Resource centre to run until March

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 655, 24 September 1996, Page 2

Resource centre to run until March

The Ruapehu Resource Centre is to continue operating until March 1997. The centre was set up in Ohakune as part of the Bounce | Back campaign to help businesses and employees cope | with the economic effects of Ruapehu' s eruption. It has a new co-ordinator, Annela Erceg, who previously worked for Whakapapa Ski Area as a staff training officer. It is managed by Ruapehu Enterprise Incorporated based in Taumarunui, with funding supplied by the Community Employment Group, Te Ahu Tangata, and Department of Labour, Te Tari Mahi. The centre is a point of contact for business people and anyone affected by the impact of Mt Ruapehu eruptions and subsequent disruption to business and the local community, said Ms Erceg. "The objective of running and co-ordinating the Ruapehu Resource Centre is to be proactive in creating an environment where businesses affected by the Mount Ruapehu eruptions can seek advice and access information from supportive agencies such as New Zealand Employment Services, New Zealand Income Support Services, Inland Revenue Department, Business Development Boards, Ruapehu District Council and the Community Employment Group," she said. The service is also mobile with services extending to National Park and Whakapapa Village weekly. Ruapehu Enterprise Incorporated, formerly Taumarunui Development Incorporated, receives and manages the funding for the centre. Ms Erceg said most business people she had met so far were "really positive" about the future but liked to know that help was available. "People are thinking about some really interesting alternatives," she said.