Colonial theme seen as Raetihi's future image

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 520, 25 January 1994, Page 5

Colonial theme seen as Raetihi's future image

Raetihi's colonial past could become a theme for future projects to develop the town. At a meeting of the Raetihi promotions group Tuesday last week, various themes for united develop-

ment were discussed. Using such a theme to build on an image could be created which would encourage people passing through to stop and spend a little time in the area, then leaving the town remem-

bering the place by the association with a strong image. This image could be linked to its milling town past, or to that of its present cattle and sheep farming economy.

People present at the meeting said such a theme could be used as a contrast between Ohakune and Raetihi and that it could complement the two towns. "Raetihi doesn't want to compete with Ohakune as a tourist town but to use a theme as a contrast to bring visitors to both towns to enjoy the differences," said aRaetihi Promotions Group

spokesperson. "Raetihi still has a lot of the old time charm in the style of its buildings and . this atmosphere could be used to advantage as a 'time capsule' with the best of the past and present working together." The group hopes to incorporate their ideas into the Mainstreet Committee development of the area.