WHANGANUI HAPPENINGS
FEATURED EVENT Tea and Topics - February 22: The history and role of Women’s Refuge Whanganui – with Jo Voice – manager (this talk is part of La Fiesta 2024.)
Gonville Library is proud to present their next Tea and Topics talk with Jo Voic. This is the first one of a series as part of La Fiesta 2024.
Jo is the current Manager of the Women’s Refuge in Whanganui and has been involved in the field of Child Protection and Social Work for many years, working in different roles and at different organisations. She has been working at Whanganui Women’s Refuge for almost 1.5 years. Women’s Refuge has had a presence in Whanganui since 1978. Since then, it has had different structures, with the most recent iteration starting in 1988. Back then, it was known as the Women and Children’s Shelter. It became a part of the National Collective of Women’s Refuge in approximately 1995.
“I have had the pleasure of managing this team since October 2022,” said Jo. “In that time, we have grown to four daytime advocates and four after-hours advocates and a full time administrator, serving the communities of Whanganui and surrounds (Bulls, Marton, Waitō tara, Hunterville).
“Our role is to support women and their children on their journey to becoming free from family violence. This might take the form of risk assessments, safety planning, advocacy, referrals to supporting agencies. “Women or their support people can contact us via phone, email or just byknocking on our office door. In the past 12 months, we have worked closely with the police, lawyers, medical professionals and other services in our community to provide assistance to 306 women and have received 469 calls on our crisis line.
“Whanganui Women’s Refuge receives government funding to support 112 women and their children per year. We are able to continue to do our work with the generosity of community grants and donations,” she said.
The other two talks are about Falun Dafa Meditation by Diana Leu on
February 29, and Winter Wellness by Irene Davies on March 7. Tea and Topics will have its usual format, with a hot drink and a biscuit being served between 10am and 10.30am. The talk will start at 10.30am and there will be ample opportunity to ask questions or share stories.
LATEST FOUNDERS SOCIETY
Speaker: George Keenan, topic - Old English Craftmanship Furniture Restoration Where: St Andrews Church Cnr. Glasgow & Gloucester Streets When: Sunday, February 25, 2pm Details: cost $5.00, open invitation to all interested
COMMUNITY LITURGY – NEW YEAR
What: Join us for an hour of prayer & reflection.
When: Sunday 18 February, 4 – 5pm Where: Josephite Retreat Centre, 14 Hillside Tce.
Register: Phone 345 5047 ext 3 or email pam.hopper@sosj.org.au
Full programme available on: www.marymackillop.org.nz
SOUL PAGES
What: Join us for the second session that will connect you with the rich soul world of the visual journal with Tracey Young
BYO CRAFT SUPPLIES AND YOUR LUNCH
When: Monday 19 February, 10am – 2pm
Cost: $10 per session
Where: Josephite Retreat Centre, 14 Hillside Tce.
Register: Phone 345 5047 ext 3 or email pam.hopper@sosj.org.au
Full programme available on: www.marymackillop.org.nz
CARITAS LENTEN SHARING PROGRAMME
What: For 2024, the Caritas Lenten Programme is entitled The Time is Now! Ko Tē nei tonu te Wā ! with Liz Hickey rsj & Pam Hopper When: Monday 19 February & subsequent Mondays during Lent. 2 – 3.30pm Where: Josephite Retreat Centre, 14 Hillside Tce.
Register: Phone 345 5047 ext 3 or email pam.hopper@sosj.org.au
Full programme available on: www.marymackillop.org.nz
DEADLINE
Deadline for listings in Happenings is noon on Fridays prior to publication, subject to space being available
WOMEN WHO DARE
What: Film: The Quiet Girl
Set in 1981, this film tells the story of a young girl,
Cait, who is sent away for the summer from her dysfunctional family to live with “her mother’s people”.
When: Tuesday 20 February, 2pm Cost: Koha for a cuppa Where: Josephite Retreat Centre, 14 Hillside Tce.
