Mainstreet architect hears design views
Winning Waimarino's Mainstreet project architect John Achari left the area last week with a wealth of information from people as to what the needs of the town are in terms of town design themes. He meet with around 100 people from both Ohakune and Raetihi in meetings that totalled about 20 hours, to hear what their views on the themes should be. Raetihi' s core theme seemed to be linked to the Raetihi fire of 1918, with many of the town' s buildings dating from that era. Ohakune' s theme was of uniquely New Zealand alpine "not forgetting the earlier heritage reflected in buildings such as Buck's Drapery".
Although many people turned out to meet Mr Achari and make their views known, organisers were disappointed at the lack of response from Ohakune retailers, with only five being present. Partly because of this Mr Achari intends to return for a further meeting, which will also give any one else who missed him a chance to put their point of view across. Mainstreet coordinator Sue Allomes said it was vital that as wide a cross section of points of view were sought before the design process started, otherwise the architect would be unable to come up with designs that the community would accept. She said some who attended the meetTurn to Page 2
Mainstreet design views
FROMPAGEl ings had thought they would be shown finished designs but that the start of the process was consultation. She said she was impressed with Mr Achari's thoughtful approach to the meeting, saying he did not state what he thought the towns needed but rather, listened intently to what the townspeople thought. He met with a number of long-time residents and gathered a lot of historical material to help him; he met with marae representatives, many Raetihi people including retailers, and with Ohakune Junction business people. A draft set of designs is to be presented to the Waimarino Community Board, probably in September, and then to the public who will be invited to make submissions. "It's a slow process but it has to reflect the needs of a wide cross section of the community," said Mrs Allomes.
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Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 597, 1 August 1995, Page 1
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366Mainstreet architect hears design views Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 597, 1 August 1995, Page 1
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