eTN Asia/Pacific, 31-10-2006
New Zealand’s Wanganui region, located on the lower west coast of the North Island, south of Taranaki and the Taupo and Ruapehu regions, is set to have an $85 million makeover, in a bid to establish the city as a cultural center.
Wanganui area is known for maori culture, heritage, Wanganui National Park and river adventures. The region takes its name from the city of Wanganui, which rests on the banks of the spectacular Wanganui River.
According to local media, the initiative is aimed at restoring Wanganui’s “beating heart.” Mayor Michael Laws has introduced the Heart of Wanganui project, which includes moving the library, a substantial redesign of the Region Museum and a new building linking the Sarjeant Gallery and Alexander Library. The big project would form a ‘beating heart for the city,’” he reportedly said, confirming Wanganui as a cultural center, luring tourists and attracting people to live.
“This project will have recreational, cultural and financial ramifications in Wanganui for the next 50 years. It’s about spending a small amount of money and getting an exponential return,” he said, adding that a public referendum would be held by June to determine which one of seven revamp designs would be followed and the public vote would decide which, if any, projects went ahead and in what order.
