River City Press Whanganui

27/07/2025

Award-winning House of Travel Whanganui to host Travel Expo

The team at House of Travel Whanganui has reason to celebrate. Recently crowned Supreme Customer Service Store across the nationwide House of Travel network, they’re now channelling that winning momentum into delivering Whanganui’s largest-ever Travel Expo.

Owner Carla McKinnon and her dedicated team – Lynda Matoe, Fiona Muir, Laura Cook and Hayden Smith – are immensely proud of their award, which recognises outstanding service based on direct customer feedback. “This award is particularly meaningful to us because it comes from our clients – people who have actually booked and travelled with us,” says Carla. “To be rated so highly, among 60 stores nationwide, is a huge achievement for our small, locally owned team.”

It’s no surprise then that House of Travel Whanganui is known for going the extra mile. Hosting a Travel Expo is another way they’re helping locals discover exciting ways to explore the world.

The Whanganui Travel Expo will take place on Wednesday 13 August, from 4pm to 7pm at Heritage House, 136 St Hill Street.

With 30 travel experts on hand – including airlines, cruise lines and tour operators attendees can expect inspiration, exclusive deals, and expert advice, all under one roof.

“There’s truly something for everyone,” says Carla. “Whether it’s your first trip or your fiftieth, the Expo is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the people behind the brands.”

RSVPs aren’t essential, but they’re encouraged – anyone who registers in advance will go in the draw to win a $500 travel voucher. There will also be spot prizes and airline giveaways on the night.

RSVP instore, call 06 3458822 or email [email protected].

House of Travel has been part of the Whanganui community for over 35 years, proudly locally owned throughout. Carla joined the company in 2004, working in both Wellington and Whanganui, before purchasing the business in 2019. Notably, House of Travel Whanganui remains the only locally owned travel agency in the region to have weathered the challenges of the Covid era.

Between them, the team has travelled to over 100 countries, offering not only warm customer service but real-world expertise. “We love what we do – it’s like working in a candy store,” says Carla. “Helping people bring their dream holidays to life is a privilege. Our clients often send us photos while they’re away – sometimes we’re even added to family group chats! It’s a real relationship. When you book online, you just don’t get that level of care.”

And when things don’t go to plan? “That’s when it really counts,” Carla explains. “We’re just a call away to help troubleshoot, reassure, and make sure your holiday stays on track.”

With exclusive deals, personal service, and deep industry connections, House of Travel Whanganui offers competitive pricing and peace of mind that’s hard to beat.
“We’re your one-stop travel shop,” Carla adds. “From the moment you leave your driveway to the moment you return home, we’re with you every step of the way.”
For expert support, local knowledge, and a genuine passion for travel – House of Travel Whanganui is ready to help you plan your next unforgettable adventure.

27/07/2025

Vijeshwar Prasad - Whanganui's only fully licensed immigration advisor

After 47 years teaching at Whanganui High School, as Head of Commerce and Computing and in Fiji, over 13 years ago, Vijeshwar Prasad decided to make a career change and became an immigration and tax consultant.

Not a complete pivot, because of his involvement with the Multi-Cultural Council of Rangitikei/Whanganui, he often gave free advice to people around the subject of immigration. Then the law changed, and to give such advice a person needed to be certificated.

Vijeshwar explains, “So I took up studies, Level 7 studies in immigration and then in 2013 I formed a Company, River City Immigration and Tax Consultant, because I was an accounting teacher and I thought I should maintain that as a Tax Agent.”
Immigration law is complex and requires a keen eye for detail, empathy, and a commitment to ongoing learning. Vijeshwar says, “Every year, we are required to complete 20 hours of professional development; if you don’t do that, they won’t renew your licence. I am the only fully licenced immigration advisor in Whanganui.”

Vijeshwar’s expertise covers a range of immigration categories: Accredited Employer, skilled migrants, student visas, work visas, family categories, investors and long-term business visas, and that’s not the complete list.

He prefers to work with one client at a time to understand their needs best and see the job through to its completion. He’s a sole operator but connects with a range of other advisors throughout the country who rely on each other for support and advice.

“It’s a job that can be very challenging, especially when a difficult case comes in and you have to do an appeal, which requires a great deal of research looking back at other cases. But when I get a positive outcome, that gives me great satisfaction”, says Vijeshwar.

There has been an increase in immigration in recent times and one of the areas that Vijeshwar sees as critical, is immigrants’ ability to understand English and for employers to understand the laws and obligations around employing immigrants. Following obligations and getting the right advice can save a lot of money, headaches and heartache in the long run.

Vijeshwar is there to help people change their future.

27/07/2025

‘Come Back Any Time’: U3A Film for July 30

‘Come Back Any Time’ is a documentary about Masamota Uueda, and his wife, who opened a noodle bar in Tokyo 40 years ago and created a welcoming place for the local community – one bowl of ramen noodles at a time. It was chosen by the University of the Third Age as their film for July.

