Bolger hints at eruption campaign support

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 646, 23 July 1996, Page 1

Bolger hints at eruption campaign support

Along-awaited meeting with the Prime Minister Jim Bolger last Saturday on the plight of Ruapehu businesses pro ved to be satisfactory said Ruapehu District Council mayor Weston Kirton yesterday. Mr Bolger was in the area to open the redeveloped Outdoor Pursuits Centre near Turangi, and rescheduled his visit to take in the meeting. Ruapehu, Wanganui, Taupo and Rangitikei district councils were represented along with ski operators and invited local business people who "joined together to give a strong message to the government that there was a need to co-ordinate resources to bounce back from a huge setback as a

result of the eruption" in the meeting with Mr Bolger. 'The Prime Minister took notice of many instances of severe fmancial hardships within the region including pressure from bankers, high overdrafts and non-existent revenue from visitors," said Mr Kirton. "For many their luck has just about run out. The likelihood of skiing this season is diminishing, so a strategy needs to be in place for alternatives including the need for marketing other attractions," said Mr Kirton. 'I think we have moved the Prime Minister' s thinking on the issue. It's a matter of how much the Government comes on board."

Ruapehu District Council marketing manager Bruce Rollinson told the Bulletin the meeting aimed to provide information to Mr Bolger and his advisers as to the economic situation and what the government could do to help. He said the closed meeting gave an opportunity for business people to spell out exactly the fmancial plight they were in. To cabinet Mr Bolger is to take the proposal for government support of a half-million dollar promotion campaign to cabinet. Mr Kirton said they sought dol-lar-for-dollar support for the project from the government. Much of the campaign would be in kind, for example Saatchi and Saatchi have offered to

help out with the campaign. Mr Kirton said the meeting demonstrated the unity within the region by the other districts other than Ruapehu willing to be involved. "I'm confident the "Bounce Back" campaign will maintain confidence and morale. Local and central government must look after the wellbeing of victims of what is an unpredictable natural occurrence," said Mr Kirton. The Ruapehu District Council will meet this Friday to discuss what can be done to help the wider community during these difficult times. The council' s support for the campaign will be discussed at that meeting.