Rise Up Raetihi

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 453, 15 September 1992, Page 12

Rise Up Raetihi

• The Rise Up Raetihi Public Meeting was attended by approxrmately thirty people on Sunday

23 August at the Raetihi School Hall. This represented a reasonably good cross-section of the community although some sections were sadly missing; notably the retailing and business sectors. The aftemoon was exciting and revealed a hidden enthusiasm by those present for the development of Raetihi as a community. The meeting lasted over three and a half hours. Facilitator John Wise showed his expertise and controlled the meeting through different stages of question and answer sessions. After initial in-

troduction and discussion as to why we were all there we were divided into four randomly selected groups where all people had free time to contribute their ideas and feelings in a "no pressure" situation. From a list of 24 ideas put forward by the different groups five projects have been taken on board for investigation and feasibility studies and include the following: •Establishment of Flea Markets for local produce and wares on a regular basis. •Investigate the feasibility of establishing an eel industry. •Development of internal and external marketing organisations to promote Raetihi and its resources •Investigate the prospect of local control, management and ownership of Raetihi Power Station. •Research the establishment of bush, hunting and fishing tours. The outcome of the meeting was very positive with all people present willing to contribute the energy necessary to take their ideas further. A meeting is to be arranged for all those who wish to contribute their energy into a more community spirited Raetihi at the Raetihi Hotel TV lounge at a later date. The purpose of the meeting will be on how

to conduct a feasibility study and how and where financial assistance can come from. This is the start of the back up and assistance that is available through the Community Employment Course. This Government funded organisation now has a network of over 70 small towns in rural New Zealand that have suffered badly in the economic chaos New Zealand is in. But these 70 small towns have a new spirit, a new awareness and have taken it upon themselves to work towards a better standard of living through a selfhelp economic and community revival process. Come on Raetihi it's time to start looking at the good things in life: let's support community development and Rise Up for a 'common-unity'. For enquiries and written information please call in at 'Clowns' Raetihi or phone 3854970

Garry

Kristiansen