Raetihi unsure of Mainstreet plans

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 587, 23 May 1995, Page 4

Raetihi unsure of Mainstreet plans

By

Amiria

Tekei

Some people have been wondering what is happening or what plans are at hand for Raetihi in terms of the Winning Waimarino Mainstreet programme. From an informal survey of some of the townspeople, both adults and children, there was a varied response as to how much people knew about the Mainstreet programme.

Asked, "do you know, or what do you know about the Mainstreet programme?" many answered that they knew very little, or nothing about it. "No I don't know anything but I would like to be better and more regularly informed," answered one person, while another said "it's something to do with the coupon thing in the paper, discounts on a variety

of goods in various stores." Asked, "how do you think the main street of Raetihi can be improved, if at all?" people suggested improved paving, cobblestone footpaths, slate-like paving, shops painted, empty shops painted, scrubbed and tidied on a regular basis by the owners (even though they are not in use); public toilets need to be kept clean on a regular basis (at least once a day); there needs to be a theme, some of the suggestions were 'old world pioneerr ing', 'pioneering', 'shearing' or 'bullock days', 'a mill town'. Some of the comments

from the young people of the town were: "The place looks like a ghost town", "Raetihi needs an improvement in image", "nothing for young people to do, we would like a central area to gather, basketball hoops, a youth centre or gym." After a week and another interview young people were asked to give some more thought as to how they could be involved, how or what they might be able to do to improve facilities for themselves and the following suggestions were received: "there' s that section in town, empty space, if we had a hand to clean that up or something,

cleared an area to put hoops up, then we would take a pride in a project we were involved in." Bernice Frost (one of the Raetihi committee members on the Mainstreet programme said that a group of business people and others with a tourism promotional interest got together some three to four years ago to discuss much of what has come about today with the Mainstreet idea. From those earlier meetings interests and enthusiasm was inclined to be a bit up and down. However, she said through the consistent effort of people like Sue Allomes the Mainstreet programme is off the ground. The Ruapehu District Council has funds set aside to assist with plans and in Raetihi 's case some background research is needed as to the original town's plan and photos gathered and viewed to gain a more accurate idea of where businesses were. Mrs Frost made mention of the width of the main street, saying that originally the reason for the street being so wide was to allow fbr bullock teams to be able to TURNPAGE 12

Raetihi Mainstreet plans

FROM PAGE 4 turn easily. It may well be ideal to consider a statue of a bullock team at the roundabout of the entrance to Seddon Street, it was suggested. Now is the time for the town's people to put forward their views and comments and if they wish there is still time to be more actively involved, said Mrs Frost. People who are interested in having an input should contact Bernice Frost at Williams and Kettle in Raetihi or Sue Allomes at The Homestead at Rangataua.