Cuts bring summer-time blues

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 21, 15 October 1985, Page 3

Cuts bring summer-time blues

Ohakune 's Information Officer, Catherine Dodd, has written to the Ministers of Tourism and Lands expressing concern about cutbacks in Tongariro National Park's Summer Programme. At a meeting of local business people last Wednesday to discuss the cuts, it was decided that Mrs Dodd write a letter on behalf of the Promotions Association. The association had been in recess since the beginning of the year, as there were no issues which needed promotional support, but the meeting decided to re-form it and

to include local business people. Individuals concerned about the cutbacks in the programme were asked by the meeting to write to the ministers as well. "As many individuals as possible should write — they do take notice of individuals on issues such as this," said Bill Taylor, mayor'of Ohakune. The summer programme has been drastically reduced this year because of a cut in the government-subsidised employment scheme for seasonal workers. Summer programme ac-

tivities are based at the three ranger stations around the mountain, at Whakapapa, Ohakune and Turangi. This year's Ohakune 's programme has been cut by three weeks, and there will be no evening talks or children's programmes. Together these attracted over 1000 people last year, and local business people feel they might be in trouble without them. "One summer without the full programme may be one summer too late for some

small businesses," said Sue Allomes, of Ruapehu Outback Adventures. She said her company could provide some activities for visitors in the park, but they would need a lot of promotional support from the town. Another meeting of the Promotions Association will be held tomorrow at 5.45pm in the Fire Brigade rooms in Goldfinch Street, to discuss plans for the Christmas carnival and elect a new presi- , dent.