Motivation from Parker New Zealand's top heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker will visit Whanganui High School on Tuesday, August 21. Māori and Pasifika boys and their dads are invited to attend a closed motivational session with Parker at the school at 2pm.
Jail for armed robbery A man has been sentenced to threeyears and five months' imprisonment for aggravated robbery and unlawfully possessing a restricted weapon. Patrick Waretini, 32, was sentenced by Judge Philip Crayton in Whanganui District Court on Thursday. Judge Crayton also ordered forfeiture of the weapon and remitted $3849.46 worth of fines.
Detention for Jensen Whanganui man Timothy Jensen was sentenced to four months and one week of home detention by Judge Philip Crayton in Whanganui District Court on Thursday. Jensen was convicted on charges of exposing a young person to indecent materials, failing to comply with reporting obligations, possessing or using utensils for methamphetamine and breaching release conditions.
Alaskan adventures Whanganui-raised author Emma Stevens will talk on August 14 about her life and adventures in remote "bush Alaska". Stevens has written three books about life in Alaska. The event will be at 6.30pm at the Davis Library. RSVP to info@whanganuilibrary.com
Pollen forecast The region's pine trees began shedding their pollen last week and wattle is also a prolific pollen producer at this time. MetService NZ will begin having a daily pollen forecast on its website in September, a month earlier than previously, communications meteorologist Lisa Murray said. MetService pollen forecaster Dr David Fountain says about 20 per cent of New Zealanders are allergic to pollens, and the grasses that flower from October to January cause the severest allergies.
Conservation focus The Josephite Retreat Centre in Whanganui's Hillside Tce is holding a day to learn about conservationist Thomas Berry on August 4. On August 11, the focus will be on the life and work of Suzanne Aubert. To register for either ring 345 5047, ext 3 or email pam.hopper@sosj.org.au.
Whitebait season The whitebait season begins on August 15 and runs until November 30 for all of New Zealand except the South Island's West Coast. Regulations are on the Department of Conservation website.
