20/09/2005

In Brief

The following issues were discussed at the Otorohanga Community Board meeting on September 12 ...

Domain rental slashed

The fee. paid by Otorohanga Soccer Club for use of Otorohanga Domain is to be slashed.
The decision was made after board chairman Graham Wilshier met with representatives of the club.
Mr Wilshier said winter soccer had previously paid $900 for use of the domain however, he did not believe this was a fair charge considering the council charged the cricket club $500 for using the grounds.
Mayor Dale Williams said it seemed unfair to charge winter soccer extra rent considering the club made an effort to maintain the area.
"In the past year they've put a lot of the money they have raised back into the sports ground and clubrooms," said Mr Williams.
Board member Brendon McNeil, who plays soccer for Otorohanga, said the club was very pleased with
the domain's facilities.
"The grounds are one of the best in the Waikato."
Because the domain is not fenced in, sports clubs are unable to charge spectator fees.
Mr Wilshier said that while Otorohanga's summer soccer league generates profit through team entry fees, winter soccer's income is relatively low.
It was agreed the Otorohanga Soccer Club's rental charge be dropped. to $500.

All eyes on Westridge

There are finishing touches to be made to Otorohanga District Council's subdivision `Westridge' with community board members able to see the future potential of the project.
Several aspects of the subdivision need to be finished off but mayor Dale Williams said that with the grass starting to grow the look of the area is beginning to improve.
I think it will be quite appealing, especially when one or two houses go up," he said.
Mr Williams expects construction of the first house to begin shortly.

Station is full steam ahead

Redevelopment of Otorohanga's former railway station is well on its way.
Re-piling of the building has been completed and the interior has been gutted.
Outside maintenance is currently being carried out.
Board chairman Graham Wilshier said that because the building is currently a `blank canvas' there is the opportunity for new tenants to develop it to suit their needs.
Mr Wilshier said landscaping around the building will add the finishing touches to the project.

Project Kiwiana sells Oto

Member Liz Cowan presented a newly designed kiwiana brochure to the board.
The brochure is a combined project between Project Kiwiana and Creations Community Trust.
Mrs Cowan said the brochure aims to not only promote kiwiana but also the entire town.
"We've purposely made it more than just a kiwiana brochure," she said, with details about other local attractions such as the Kiwi House.
Five thousand copies of the brochure have been printed.
Mrs Cowan said Project Kiwiana are also in the final stages of developing a kiwiana education kit that will be distributed to school groups visiting the town.
With kiwiana included in the school curriculum Mrs Cowan said the number of schools visiting Otorohanga is increasing.
The education kit has been funded by Otorohanga's CBD.

Caravan sale worked well

The community board received a letter of thanks from the Otorohanga branch of the Red Cross.
Red Cross thanked the council and its staff for all their assistance with the caravan - which was formerly parked on the corner of Maniapoto and Tuhoro Sts most Fridays, and was sold earlier this year.
"The vicar and vestry of St Bride's are now allowing us to run our weekly grocery raffles from Brigid's Shop and with increasing local support we are able to give more assistance to Otorohanga people in time of need and still meet out commitment to Midland in Hamilton," stated the letter.
Mr Wilshier said he was pleased, that the decision to sell the caravan now appeared to be the right one.

Christmas Parade

Otorohanga residents can mark down December 2 as the date for the town's annual Christmas parade.
Several months ago the council received an application from Otorohanga Business Association regarding road closures for the event.
The event will take place at 7pm on Friday, December 2 as long as there are no objections regarding road closures.