Register: Phone 345 5047 ext 3 or email pam.hopper@sosj.org.au
Full programme available on: www.marymackillop.org.nz
REGULAR VOLUNTEER WHANGANUI
What: Here are some positions that are available Urgent Job Vacancies:
■ Team Manager Swimming Special Olympics
■ Youth Event Support
■ Dial the Newsreader
■ Coastguard Radio Operator
■ Unity Food Administrator
■ Brass Whanganui Lawn Mower Team Member
■ Wanganui Community Patrol
■ Creative Space Board Members
■ Environment Base Assistant
■ Opera House – Backstage Crew Member
■ Girl Guides Youth Leaders
■ Whanganui Liaison Officers Canine Friends
Room 110, 1st Floor, Community House
60 Ridgway Street, Whanganui Phone 06 3479430
AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS
First Group: Friday, Gonville Library meeting room, 12.30pm Second Group: Thursday, Quakers Meeting House 256 Wicksteed St, 7.30pm
Details: Ph 0508 425 266 or Email afgwhanganui@gmail.com
ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC NITE
What: Open Mic, Free, All welcome to perform or listen
When: Every second Wednesday 6.30 to 8.30
Where: The Grand Hotel (Corner Bar)
Details: Txt Rik 021 0831 1279
CREATIVE FIBRE WHANGANUI
What: Spin, knit or Weave wool or other Fibres.
When: Tuesday nights 7pm - 9pm, Wednesday 9.30 am - 1pm. Where: 92 Peat Street, Whanganui. Contact ph. 022 170 1958, 06 343 8759.
WHANGANUI BLIND & PARTIALLY BLIND CRAFT GROUP INC.
What: For blind or visual impairment.
When: Mondays & Tuesdays, 1.30-3.30pm
Contact: craft group co-ordinator Daveena 0272077947
BACK TO TENNIS FOR ADULTS
What: if you haven’t played tennis for a while or have always wanted to give it a go!
Free lessons for the month of November.
When: 2pm each Saturday Where: At the Whanganui Tennis Club.
Details: Registrations necessary, just email or txt us. Whanganuitennisclub.co.nz or txt 0274 876053.
WHANGANUI TABLE TENNIS
What: Played at the Jubilee Stadium
When: Monday & Friday 9am - 12 noon.
Monday & Wednesday evening 7 pm - 10 pm.
Details: Fees: $5.00 a session (bats available)
All ages and levels welcome just come along.
Further details contact Jan Purvis 027 447 4312
WHAKATIPURANGA TE KAKANO
What: The Whanganui branch of the Maori Women’s Welfare League, Whakatipuranga te kakano invite waahine to our monthly hui. The Mā ori Women’s Welfare League, or Te Rōpū Wāhine Māori Toko I te Ora is a New Zealand welfare organisation focusing on Mā ori women and children. When: First Monday of each month 4pm - 5pm
Where: Nga Tae o Te Awa, corner Wilson & Guyton Streets Details: Please contact Mereana Pari (secretary/treasurer) on 0224562453 or email parimereana@gmail.com
WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN WIDOWS’ FELLOWSHIP
What: Meets weekly in a different café for encouragement, support and laughter. Contact: Jill 021 1152243
CALM MIND, OPEN HEART
What: practising engaged daily mindfulness, ethics & compassion in Thich Nhat Hanh ~ Plum Village tradition.
When: Thursday evenings Contact: Clare 021 0622 120
FYIN YOGA WITH JADE
What: A Candle lit Yin Practice. When: Tuesdays, 5.30pm, Thursdays, 7pm
Where: Wisdom Is Yours, 200 B Victoria Ave
Details: $13 Call Jade 0212989898
WHANGANUI HARRIER CLUB
What: Wolfpack 2023 — weekly training runs
When: Weekly on Tuesdays, 5.15pm
Where: Meet at Victoria Park clubrooms
Details: www.wanganuiharrierclub. co.nz for more info
ANGLICAN INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
What: Indoor bowls in a warm, noncompetitive environment. When: Wednesdays, 1.30 start. Where: Lower lounge, Christ Church Community Centre, Wicksteed St.
Details: $4 per session. Bowls supplied. Call Jan, 3477414 or 027 3762345.