Stuff film critic Graeme Tuckett says, “This is one of the sweetest and more enjoyable films of the year – it will restore your faith in humanity!
“It offers gorgeous scenery a delightful cast of regular customers and mouth-watering dishes. It shows an intimate picture of Japan’s culture of food, community and work.

“This is simple story telling done exceptionally well … and is a heart-warming reminder of life’s simplest pleasures, including a place to call one’s own.”
‘Come Back Any Time’ has played at 12 film festivals and has won Best Documentary film at two for those.

It plays at Embassy Three on Wednesday, 30 July, at 10.10a.m. and is 80 minutes long. Everyone is welcome to enjoy this movie.

27/07/2025

Gordon Park to be extended - planting day 3 August

It’s had a new carpark, new fencing, and now, much-loved Gordon Park in Whanganui is gaining ground with adjacent paddock areas ready for planting.
Situated just outside the town, the remnant kahikatea forest of Gordon Park Scenic Reserve is unique in the Whanganui area and beloved by many people in the community.

Department of Conservation Community Ranger Hēmi Stuteley says the new carpark, fencing, and a planned picnic area will improve access and enjoyment.
“On top of these, the forest is gaining ground! Around 2 hectares of paddock are ready for planting with locally sourced seedstock, the majority collected and grown on by Friends of Gordon Park volunteers.”

Paddock areas to the North and West were deforested a long time ago but are part of Gordon Park Scenic Reserve.

“We can all play a role in protecting and enhancing this small but mighty patch of forest,” says Hēmi.

“This planting will help protect the mature forest as well as provide more habitat for our wetland birds like the at-risk mātātā or fernbird.”

Colin Ogle, spokesperson for volunteer group Friends of Gordon Park, says the community can be involved in planting the new areas.

“It’s a chance to be here from the start of something, plant some trees with your tamariki, then watch them grow over the coming years.
“We want this forest to belong to the community.”

The existing Gordon Park Scenic Reserve forest has been nurtured by the Friends of Gordon Park for almost 20 years, and new volunteers are always welcome.
Colin says it’s a busy planting schedule from July to the end of September.
“There’s around 6000 native trees to go in; we’ll provide the tools if you bring the enthusiasm, boots, and weather appropriate clothing!”

The main community planting day is Sunday 3 August at 11am, however extra people to contribute are also welcome at the six weekday plantings falling on regular volunteer days.

Regular volunteer days at Gordon Park are held twice a month, on the second Tuesday morning at 10am and fourth Thursday afternoon at 1pm.
Contact [email protected] for more information.

26/07/2025

Open Home Today.

26/07/2025

Tessa Pudney, Property Brokers, is celebrating five years in Real Estate

Tessa Pudney is celebrating five years in Real Estate with Property Brokers Whanganui and ranks number 43 out of 475 salespeople nationwide for Property Brokers for the year April 2024 to March 2025.

Understandably, she is very happy and says, “My ongoing success in the last five years from the service I provide is exceptional, and every vendor and buyer receives my full commitment.” She adds, “I am assisted by my fantastic PA working hard behind the scenes as well as the large team at Property Brokers working for clients to ensure the best results. My approach is to work for you, side by side every step of the way, and I thank you all for your continued support.”

One happy customer has commented – “We couldn’t be happier with the service provided by Tessa Pudney and her team. This is the second home she has sold for us, and, again, Tessa went above and beyond every step of the way. Her approach was professional, knowledgeable, and she genuinely cared about our needs. Her communication was always clear and timely, and any questions or concerns we had were addressed quickly. As a real estate agent, Tessa has been outstanding and developed a strong and trusting relationship with us. We would highly recommend Tessa to anyone looking to buy or sell their home.”

The managers at Property Brokers clearly agree. Paul Roache, Regional Director, Manawatu | Whanganui | Taranaki, says, “Tessa has been with Property Brokers for five years, and from day one, she has stood out as someone who genuinely cares about her clients and the results she achieves for them. She exemplifies professionalism in every aspect of her work, from the expert advice she offers to the energy she brings, and her effervescent personality that puts everyone she interacts with at ease. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to family and friends — because when you truly trust someone, you don't hesitate to do so, and I trust Tessa 100%”.

Looking to buy or sell, contact Tessa Pudney on 021 110 0563 for a chat.

26/07/2025

New lease of life for remote Trains Hut

Trains Hut, nestled deep in the Waitōtara Conservation Area, has been given a new lease on life thanks to collaboration between the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Backcountry Trust.

Trains Hut is a well-loved, six-bunk hut used regularly by trampers and hunters, reached by a 15km tramp along the rugged Trains Track. This remote and rewarding backcountry track takes visitors through regenerating native forest, rugged ridgelines, and across several swing bridges.

