Body blow bill

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 645, 16 July 1996, Page 4

Body blow bill

• Those of us making a living in the ski industry are currently in turmoil. The continuing eruptions are forcing us all to reassess our business positions, make drastic cut-backs in all areas, and to look to the community for aid and assistance.

It was with utter disbelief that in the middle of this very public crisis our small restaurant and bar operation on Thames Street was served with a levy of $17,000 for car parking by the Ruapehu District Council. Maybe we have an out-dated sense of loyalty, but it is our understanding that the council is the very first body who should be recognising the gravity of the ski industry economy and doing everything in their power to assist and ensure the tourist industry in Ohakune survives. The imposition of this levy (based on a dubious decision of altered land use) is not just incredibly insensitive, but financially crippling. The little man cannot be expected to pay fees equivalent to those of much larger capital-rich organisations. Congratulations to the town planning office on your great revenue earning abilities for the RDC and your skill at greatly contributing to the possible closure of a small business trying to make a go of it in very tough times.

bimon

Barlow,

Bar Tribe