Council may run Ruapehu Visitor centre

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 479, 30 March 1993, Page 3

Council may run Ruapehu Visitor centre

The group that set up the Ruapehu Visitor Centre in Ohakune has agreed in principle to the council taking over the running of the information centre, in Clyde Street, Ohakune. The centre serves visitors to the southern Ruapehu area and is part of the Visitor Information Network, which links centres around the country and sets standards of operation. Consideration of the option is to be made at today's Promotions and Development subcommit-

tee. The group will make a recommendation to full council, who will make the final decision. The idea is to also take over Taumarunui's information centre. The council has already been a major contributor to both centres, providing the building and, in effect, paying the centre manager's wages. In a report to the subcommittee, council marketing manager Bruce Rollinson said the council has progressed signifi-

cantly in marketing terms and that it must now look at what is the best structure for an information service. "These centres should be considered the shop window, or customer service section of the marketing and promotion campaigns initiated and coordinated by Council," said Mr Rollinson. While basically in favour, the Ruapehu Business Association has expressed concerns, stating that their activities revolved around the centre

and the use of its resources. The group has asked what will happen to assets donated to the centre and if the council took them over, would they be compensated. Also, would the council take over the accommodation booking service which provided signif-

icant commission saies. "The issues raised ... were mainly sentimental issues relating to the voluntary input that was necessary to establish an effective information service," said Mr Rollinson in his report. "The foresight of these organisations to es-

tablish and maintain effective Information Centres must be acknowledged." Mr Rollinson said the council may review its "overall service delivery operations" in Ohakune, depending on the decisions made in relation to the information centres.

He concluded his report by saying the council must recognise the significant input and future potential of the two organisations (RSBA and ProTaum) into local promotion. He said the council must ensure this enthusiasm is continued.