"Thanks for clean water, Ben"

Ruapehu Bulletin, 11 August 1992, Page 4

"Thanks for clean water, Ben"

Water thanks • We often complain about Government and local bodies that make promises for which we never see any concrete result. We seldom acknowledge a result that is successful and makes a difference to a lot of lives. If only. we all could see what really happens behind the scenes and how much effort actually goes into making promises concrete. I have watched my husband Ben, for the past eight years, work on a water scheme that would provide crystal-clear, gum and chemical-free water that is also environmentally friendly, to the townspeople of Ohakune. He spent many long hours of research, telephone calls, meetings, most till way past midnight at no expense to

the rate-payers. I know that there were many people involved in this scheme and I acknowledge their support and effort too, but it's actually Ben, I have seen first-hand, work really hard to make this particular dream become reality for the town. Thank you Ben, I know I will enjoy our new water with extra enthusiasm, knowing how hard you and other councillors, engineers etc have worked to get it. I know now that because I cannot actually see something physical happening, doesn't mean nothing is being done. Things are not always as they appear.

Trish

Goddard

Mangapurua Valley • I refer to the letter 4 August 1992 under the signature of Bill Simmons for the Department

of Conservation. The letter explained fairly fully the actions taken to control cattle in this new National Park namely Mangapurua Valley. It is pleasing to note the diligence of the Department of Conservation and their willingness to explain their actions to the public. It is because of this willingness to explain, that I call on the Department to explain to the public how they closed the Mangapurua Road. The Mangapurua Road traversed the Mangapurua Valley and to my knowledge was a formed road, gazetted and vested in the control of the local authority. It would appear that the public has no knowledge of how this

road was closed by a Departmental Decree or has there been some legal action to which the public has not been privy too? I look forward to an early reply through these columns.

J B

Martin

ex Councillor ex Waimarino County Council.

Give the place a break • Surprise, surprise, as I walk to town today yet another window is boarded up. My heart goes out to the victims of these mindless vandals who's shop has been broken into several times these past few months - not to mention the other numerous shops that have , been broken into, including our newest 'Leather' shop which has closed because of it. Come on 'y°u vandals', give us a break. We, the honest citizens, are the ones who'll suffer. Soon we'll have a lot more empty shops - very soon. Come on Raetihi people, let's pull together and be more aware of what's going on around us. If you hear an alarm - dial 1 1 1 or even look out the window - it may just help us catch these vandals! Raetihi people are busy raising money for allsorts of wonderful projects - maybe we should start fund raising to help compensate our poor hard-hit business-peo-ple! Born & Bred Raetihi Person Rise up Raetihi explained • To me this public meeting on 23 August is a chance for all people, young and old alike to contribute their ideas for the future economic and social well-being of Raetihi. Here is an option for ' all people to have an input, have their say and

express their ideas for a better Raetihi. An important ingredient in the success of this meeting will be attracting as broad a cross-sec-tion of the community as possible so as to ensure a wide spectrum of ideas. The meeting will be chaired by an inspirational character by the name of John Wise from the Community Employment Group, Napier. This Govern-ment-funded organisation has a proven track record for facilitating enthusiasm for positive economic growth in small rural areas like Raetihi.

The people and the resources are here and it is only a matter of identifying, researching and developing these elements. A reversed approach of not telling people what to do but asking and listening to 'the people' through a non-racial nodiscrimatory means of communication will produce new exciting ideas which in my eyes will see the start of the unification of Raetihi. The road to recovery starts from within. Nobody knows the needs or wants of Raetihi better than Raetihites. Economic and social recovery will not come' on a

platter from the politicians, nor will prosperity for the ordinary person be achieved by hero worshipping the rich as recently advised by the Prime Minister. This is why we must take it upon ourselves and 'Rise Up' for Raetihi. Let's all get together, combine our resources, exchange ideas and direct Raetihi's energies in a positive, common direction. So come along ... it would be great to see you all at the Raetihi Primary School Hall at 1pm on Sunday 23 August.

Chris i

Kristiansen