"Raetihi needs a gimmick": Parr

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 307, 3 October 1989, Page 7

"Raetihi needs a gimmick": Parr

A businessmens meeting held on Monday* night at the Ruapehu Hotel reflected anger and frustration by organiser of a "Get up and fight campaign," Iris Parr. The meeting was organised to look at pro-

moting Raetihi as a separate identity. Mrs Parr stressed that Raetihi's problem, though it has had its downfalls, is lack of enthusiasm from the business persons of the town. She says many of

them are "sitting on their backsides" watching the townships around them grow and prosper instead of fighting to make Raetihi a place to visit, to stay and to challenge. She adds that Taihape

has its Gumboot Day, Waiouru its Desert Fair, and Ohakune its Carrot and Skifields. These towns have been identified in their own right by dedication and promotional work. Iris said Raetihi has had six movies made in its

vicinity and if business persons got on the band wagon Raetihi could have and still could be identified as a mini Hollywood. "Raetihi must find a gimmick," she adds. The meeting, attended by most business per-

sons, was designed not to discuss what Raetihi no longer has but how it can develop what it still has. The Ruapehu Hotel will be running flea markets, a nationwide talent quest, and auctions over the next few months to

help promote the Hotel. Another meeting open to the public will be held on Thursday 5 October at the Waimarino Club at 8pm to hear proposals and to discuss a 'gimmick' for Raetihi's identity.