Here for community and tourists

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 650, 20 August 1996, Page 4

Here for community and tourists

• In response to Dawn Harper (letters, 13 August), I would ask where she works, where she shops and where she plays. The percentage of businesses in the town supporting the tourism industry is exceedingly high but benefits not just the tourists but the whole community. Had Dawn paid more attention to the news piece about Council spending money on tourism in our district she would have realised that this is not ratepayer money. It is

a specific fund to encourage tourists, thus creating more employment benefits, competitive business opportunities and general enhancement for all ratepayers. As a ratepayer, is she also averse to our non-increase in rates next year — a back-handed compliment from "nature in the raw". Certainly our rates need to reflect roads, rubbish, water, parks etc, and we're sure this is what they are being used for. Should the tourism industry up and away to a safer area we would assume that Dawn would revel in the peace and quiet of her own company. This area cannot survive solely from the farming and mill sector. We would ask how this harper in the dawning of "nature in the raw" suggests that council should spend this bonus. One of the many businesses here for both community and tourist.