The 'Big Carrot'

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 48, 22 May 1984, Page 2

The 'Big Carrot'

It is just on two years ... if memory serves me right ... since Ohakune held its 'Big Carrot' promotion in Auckland. The enthusiasm shown must surely have been rewarded with success. Strange, therefore, to read in the Waimarino Bulletin (May 8 issue) that Ohakune has no 'Big Carrot' of its own ... indeed nothing apart from Turoa and Tshirts with which to identify the district. Ohakune is one of New Zealand's most important market gardens, and unlike the snow which graces the slopes. of Mt Ruapehu for only a few months of the winter, vegetables represent a year-round industry. They identify Ohakune just about every time we in the city sit down to dinner. Mr Peter Hammond has hit the carrot on the head. He wants the 'Big Carrot' to mean something ... to the New Zealand housewife, to the tourist and to the district. The 'Big Pineapple' is the symbol of Queensland, and I have a postcard to prove it. I wish I could say the same about my short visit to Ohakune last week instead of that T-shirt in the bottom of my suitcase which reads 'Where the hell is Ohakune?'

C.E.

Gray

Auckland