Effluent passes test
Early testing indicates that the quality of effluent leaving Whanganui's new $40 million wastewater treatment plant is around 60 per cent better than what is required for its resource consent, Whanganui District Council CEO Kym Fell says. A statement in Tuesday's Wanganui Chronicle about the plant's discharge was incorrect.
More time for feedback
The union representing The Warehouse staff in Whanganui facing the axe says the deadline for feedback on the company's restructure plans has been extended. The proposal to remove team leaders, duty managers and supervisors was given to staff last Thursday and they had until the end of the week to respond. FIRST Union's Whanganui organiser, Kay Hearfield, said that has now been extended to next Friday, July 13. She said the extension would help the union prepare feedback on the proposal and and allow it to provide better support to members.
Bird survey under way
This is the week for Landcare Research's Garden Bird Survey, a citizen science project in its 12th year. People taking part sit in their gardens for an hour between June 30 and July 8 and record the highest number of each bird species they see and hear during that time. The results are recorded online. Instructions, bird identification guides and online forms are at gardenbirdsurvey.landcare research.co.nz.
Freshwater alga found
A freshwater alga that can form long mucus-like strands of slime has been found in some Horizons region water bodies. Lindavia intermedia is in Moawhango River, Lake Rotoaira and Lake Taupō. Lakes Dudding, Wiritoa and Namunamu will be tested for it. The tiny algae can create "lake snow", and have done so in some South Island lakes. They cannot be removed, and create no health risks. People are asked to check, clean and dry their clothing and equipment before moving between water bodies - the same measures needed to prevent the spread of didymo.
Community work order
A Whanganui man was sentenced to 80 hours of community work and nine months of supervision in Whanganui District Court yesterday. Andrew Paul Hawkins pleaded guilty to a charge of male assaults female and was sentenced by Judge Dugald Matheson.
