'Kune carrot to get more mileage

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 10, 7 August 1984, Page 1

'Kune carrot to get more mileage

Ohakune 's carrot will come back in style. Growers' Association President Peter Hammond says there is a "big chance" the carrot will be seen around town, despite last Mondiay's council decision to resite the controversial vege at Rochfort Park to the east of town. But before the petitions reappear Mr Hammond says what the association has in mind is a promotion day. With no arrangements finalised Mr Hammond was reluctant to comment late last week, except to say the idea had already gained considerable support. AHI is right behind the proposal of ajoint promotion with the growers, says AHI Turoa general manager Tony Wright. Businesses, too, are apparently keen to be involved. The carrot is now in Paraparaumu where it will be re-fibreglassed, waterproofed and strenghtened. A top will also be added to the shell. The Bulletin understands a promotion is planned for its return journey north. The carrot will be used to raise awareness of this area in each town it passes through on its homeward route, with the promotion ending in Ohakune. The trailer carrying the carrot could then be parked up the Mountain Road or around town while the growers wait for approval to plant the vege in Rochfort Park, Mr Hammond suggested.

If there are no objections to that site the carrot could be in the ground by early September, he said. The growers were still within their budget of $10,000 for the project, having spent in the region of $7,000 to date. Council Meeting In contrast to the previous week's stormy session, last Monday's special council meeting was a subdued affair. Elements surrounding the controversy of the giant carrot smacked of grand farce, Mayor Bill Taylor told the meeting. The issue had become "disproportionately emotive," he said. In sombre mood councillors listened to Cr Peter Hammond recommend changing the cairot's proposed site to Rochfort Park. A motion to rescind the council's earlier decision favouring the downtown "triangle site" was carried unanimously. Cr Hammond urged his colleagues to give priority to approving the new site, and sought the council's'support for further development of _ the Rochfort Park area. The Growers Association challenged Ohakune to get in behind the project, he said — "and let's do it right." The council advertised for a planning application for the Rochfort Park site last Wednesday, the then town clerk Colin Turner said last week. If no objections were received within 21 days the council would hear its own

application at its next meeting on 23 August. It could then issue a building permit, Mr Turner said. If objections to the new site were received the matter would be discussed at a town planning committee meeting ten days after the full council meeting. Another month would elapse followingthe council's decision and, depending on appeals, the issue could carry on for another six months, he said. Application had to be rnade to the Ministry of Works and to the Ministry of Lands to approve the siting, but Mr Turner saw no problems there. Both the council and the growers were hopeful last week there would be no objections to the Rochfort Park site. After two years the carrot may finally find a home. Last Wednesday the Ohakune Borough Council placed an advertisement in the Wanganui Chronicle notifying the public about the Council's application for planning consent to site a 7.5 metre fibreglass carrot on lot 54 adjoining State Highway 49 south of Clyde Street and adjacent to the Mangateitei Stream bridge. The advertisement stated that objections to this proposal can be made to the council before 21 August 1984. Because the Bulletin did not receive a copy of this advertisement we provide the following details for any readers who may wish to have an opportunity to object. Objections must be made in writing on Form J (available at the Council office) and shold be addressed to the: Town Clerk, Ohakune Borough Council, P.O. Box 30, Ohakune to reach that office before 4pm on 21 August 1984.