Dingle aims to conquer Turangi's social ills

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 232, 23 February 1988, Page 25

Dingle aims to conquer Turangi's social ills

Well-known mountaineer and Turangi m a n Graeme Dingle is mounting a campaign to conquer Turangi's social problems. Under the auspices of the Turangi Enterprise Agency he is rallying people and resources to deal with a number of issues. But it's not all serious and Turangi Day on

Saturday will prove the point. The day will be a festival of fun, games and contests for the community. The programme starts at 5.30am and runs into the evening with a talent quest in the Tongariro College gymnasium. The programme includes a confidence course contest run by the Outdoor Pursuits

Centre, a pavement painting contest, a national "hackey sack" contest, an aerial lolly scramble, a fly casting contest, jaws of life demonstration, egg and wader throwing competitions, Scottish dancing, a hangi lunch, canoe racing and rugby ball kicking and BMX bike wheelie contests. Other attractions include specials in the shops, sideshow and

civil defence displays, helicopter joy rides, stalls and a stone carving display. Graeme Dingle says the Turangi Enterprise Agency aims to make Turangi one of "the happiest, most prosperous communities in New Zealand". But the agency needs ideas to achieve its goals. The agency was formed three months ago.

"We're trying to create jobs by encouraging ideas for new businesses," he says. "The agency helps organise financial backing for sound business start-ups or expansion plans. We're also promoting Turangi as a central prime location for varied business enterprises. "Helping solve youth crime and unemployment problems is a major target. We're working to achieve this by creating jobs, by providing a de-

tached youth worker and a resource centre and by seeking further solutions." Graeme has issued a questionnaire asking people for suggestions and ideas. Among the questions are: What can we do to solve Turangi's community problems? What new business ventures can be started in Turangi? How can we expand existing Turangi businesses? With the questionnaire is an idea checklist suggesting such

things as a drop-in centre, drug, alcohol and solvent abuse therapy, town beautification, a marina, a stone carving company, marketing of Turangi as a holiday destination, an FM radio station and a market gardening venture. The Waimarino Bulletin supports the enterprise agency and is holding a copy of the questionnaire for members of the public to read. Copies can be obtained from our offices at 1 Rata St.