Ruapehu Region Information Centre future uncertain

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 8, 21 July 1987, Page 1

Ruapehu Region Information Centre future uncertain

A meeting is to be held this week to discuss the future of the Ruapehu Region Information Centre, Iocated in Clyde Street Ohakune. Representatives for the Ohakune Borough Council, the Automobile Association and John Sandford are expected to attend the meeting, which has been called because of the uncertain future of the centre. The office had been the responsibility of John Sandford until the end of March this year, when he relinquished that responsibility. Information Officer Catherine Dodd, who had operated the office since 1985 resigned as of last week. Mrs Dodd said the reason she resigned was the financial constraints the' office has suffered. "There has been no money to spend on promotional activities, which are essential for an effective information office," she said. "I believe the information centre is necessary because it provides general and impartial information on all kinds of activities, and not just on Ohakune, we give out information on the whole Ruapehu Region, from Turangi and Taumarunui to Waiouru and Pipiriki." said Mrs Dodd. "The problem is lack of support, if the business people of the region got behind it more they would benefit. even more" she said. Mrs Dodd said the centre was effective year-round, not just in winter. She said January was probably the busiest month of the year for the office. The Ruapehu Region Information Centre was set up by John Sandford in 1984, with the blessing of the Ohakune Borough Council, in the building owned by the council. In setting up the centre John Sandford accepted responsibility for the funding, supervision and operation of the centre. The AA have been involved with the centre since its establishment. The centre has acted as an agent for the AA, handling travel, membership and insurance enquiries. cont'd on p. 5

Information Centre

cont'd from p. 1 Mr Sandford has said that it is vital that a strong, impartial, locally based person take responsibility for the centre. John Sandford is now based in Auckland. Ohakune Mayor Bill Taylor said the council would continue to support the centre but could not be solely responsible for running it