Deadline set for fate of historic building

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Whanganui District Council has chosen independent commissioner Rob van Voorthuysen to decide whether council should grant consent to demolish the Thain building at 1 Victoria Ave. Councillor Helen Craig and Mayor Hamish McDouall didn't take part in the decision - Craig because she has submitted against the demolition and McDouall because his wife Elinor has submitted against it. One commissioner is enough to decide the matter, and his decision will be based on legislation, councillors were told. The applicant pays for the hearing, which will take place on August 9-10.

Off to the movies
Ngā Rauru kaumātua had a Puanga celebration on Thursday. They were treated to a movie at Whanganui's Embassy 3 Cinemas, followed by lunch at Element Cafe & Restaurant and a presentation from CEO Anne-Marie Broughton about progress toward the tribe's economic objectives. The movie was Set In Stone, a documentary about World War I soldier Herewini Wakarua. It was preceeded by a talk from the filmmakers, Melita Farley and Kevin Double.

Driving drunk
A Whanganui woman was sentenced for driving disqualified and driving with excess breath alcohol. Jonette Kumeroa was ordered to do 12 months intensive supervision and five months of community detention by Judge Garry Barkle in the Whanganui District Court this week. She was also disqualified from driving for 14 months.

Earthquake
A weak but noisy earthquake rattled Whanganui at 9.22pm on Thursday. The 3.2 magnitude earthquake was located within 5km of Whanganui at a depth of 29km.

Not guilty plea
Kaha Mutunga Thompson pleaded not guilty to charges of contravening a protection order and male assaults female in Whanganui District Court. A judge alone trial was elected, Thompson was remanded in custody and will have a case review hearing on July 24.

Fourth drunken driving offence
A man was sentenced in Whanganui District Court for driving with excess breath alcohol for a fourth time. Michael Terence Carr was handed three months community detention and nine months supervision by Judge Garry Barkle. He was also disqualified from driving.