Waiouru board no more

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 15, Issue 693, 1 July 1997, Page 1

Waiouru board no more

Waiouru's community board is to be dissolved and a commu nity advisory committee is to take its place. The Ruapehu District Council resolved to accept the board's recommendation in conjunction with their review of "the basis of election and constitution of communities". The board recommended that it be dissolved, provided that the Waiouru Ward retained its current boundaries and current number of council representatives. Cr Bob Vine said they had decided that in the eight years since being established Ihe workload had lessened considerably and that they would be happy to continue as a non-statutory committee that would meet only as required. The action would save a considerable amount in the ward rate. This step had been discussed at the previous regular meeting in an

attempt to reduce the rates demand on a relatively small number of people. By doing away with the Community Board the costs associated with it would automatically be taken out of any rates considerations as well. The exact reduction in rates had yet to be calculated but it was expected to result in a considerable difference. The possibility that these monies could be used for other projects such as footpaths and beautification of the area which had been put on hold as no money was currently available for them. Waiouru had declined an offer to meet with the Waimarino board to discuss an amalgamation, deciding that the populations were too dissimilar. The council also decided to invite the people of Pipiriki to liaise with the Waimarino Community Board with a view to setting up a community advisory committee for their settlement.