Businesses "won't work together"

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 40, 26 March 1985, Page 1

Businesses "won't work together"

Ohakune businessmen who are reluctant to work together for the common good of the town, came in for some strong criticism at a meeting of Ohakune Borough Council on Thursday.

Councillor Mike Wiggins said the town's Promotions Association was in limbo as no one in the town appeared to be interested in attending meetings. The organisation now only exists in name only, he said. This was because of lack of interest — different people had gone their own ways, he said, and the usual attendance at meetings was three people. The Mayor, Mr Bill Taylor, said it was sad that in such a small jcommunity, businesses had split into factions. "The community would be better served by being together rather than being fragmented." The Mayor and councillor Wiggins both suggested that replacing the Promotions Association with a Chamber of Commerce might be one way of uniting the business community. Councillor Mary Wright said Ohakune did not know whether it was a ski town or a carrot town and the identity crisis was the reason businesses would not unite. Councillor Ellen Gould said the attitude of some businessmen had "held the town back for years." She added, "I don't know how many times in the past the business community has fragmented. I think there was a Chamber of Commerce in the town at one time, but it also failed to keep going." Personality clashes in the

town were responsible for some of the Association's troubles, claimed councillor Peter Hammond. The council agreed with councillor Wiggins that the Promotions Association he left in limbo rather than be wound-up, as there could be a renewed interest in the Association amongst businesses in the town in the future.