LETTER TO EDITOR

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 15, 13 September 1983, Page 1

LETTER TO EDITOR

Now the candidates for the - Borough Council in Ohakune have been nominated, it 4^kld be interesting to have one of them declare their view on the dilemma of Ohakune's future development. They will be deciding the future of this town, as they make their choice between the two alternatives available. Mr Ted Fox, the town planner, recentlv clarified these. One is to move whole heartedly towards a tourist town concept with the principle of development at any cost. The other is to attempt to preserve the values of the past and administer a fine balancing act between the often competing interests of tourist development and the existing residents. This is an ideological decision and is of vital importance to the residents of the town. The question is no longer whether development will take place - that is inevitable. The question is how this

development will take place, and whose interests will be protected. It is imperative that voters be aware of the stand each of the candidates will take. I will give my vote to the intending councillors who declare an interest in preserving the values of the past. My support will go to those who will insist that training and employment opportunities be given to local, existing residents in preference to transients. I want a council that will promise equitable distribution of facilities to all interests in the community and who will compel the business interests which are so eager to exploit the potential of this area, to accept their responsibility to cushion the social environmental impact of the change they bring by inves'ting back into the existing community.

Judy

Doyle

See p4/5 for Town Planner's report