Ohakune aesthetics summed up

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 27, 1 December 1987, Page 2

Ohakune aesthetics summed up

Litter is the main blot on the landscape in Ohakune according to a 'field visit inspection report' of Ohakune which was presented to the Ohakune Borough Council recently. The report is compiled from judgements made by Keep New Zealand Beautiful staff, as part of the Beautiful Towns Programme, during visits in March and May 1987. The report suggests a priority is to address the litter

problem in Ohakune, so that residents and visitors alike are aware that littering is unacceptable. In a section dealing with approaches to the town the report criticised the north east entrance, citing the serious roadside litter problem. Determining whether the source of the litter is from vehicles travelling to the tip or directly from the tip via the wind is necessary before the problem can be addressed, says the report. Other litter problem areas are identified as being

Cedar Mall near the service station, the New World carpark and outside what was the Grischuna restaurant. Reference was made to thoughtful planting and use of bark chips outside the restaurant but was followed by criticism of the weed and litter accumulation. On the positive side, the report said Ohakune is an exciting and attractive town with many natural assets. Among features drawing praise were the post office, the Bakery shopping centre - with

"excellent planting in and around shop frontages", the park areas alongside Mangawhero and Mangateitei Streams, Turoa Skifields' information centre, the Miro Park development, both schools, and "the generally well maintained older style houses in Station Road" (Railway Row). The railway station was described as being reasonably well presented, though the report suggested the removal of old cables. The carrot and its park were described as excellent, though the information booth would benefit from greater prominence and more information. The report suggested the participation of Winstone management in the Keep Ohakune Beautiful Committee would be appropriate. "Houses that have been well cared for and where gardens have been developed often are subject to vandalism and lack of upkeep when unoccupied", says the report.