Raetihi Post decision explained

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 293, 4 July 1989, Page 4

Raetihi Post decision explained

To reply to "Realists not Idealists" in your letters column of the issue of 20 June 1989: Judging from the tirade of assumptions made by the above, "Realists etc" obviously will not be requiring any form of community support system to maintain any quality of life. The Waimarino District Council in setting up the Post Office Agency in its sub-office in Raetihi, was in essence to aid and continue to supply the citizens of Raetihi a little quality of life in the form of full agency services as supplied by former NZ Post. Council democrati-

cally decided, on a majority vote, wherein the entire Raetihi Ward members placed full support, to take under contract the full postal agency. Contrary opinion was taken by those elected representatives whose electoral support did not have to suffer the ignominy of loosing both a postal and banking service. In arriving at its decision, WDC had to contend with the fact that whilst several other private businesses were interested in obtaining the postal service, a full agency basis would not be provided for Raetihi, whereas if W.D.C. took in the commitment, full agency services would be maintained. By this I make reference to M.O.T. Road User Charges, Motor Vehicle Relicencing, Broadcasting fees together with other relevant postal centre activities. Before the emotive howls of protest emerge from the jangled neuroses of "Realists etc," I point out that the W.D.C. • commitment was made on behalf of the Ward of Raetihi and given the blessing of the business community of Raetihi. Any cost incurred from running the postal agency will now be met from the rates collected within the Raetihi Ward. In accord with this commitment, the scheme either "makes it or breaks it," upon the support given by Raetihi residents. Conversely, any profits generated are held within that ward and distributed to the Ward's rated income, thereby

enabling everyone to have a share of potential rate reductions. The operating margins of profitability as indicated by NZ Post have been placed on a base minimum turnover. Figures to hand indicate that the scheme is more than likely to break even. This is in line with projected income and expected costs. If any shortfall should occur then as "Realists etc" have propounded Raetihi Ward will bear the cost. However it should be emphasised that the community of Raetihi will benefit in the end, so full support should be made of this service to achieve that end. The services of Post bank, withdrawn from Raetihi, has created problems. W.D.C. did enter into negotiations with NZ Post bank to retain full services, however this was not to be. "Realist etc" comments that the Raetihi Post Office catered mainly for Post Bank activities is a mistake and a fallacy. The Raetihi operation of Post Bank held 50 odd viable accounts. The majority of the throughput of work was focused on its postal and agency services. In fact the profitability of Post Bank operation was noted as a "necessary evil" in that the returns to service involvement were exceedingly low. In view of the dwindling resources and opportunities in the Waimarino area, Raetihi in preserving the facilities of a full postal agency is at

least trying to help itself. The scheme succeeds or founders on the support it is given. A more supportive approach from "Realists etc" would assist in the confirmed use of the community facilities we have left, rather than whinging over what we may well have lost. Raetihi is fighting for its survival in a rural depressed economy, despite any leverages from central governments actions and activities. Perhaps "Realists etc" are "defeatists" when it comes to the crunch of preserving some viability in a small rural kiwi towr

M.J

Compton

Raetihi Ward Councillor Waimarino District Council