WHANGANUI FLORAL GROUP
When: 1st Tuesday of the month. Where: Riverside Christian Church hall, Mathieson St.
Details: Shirley 927 6713 or 027 236 8046.
FOLK MUSIC
What: Instrumental folk music session: join in or listen. When: Every Thursday, 7-9pm. Where: Irish Bar, Grand Hotel. Details: Adie, 021 023 84578.
HEALING VOICES
What: Enjoy free flow vocal expressions and soundscapes. All welcome
When: Wednesdays 5.30pm to 6.30pm (school term) Where: St Andrew's Hall, 1E Bell Street,
Details: Yee Ley 022 366 2346
VOCAL TONING MEDITATION
What: Practicing intoning of vowel sounds for your wellbeing When: Fridays 12pm to 1pm (school term)
Where: Ladies' Rest Building, 75 St Hill Street
Details: Yee Ley 022 366 2346 “P” PULL MOVEMENT WHANGANUI
What: A safe place to seek information
When: Walk Ins- Tuesdays 10am to 12 midday.
Where: St James Church, corner Boydfield and Helmore Streets Thursdays 1pm to 3pm, Scout Hall, Swiss Ave, Gonville.
Details: Contacts- Christine 027 283 9010, James 021 449 134
PRESENTATIONS OF SPIRITUAL TOPICS/GIFTS/WISDOM
What: Clairvoyants, workshops When: Saturdays 11.30am-12.30pm. Where: 200 B Victoria Ave (Carparks at the back 59 Ingestre St) Details: Donation. 06 3455002 for more information.
KOWHAINUI DAY PROGRAMME
What: Socialise and participate in activities.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am-3pm. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided. Where: Kowhainui Home, 88 Virginia Rd, Otamatea.
Details: Call 06 349 1400 or visit www. enlivencentral.org.nz.
LYRIC SINGERS
What: Mixed voice choir. When: Thursdays 7.30-9.15pm (rehearsals).
Where: St Andrew’s Church hall, Glasgow St.
Details: New members welcome. Contact Mel, 02102294425.
MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS
What: Operation Cover Up, the knitting arm of Mission Without Borders
When: Last Monday of the month, 1.30pm.
Where: Salvation Army Church, 4 Indus St.
Inquiries: Susan 021 503817.
PARKINSON’S WHANGANUI
What: Counterpunch Boxing. When: Wednesday 10-11am; Friday 11am-midday.
Where: River City Boxing Club, 10 Devon Rd.
Details: Gold coin donation. Fraser. 027 2477 242.
HAKEKE ST LIBRARY & COMMUNITY CENTRE
Where: 65 Hakeke St. Details: See Facebook page.
RIVER CITY ARTISTS
What: From beginners to established artists
When: Thursdays, 9.30am-3.30pm. Where: Christ Church Community Hall, 243 Wicksteed St. Details: Val 343 6316 or 027 4599448, Sue 021 048 403.
SATURDAY MEDITATION
What: Guided meditation. Koha. When: Saturday 10.30-11am. Where: Wisdom Is Yours Wellbeing Centre, 200B Victoria Ave. Details: Natasha or Kevin on 06 345 5002.
SLIMMERS SUPPORT GROUP
What: Lose weight and keep it off. When: Tuesdays, 5pm.
Cost: $10 to join; $2 weekly. Inquiries: Ngaire 347 1613.
SOCIAL MOTORCYCLE RIDES
What: Monthly rides of 200-300km. AWhen: 10am on the last Sunday of every month.
Where: Wanganui Motor Boat clubrooms on Anzac Pde, 500m north of Dublin St Bridge. Details: Just turn up, or call Tim on 021 963 280.
SOCIAL SCRABBLE
What: Friendly scrabble. When: Every fortnight on a Tuesday at 1.30pm
Where: Christ Church hall — upper lounge 243 Wicksteed St. Details: Cost $4. Contact Lynette 062130359.
WHANGANUI BADMINTON
When: Monday evenings 7.30pm. $6 per session, timed games, feather shuttles. Thursday morning 9am $6 per session timed games. Details: Jude Hildreth 021 215 7542 or Kate Matthews 027 776 6015.
