olivia Wilding TONIGHT at the Ministry of Works Building, Whanganui. Tickets: undertheradar.co.nz

Friday, May 23rd:

• Whanganui Teddy Bears' Picnic: Bring your favourite teddy bear for a morning of teddy bear craft, songs, and games with Tiny Nation! Virginia Lake Playground, Whanganui, 10:00 AM.

• Parent Support Group: Parent to Parent hosts a free, regular support group for parents and carers of disabled, neurodiverse, or health-impaired children. Columbus Coffee Wanganui, 10:00 AM. Contact Jane (027 808 3945 or [email protected]) for more information.

• DJ Yas at Lads Brewing Company: DJ Yas is back to spin the tunes. Lads Brewing Company and Craft Beer Bar, 3:00 PM.

• Kate Valentine - Live: Singer-songwriter Kate Valentine will perform at Porridge Watson (30 Drews Ave) at 6:30 PM

• BB & The Bullets "High Tide" Single Launch: Come celebrate with BB & The Bullets as they launch their new single "High Tide" from their forthcoming album! The Commercial Hotel (The Comm), 7:00 PM.

• Aotearoa Prog Alliance Tour ft. Pull Down the Sun: Get ready for an epic mix of progressive heaviness! Frank. Bar + Eatery, 8:30 PM. Tickets via cosmicticketing.co.nz 

• Hot Shotz Karaoke Competition 2025: Friday from 10:00 PM (registration 9:00 PM). $10 entry. Open karaoke follows until 1:30 AM. 

Saturday, May 24th:

• Awa Nation 2: Whanganui's Awa Kings Muay Thai presents "Awa Nation 2" at Springvale Stadium (5:00 PM), a locally run Muay Thai event showcasing local fighters with proceeds benefiting the community.

• Seaside Slow Flow Yoga: Unwind with a relaxing yoga session. The Duncan Pavilion, 5:30 PM. $20 - Message Saumya on 02040741527 or [email protected] to book.

• "Songs from Buddhafield": Heartfelt chanting and meditative music evening at Whanganui Yoga Centre (Level 3, 76 Guyton St), 6:30 PM.

• Tim Davies Live at Lads Brewing Company: Brewery favourite Tim Davies (rock/pop) returns with 80s/90s pub classics on the deck from 12:00 PM at Lads Brewing Company and Craft Beer Bar. Karaoke starts at 7:00 PM.

• By A Damn Sight (with Lavender Menace): By A Damn Sight (droning guitar/pop) and Lavender Menace (lighthearted punk thrashers) play Porridge Watson, 30 Drews Avenue, 8:00 PM.

Sunday, May 25th:

• SteamRail Wanganui Open Day and Trolley Rides: Explore Taupo Quay with family and friends, ride original NZ Railways motor trolleys with SteamRail Wanganui Inc. from 10:00 AM

• Artist Floor Talk: Sophia Smolenski – Offering it up: Artist Sophia Smolenski discusses her three-year collaborative installation "Offering it up," featuring 22 commissioned artworks, with curator Milly Mitchell-Anyon. Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

• Open Mic Afternoon at Lads Brewing Company: Lads Brewing Co. hosts an Open Mic session, 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM. Bar open from 12:00 PM. All are welcome to share music or enjoy local talent.

• Eclectic Co: A DJ night on the first Sunday of each month at Porridge Watson (30 Drews Avenue, 3:00 PM).

Monday, June 2nd (King's Birthday Public Holiday):

• Nicola McCloy Author Talk - Historical Society Meeting: NZ author Nicola McCloy (20+ books) will give a free talk at the Epsom-Eden District Historical Society. St Andrews Hall, 1e Bell St, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM.

Tuesday, May 27th:

• Joa's Wines Wine Tasting - Meet Merekara Wines Winemaker: Merekara Wines tasting at The Burrow Cellars (45 Taupo Quay) on Thu 22nd May 2025, 6-8 PM. Taste 7 wines with tapas. Tickets NZ$43.73 via Eventbrite.

Wednesday, May 28th:

• Matariki Glow Show: Experience the Māori New Year with the magical Matariki star cluster show at the Royal Whanganui Opera House (69 St Hill Street). Two shows: 10:00 AM – 10:40 AM and 11:30 AM – 12:10 PM.

