Public interest in Waiouru's future needed says WCAC

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 273, 7 February 1989, Page 5

Public interest in Waiouru's future needed says WCAC

Public comment from Waiouru people on their future after local government reformation has been called for by the Waiouru Community Advisory Committee. ' At the last meeting of the WCAC Mr John McLeod suggested he draw up an outline document highlighting the main points of the reform in relation to Waiouru, for distribution around Waiouru to build public interest in the reform. The chairman of the committee, Colonel Brett Bestic last week suggested a discussion on the reforms be held at the next WCAC meeting with a special invite to all residents of Waiouru. Topics for public discussion would include representation on the new Ruapehu District Council, who the representatives should be and representation of the district on the regional council. Waimarino mayor and Army Garrison Institute manager Garrick Workman spoke to the committee on the proposed local government reorganisation. He outlined the proposal, which will see the Waimarino and

Waiouru as part of the new Ruapehu District Council. As proposed by the Local Government Commission Waiouru and the Waimarino will have their own ward committees, with members elected by those people registered on the electoral roll. The proposal suggests that the two wards will be represented on the Ruapehu District Council by

three members each, also elected.

Later in the meeting Colonel Bestic added:

"The recognition of Turnpage 6

Public interest in Waiouru

From page 5 the Army as a ratepayer becomes a hell of a lot more realistic than it has been under the Rangitikei County Council," said Col Bestic. He said there would be a vastly different relationship between the Army and the District Council than with Rangitikei. "They (Rangitikei County Council) have writtcn us off as being the same as a farm," said Col Bestic.

Mr McLeod asked Mayor Workman if it was true that Rangitikei had to fund Waiouru's share of the transitional committee's expenses, to which his answer was "yes". "So therefore it would be quite logical to get Rangitikei to fund the printing and advertising costs for a public meeting in Waiouru," said Mr McLeod.