Shot in arm needed for area promotion

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 14, 1 September 1987, Page 1

Shot in arm needed for area promotion

Ohakune is in dire need of a 'shot in the arm' of good positive publicity promoting the area as the place to be in summer or winter, according to the town's business community who say they are "feeling the pinch." Over 30 business people - retailers, moteliers and outdoor activities operators - met at the Ohakune Hotel last Wednesday evening to discuss the feasibility of forming a Promotions Association. Ohakune's Mayor Bill Taylor initially chaired the meeting which was principally to dispel the negative nationwide publicity that has resulted due to an unseasonaly mild winter.. Accountant for Turoa Skifields Ltd, Alastair Mcllwrick suggested the return of Ohakune's August Scene, instigated by the former Promotions Association. The activities lapsed due to a lack of manpower. "We can put a lot of effort into the mountain but visitors spend a good percentage of their time down in town. There should be something happening in town every night," he said. Former Promotions Association chairman Mike Wiggins shared this view and told the meeting that they should be concentrating on next season rather than this year. "We are all in it together and should be working out the best way to get the tourist dollar," he said.

"We must get started now, working towards next year, it's too late planning for this season. It has taken another bad season like '83 to make people realise we have to pull together, to commit time and money to promoting Ohakune. We should be out in the streets right now, handing out pamphlets promoting the area in the summer," said Mike Wiggins. "Once an association is set up it has to have money poured into it - it doesn't operate on goodwill." Mr Wiggins said the defunct promotions association has a sum of cash available for a suitably enthusiastic on-going group who will promote the town. Organiser of the meeting Val Parkes called for volunteers to man the AA Information Office in Clyde St, Ohakune, on a voluntary basis, until such time that it is officially reopened by the AA in Wanganui. The office was closed two months ago because officials were unable to agree who would fund it, which has been further detrimental to local businesses. The idea was put to the Ohakune Borough Council for their consideration. Motelier and member of 'Naturally Whanganui' Sue Allomes, said the community need to make "a concerted, communicative effort." "Our image needs to be positive, both in New Zealand and overseas," she

said. "We should not be blaming the ski fields. Ohakune is a place for all seasons and is where we should be investing our money." An interim steering committee was established to organise advertising, publicity and an agenda for a

public meeeting to be held on Wednesday 10 September at the Ohakune Hotel. A promotions committee will be formed from the meeting and a name for the association decided upon. Some names already forthcoming are 'Hospitality' and 'Progress'.