WHANGANUI BRANCH 60’s UP
What: Speakers, music, raffles, lunches, etc.
When: 1st Monday of the month, 2pm. Where: St Andrew’s Church hall, Glasgow St.
Contact: Christine 343 6690 or Dot 345 4701.
WHANGANUI CAMERA CLUB
When: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. 7pm meet and greet, 7.30pm meeting. Visitors welcome. Where: 2 Handley St, Gonville.
WHANGANUI COMMUNITY CHOIR
What: A mixed choir singing four-part harmony When: Mondays at 7pm. Where: Riverside Christian Church, 4 Ingestre St.
Details: Contact our Secretary, Edwyna — 027 360 1335 / 06- 344 7974.
WHANGANUI CREATIVE SPACE
What: Art in Focus. Free art tuition and materials. Art for Wellbeing. When: Tuesdays, 10am-2pm. Where: Community Art Studio, 61 Dublin St.
Details: Call the studio, 61 Dublin St, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday between 10am and 2pm, or phone/ text the secretary 021 230 4095 or email whanganuics@gmail.com.
WHANGANUI GUIDED WALKING TOURS
What: Whanganui’s history through buildings, monuments, people and stories.
When: Saturdays and Sundays at 10am and 2pm. Other days by request for 2 or more people. Ring i-Site to book 349 0508.
Where: Start from the i-Site. Details: $15 per person.
WHANGANUI KARAOKE CLUB
When: 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, midday to 5pm. Where: St John’s Club, Glasgow St. Details: Irene Davis 021 02861658.
WHANGANUI RIVERBANK PARKRUN
What: A free, timed 5km community walk or run.
Where: Whanganui Riverbank, opposite 282 Taupo Quay. When: Every Saturday at 7.50am for 8am start.
Details: Visit www.parkrun.co.nz.
WHANGANUI GARDEN CLUB
When: Last Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm.
Where: Dempsey & Forrest function room, Guyton St.
Details: Yvonne 027 944 2166.
WHANGANUI RIVER MARKETS
What: Includes River Traders and Farmers Markets.
When: 8.30am-1pm every Saturday. Where: Downtown Whanganui Riverbank.
WHANGANUI MALE CHOIR
What: Male voice choir singing and comradeship.
When: Tuesdays 7-9pm (rehearsals). Where: Jane Winstone Chapel, 49 Oakland Ave, St John’s Hill. Contact: Dennis 027 240 4598.
WHANGANUI TOASTMASTERS
What: People gain confidence, communication and leadership skills. When: The 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday of each month, 6.30pm. Where: Salvation Army Centre, 4 Indus St.
WHANGANUI WOMEN’S CLUB
What: Bolivia on Wednesdays $3. Bridge on Thursdays $4. When: Weekly at 1.15pm. Where: 39 Ingestre St.
Details: Contact Barbara 021 717 196 (Bridge) or Nancy Bartrun 0274463889 (Bolivia). Afternoon tea.
YOGA AND PILATES WITH EDDY
Wednesday: 6pm Vinyasa Flow. Friday: 6pm Pilates. Sunday: 9.30am Yoga Flow. Monday: 4pm Yin Yoga. Where: Hakeke St Community Centre, 65 Hakeke St.
Details: Contact Eddy to book — eddylicious@yahoo.com, 027 293 9699.
YOGA CLASSES
What: Yoga in a warm room with friendly people.
When: Mondays and Wednesdays from 5.30-6.45pm.
Where: Quaker Meeting House, 256 Wicksteed St.
Details: $10 per class. Contact: Kathy — email kgreensides@hotmail.com.
TAI CHI QI GONG
What: Slow, gentle movement and breath for health, vitality and relaxation
When: Lunchtime class every Wednesday 12-1pm $10 Where: Whanganui Yoga Centre, Level 3, 76 Guyton Street Contact Martin 0226221711
WHANGANUI YOGA CENTRE
Modern practice of ancient wisdom When: Full timetable on Facebook Where: Level 3, 76 Guyton Street, 0226221711