22/02/2005

Williams - gratitude for Rotary over the years

On behalf of Otorohanga District Council I congratulate Rotary on its 2005- centenary celebrations.
Councillors, staff and f extend our gratitude co the Rotary Club of Otorohanga for its ongoing and valuable contribution to the people of the Otorohanga district.
Over many years Rotary has continued to support local organisations and groups that provide services to our community, including Otorohanga St John Association, Crippled Children's Society, Scouts, the former Tokanui Hospital, VSA, Maori Wardens and many more.
Funds and aid for local, national and international appeals benefit from the generosity and humanitarian spirit of the people of the Otorohanga district through Rotary initiatives.
Projects of note include the Memorial Baths and heated pool development, and the fabulous Rotary Park complex - a stunning redwood, native flora and fauna and rhododendron park established to complement Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Aviary.
Through the Rotary student exchange programme, many local families have enjoyed unique cultural experiences and developed lifelong friendships throughout the world.
Rotary is not just about helping people and communities, it is also about fellowship, self discovery and unselfish purpose.
Service organisations such as Rotary continue to enrich the lives of so many, and for that we acknowledge all our proud Rotarians.

Info galore in Oto fact packs

New residents in the Otorohanga district will be well informed following the launch of the council's `new resident' information pack.
Otorohanga District Council customer services representative Maria Willison produced the packs, with the assistance of finance and administration manager John Pevreal and Otorohanga mayor Dale Williams.
Ms Willison said it was clear there was a demand for information packs, due to the high number of people who came into the council to enquire about various aspects of the district.
Mr Pevreal said the packs would act as a "basic introduction to the district and what council has to offer."
They contain information on everything new residents may need or want to know about the district, including rates, dog registrations, refuse, recycling, council representatives, civil defence, voting, water services and library facilities.
Brochures on local tourist attractions and organisations, such as Environment Waikato and Tourism Waikato are also included.
Ms Willison said the packs would be sent out whenever the council received notice of a new property owner in the district or alternatively could be collected from the council, Otorohanga I-Site and Kawhia Information Centre.
Each councillor in the district will also have copies of the packs available to hand out.
"Hopefully we are covering it from all angles," said Ms Willison.
The `new resident' information packs will be constantly updated to ensure the information remains current and relevant.