Burst of pride in our city

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle

Not so long ago, Wanganui's image seemed to be taking a bit of a battering.

There was a perception - and whether it was more perception than reality is up for debate - that the district had a reputation for all the wrong reasons.

And if the rest of New Zealand didn't think much of us, how could we feel pride in our home patch?

Well, even though King Canute couldn't turn back the tide, it seems Wanganui may be doing just that.

A growing number of positives - some of which I have mentioned in past editorials - give us reasons to be cheerful.

Last Sunday's re-creation of the Dublin Street Bridge opening was the sort of celebration which, while all about pride in our past, suggests a strong belief in our future.

Neville Procter, one of the organisers from the Combined Rotary Clubs, was gobsmacked by the number of people who turned out for the event.

There have been other recent initiatives promoting Wanganui, among them the Nui Pride stickers and T-shirts which are being snapped up and sent far and wide.

Now there is a suggestion for painting our four bridges in distinctive colours, while others reckon we should consider lighting them up.

On Saturday, the three-day Vintage Weekend was launched, scheduled for anniversary weekend.

Last January was my first taste of this marvellous event. I went not as the local newspaper editor but as a punter with my three kids. I had never been so impressed with this city.

Next year's promises to be a bigger and better-than-ever boost for Wanganui pride.

So make a date in your diary - January 17-19.