Thieves in Wanganui are risking death by cutting copper wire from live electricity networks.

A judge has told a former Wanganui businessman who stole thousands of dollars from clients that an apology for his crimes was "self-serving at the 11th hour".

Wanganui has been named one of 21 towns and cities around the world in the running to be named 2013 Intelligent Community of the Year.

Trespass notices against serial sex offender Stewart Murray Wilson are "unnecessary and unwise", two Wanganui District councillors say.

A cannabis grower caught with more than $600,000 worth of high-grade crop and over $40,000 in cash stuffed in a safe has been sent to jail.

The legal status of Wanganui's two names is still unclear as the legislation which will allow the city to be named both Wanganui and Whanganui makes its way through Parliament.

A final decision on parole conditions for notorious sex offender Stewart Murray Wilson has been delayed until this afternoon, hours after he walked free.

The Parole Board is today reconsidering its reintegration plan for serial sex offender Stewart Murray Wilson after yesterday's High Court ruling.