🏛️ Council Catch-Up: Key Stories from Your Council

• Sniff Ya Later! Council Fast-Tracks Funds for Wastewater Odour Fix: Whanganui District Council is allocating $250,000 to quickly resolve odour problems at the wastewater treatment plant near the airport. This aims to alleviate the foul smells from the dryer building affecting nearby businesses and airport users by installing a wet scrubber or bio-filter, also improving worker health and safety.

• New Life for Historic Native Land Court Building: Apartments Planned: The Whanganui Heritage Restoration Trust will convert the Category 1 heritage-listed former Native Land Court building into three rental apartments (one three-bedroom, two two-bedroom) with a courtyard, landscaping, and parking. Patchwork Architecture designed the 1922 building. Iwi will provide a historical narrative, and a project website is planned. Councillors will workshop the project in July before a public council agenda item. The trust will retain ownership.

• Council Demands Action Plan from NZICPA Amidst CAA Review: Whanganui District Council demands a strong recovery plan from the grounded NZICPA following CAA concerns about maintenance. Mayor Tripe prioritizes safety and will scrutinize processes, emphasizing that ratepayers will not bear further costs. The council awaits the results of ongoing CAA and independent reviews before deciding on the next steps.

🌦️ Your 7-Day Weather Window (May 29th - June 4th)

Looks like a classic week ahead for Whanganui – a bit of sun, a bit of cloud, and definitely a few showers to keep us on our toes! For the latest, most detailed forecast, it's always best to check directly with MetService.

• Thu (May 29): Showers, possibly heavy at times, becoming isolated in the afternoon. Southwesterlies. 🌧️ High 14°C / Low 7°C.

• Fri (May 30): A few morning showers, then fine. Westerlies, easing in the evening. 🌦️ High 15°C / Low 6°C.

• Sat (May 31): Mainly fine, with some morning cloud. Light winds. 🌤️ High 16°C / Low 5°C.

• Sun (Jun 1): Fine at first. Cloud increasing later, with a few spots of rain possible in the evening. Northerlies developing. 🌥️ High 17°C / Low 7°C.

• Mon (Jun 2 - King's Birthday): Cloudy with periods of rain, potentially becoming more persistent. Northerlies freshening. 🌧️ High 16°C / Low 9°C.

• Tue (Jun 3): Rain easing to showers, then becoming fine later. Westerly winds. 🌦️ High 15°C / Low 8°C.

• Wed (Jun 4): Partly cloudy, chance of a shower or two. Southwesterlies. 🌥️ High 14°C / Low 6°C.

⚽ Sport Snippets: On the Sidelines

• Rutherford Intermediate Chess Team Shines! Big congratulations to Te Kura Waenga o Rutherford - Rutherford Intermediate chess team! They showcased their strategic smarts to place second in the intermediate section of the Whanganui Regional School Chess Championship. It looks like they're nationals bound! Awesome effort!

• New Gear Boosts Ruapehu United Football Club: Ruapehu United Football Club received new gear (goals and balls) funded by Sport New Zealand's Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund (administered by Sport Whanganui). This will help more young people participate in the growing sport. The next Tū Manawa funding round closes on July 31, 2025; application details are on the Sport Whanganui website.

• Whanganui Basketball Buzz: Whanganui basketball is thriving with Summer League finals this week (Springvale Stadium, 6:30 PM) and a strong Secondary Schools League (Week 4). Senior players are refereeing juniors. The U16 and U18 Tama teams compete in Napier over King's Birthday Weekend. Term 3 Miniball and Intermediate registrations open in Week 5. Community involvement is appreciated. Email [email protected] for updates.

And there you have it – another week of Whanganui wonders, expertly scooped just for you! We've laid out the best bits, but the real adventure starts when you close this email and dive in. If you find a hidden gem, witness something epic, or hear a whisper of news we need to know, drop us a line! Your discovery could be our next big story. 

Until next Thursday, keep it classy, Whanganui!

Share the Scoop: Forward this to a mate who needs to be in the Whanganui know. https://rsc-newsletter-b3de97.beehiiv.com/