Raetihi decisions

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 413, 19 November 1991, Page 4

Raetihi decisions

• Come on Raetihi, let's have our say. Too many decisions and actions are carried out without us, the local people knowing what's going down. I'm talking in this instance about the old blue Haere Mai Take-away butchery in Seddon Street which is to be flattened to the ground if the intentions of a small group of people known as the Raetihi Promotions Group is carried out. Sure it may be in a bad state of repair but have all possible options been looked at for the future of the building? The only quotes for repairs to the building that I have heard of have been for commercially orientated interests. From this I get the feeling that the building will be demolished because if merely doesn't meet a few people's requirements. Has it been offered to any other organisation or community group?

Raetihi has youth. Raetihi has people. These are terms that have become common usage in my vocabulary lately. But what is there for and being done for the youth and people of Raetihi? Pulling buildings down to my way of thinking is going about things the wrong way. If the building was offered to the people, i.e. the building maintenance and usage would come under the jurisdiction of a worthwhile youth, community or sporting group, then I'm sure one would be surprised by the response and attitude from the people of that group. In short I oppose the demolition of a building because it suits or does not suit a few people. I encourage people who also oppose the destruction of an Ristoric building to sign a petition at 'Clowns' shop in Raetihi and any person or group who has the foresight to see something useful and positive in the building to come and have a yak about it. If local committees and governing bodies aren't prepared to listen to the voice of the people of Raetihi then that is wrong and present trends will prevail. Come along and sign and have your say for Raetihi.

Garry

Kristiansen

Clowns of Raetihi