DOC Ranger Rhydian Lewis, who led the project, says support from the Backcountry Trust allowed the DOC team to expand the scope of work beyond essential repairs.

Alongside basic maintenance, a new wood burner has been installed, the deck extended, and an L-shaped veranda constructed, all improving comfort and shelter for visitors.

Working with the Trust, we were able to go beyond basic maintenance and give Trains Hut the attention it deserved. These upgrades make a big difference, especially for those staying in tough weather conditions, says Rhydian.

The project is part of the Community Huts Programme, a collaboration between DOC and the Backcountry Trust to support volunteers to care for highly valued backcountry huts and tracks. Announced in January, the $4.2 million dollar boost comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
Renovations were completed in June by a team of five, with a helicopter used to transport materials to the remote location.

Backcountry Trust Manager Rob Brown says the partnership with DOC Whanganui has enabled important work on backcountry places valued by the community.
As well as this work on Trains Hut, we collaborated to complete much needed maintenance on two of the huts on the Matemateonga Walkway.

When we get teams of passionate people from DOC and BCT together, we get through a lot of field work in a short amount of time.

Rhydian says Trains Hut is important to many backcountry explorers.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and expertise to ensuring the hut will continue to serve the next generation of outdoor adventurers.

DOC can’t do it alone.

Waitotara Conservation Area sits to the south-west of Whanganui National Park between Whanganui and Stratford, and features stunning mature rimu, tōtara and northern rātā? Occasional regenerating scrubland and forest is a lingering reminder of failed settlement attempts.

Trains Track is an advanced track which can be heavily impacted by wet conditions, visitors are reminded to carry appropriate gear and be ready for changeable weather.

Always check track conditions and hut availability on the DOC website before heading into the backcountry.

26/07/2025

RCP Bouquet – Michelle Sigley, the ‘The Flawsome Artist’

Michelle Sigley has featured in the RCP a number of times including two front pages. Her murals under the title of ‘The Flawsome Artist’ grace so many walls around Whanganui and few outside the city.

Most of her mural ‘commissions’ have been done free of charge or only enough to cover the cost of her paints. Through these murals, Michelle has provided colour, enjoyment and as she says, ‘positivity’ to the Whanganui community.

Her latest completed mural is on Fox Road in Springvale (See the separate article in this issue by Councillor Ross Fallen about the background). You can’t miss it. It transforms and brightens up the road with birds and butterflies. Again, she received only enough to cover her paint costs.

She did get some people stopping and donating, and others bringing her coffee. “I had a child watch me for about an hour.”

She has other murals she will be doing soon. There will be one at the skating rink, which students at Durie Hill School have helped design. “It will be 32 metres long.” Then, there will be another student-designed one at Castlecliff School, to complement one she has done at Lundon Park. She remains very busy.

The RCP was able to surprise Michelle in Fox Road with a beautiful bouquet of flowers put together by Nichola and her team at the Flower Room.

25/07/2025

25/07/2025

RH3 Ricki Herbert academy football programme - in Wanganui in September

Wanganui City Football Club and Wanganui Junior Football are bringing the RH3 Ricki Herbert academy football programme to Wanganui in September. It is available to all children, boys and girls, ages 7-16, and will be run from the WCFC clubrooms.

Ricki is an ex-NZ All White’s player and coach who runs an academy in Cambridge as well as programmes at clubs throughout New Zealand in the holidays with his qualified and experienced coaches to improve each child over the three-day programme.

Fun and enjoyment are the most important part of these programmes, and it is open to all abilities. However, Ricki can offer opportunities to the right children to be invited to Cambridge to train and play at their end-of-year tournament, train with the Wellington Phoenix and get the chance to travel around NZ and abroad playing in academy tournaments.

Dave Mulford from the Club says, “Our main aim of these programmes is to improve the overall standard of junior football by bringing these coaches in, but also to give opportunities to the children to take their football further, which is hard to do outside of the main centres.”

To make this more affordable to as many children as possible, WCFC is running this at cost price, so it is relying heavily on volunteers to make it work and their loyal sponsor, Moore Law, is also assisting.

All children receive a RH3 branded shirt and ball for participating.

Dave advises that “Ricki has already visited Wanganui and was very impressed by the facilities for both football and futsal, and was also very excited by the standard of football the children played.”

Ricki has had an academy graduate make his debut for Wellington Phoenix this year in Luke Brooke Smith, and hopes for many more. Ricki will be present and will run a question-and-answer session as part of the programme.

The programme runs for three days from Saturday 20 September to Monday 22 September and is from 9.30am to 3.30pm. It is open to anyone interested in improving their football skills. The cost is $215 per child. To register, go to www.rh3footballacademy.co.nz. For more information, contact Dave Mulford on 0278479418.

Photo: Max Davidson (Club Captain), Ricki Herbert (Academy Director), Dave Mulford (Programme Coordinator), Hayden Mulford and Evie Mulford (Whanganui City FC Players)