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Surgery bus a hit
The mobile surgical bus is into the second of its five-year contracts to provide day surgery to outlying rural hospitals. Funded through the Ministry of Health, the bus comes to Taihape one day every five weeks usually on a Friday and is now in the eigth year.
Main street review
The public consultation process for the proposed upgrade of Taihape's main street is now well under the way with plans available at the District Council's service centre in the town hall, the Taihape Times office and at Taihape Appliances
Silverhope Wines
By Terry Karatau
TheRangitikei District comprises mainly lush, rural land. It is a diverse district, ranging from the sand plains on the south coast - which stretch inland almost as far as Bulls - to the magnificent hill country of the upper Rangitikei.
Agriculture and horticulture flourish throughout the region and amongst the fresh fruit and produce is Rangitikei’s best kept secret .. .. .. .. Silverhope Wines.
Although the town once known as Silverhope is now gone, the name has seen a rebirth with the establishment of a vineyard further down the Porewa stream in 19 98.
Lindy and Richard Horrocks of Hunterville joined with life long friends Jon and Jo Heslop of Palmerston North to plant and nurture the grapes and produce the first Silverhope vintage in 2001. Since then winemaker Dan Barker of Taradale has produced Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling for Silverhope.
“The whole thing evolved out of a life long interest in wines – it started as a hobby,??? Lindy Horrocks said. “Although we don’t produce a huge amount of wine we have had a commercial release every year since our first vintage in 2001.???
Richard Horrocks said winemaker Dan Barker, “knows his stuff, he is competent and passionate and his talents have brought him the title of Young Winemaker of the year in 2004 and runner up in 2003.???
Silverhope’s 2007 Reserve Chardonnay won a bronze medal in the 2008 Bragato wine awards. It is the first and only time the vineyard has entered a wine.
A very palatable unoaked Chardonnay produced in 2008 is now available. The wine is described as being clean and light – easy drinking and refreshing. The 2008 oaked Chardonnay is due to be bottled and will be available by Christmas. An excellent 2008 Pinot Noir is also available.
Mrs Horrocks sells the wines direct through their farm off licence in Hunterville, Taylors Hunterville, and the Feilding Farmers Market. Tastings can be arranged by telephone (06) 322-8315 or (06) 357-6287.
Hydro power revival?
Recalling Taihape’s electric tale
By Jocelyn Fannin
The Hautapu River may once again generate electricity, as the Taihape Community Development Trust investigates the feasibility of such a project. “The original tunnel has the ability to generate some five times what was originally being generated,??? said Taihape Community Trust member John Booth.
“Originally a lot of water was left behind at peak flow times but by having a bigger but mostly unutilized capacity, we can take advantage of higher level flows.???
Taihape Energy, as this new entity will be called, will sell the electricity to local Taihape customers. “With th e advent of smart metering, householders know exactly how much is being used so we know there is the capacity for this to be a viable source of income for the community. “The Trust is a non profit organisation which feeds all its funds back into the community,??? said Mr Booth. Taihape Energy will have the ability to sell and buy on the spot market, selling to the national grid when power is more expensive but buying when the power is cheaper. The Trust has received a $5000 grant from PowerCo and has permission from Horizons to gig out and explore the original tunnel. Taihape was one of the first communities in New Zealand to run its own hydro electricity scheme.
A proposal for a hydro electric scheme on Hautapu River was first made in 1904 – pre-dating the first borough council. However, it was 1911 before a firm decision was made to utilize the river as a source of power. A dam, still visible today, was built on the Hautapu River near the present bridge beyond the sale yards. The tunnel through to the power house site off Papakai Rd still exists but little remains of the power house itself. This tunnel runs for 150 metres across the isthmus of the river. Two 50kw DC generators commissioned in 1913 were installed by Turnbull and Jones, costing £7500. For three months of the year there was not enough water to run the plant at full load and at times generating capacity fell to 23kw, so it was not long be fore the borough was in trouble. In 1916, a 150hp standby plant run on suction gas was installed and in 1925 one of the original 50m kw generators was replaced with a 100kw set – for the first and only time in its history the scheme generated a surplus of power. To get enough water to operate this larger machine, planks were put on top of the concrete dam to increase the limited amount of water storage and provide a slightly greater operating head of water. In 1932 the borough began buying power from the Wanganui Rangitikei Electric Power Board and converted AC to DC for its supply system – later scrapped when the reticulation system was changed to AC. The hydro plant last produced energy in 1956 and was scrapped shortly afterward. The gas plant had run very little after supply from the board was obtained. It was finally dismantled in the early 1950’s. In 1937 the Council decided that all water heating services must be fitted with thermostats and there were to be 18 hours of service each day. This council decision meant no power was being wasted. In 1940 there were 46 water heaters but by 1943 Taihape had 71 water heaters and by January 1950, there were 119 customers with an average monthly consumption per consumer at 9 units per day. Prior to World War II there had been no spare capacity but a boom in appliance sales in the 1950’s meant a surge in electricity use.
School caters for community
By Jocelyn Fannin
Family and friends of the Taihape Area School many from out of town, gathered with the pupils for a celebration assembly in the school’s multi-function centre for the official opening of the school on Friday, October 23 at 11am. MP Trevor Mallard, who as Minister of Education instigated the review in 2004 which led to the formation of the Area School, was present along with Rangitikei MP Simon Power, Mayor Chalky Leary, the architect, project manager and contractor, previous board members, past principal Vivienne Mickleson, Anne Devonshire from the Ministry of Education and others who have been intimately involved with the evolution of this state-of-the-art educational facility. A video was played showing the various stages of construction.
The assembly began with a whakarau from the bilingual students before the principal, Boyce Davey, was introduced. Speakers paid tribute to Mr Davey whose energy and enthusiasm not only saw the completion of the project but also led the community to become intimately i nvolved in the process of education. Mr Davey said his philosophy was always that any school was not the buildings – amazing though the Taihape one are – but rather it was the culture, the people in it. He said education was not just about the 3Rs but also about leadership and community to educate a child,??? said Mr Davey, “and although standards are imposed through the ministry the standards we impose must be ours.??? Mr Mallard said: “The focus of the review was to improve the standard of education for students of this community, to develop partnerships. I came up and drove the back roads and realised the distances involved so that made for an easy decision to create an area school catering for both primary and secondary students.??? He was also aware that many students were leaving Taihape both because of distances and also because at that time there was a perceived feeling that the standard of education at Taihape College was not good. “A bigger senior school would mean more options for students.???
Mr Power spoke about the need for communication and the need for the community to value their teachers. “We need to attract the very best we can and this school will aid that,??? he said. Throughout the assembly pupils of Taihape Area School were featured with both senior and junior students speaking. The year 7 and 8 kapa haka group, along with the Hip Hop group, pianist Lukes Schoppman (year 11), vocalists Tyler and Latalya all entertained the visitors.
To finish, another interactive video of students in a variety of school activities was shown. Craig Bryant, chair of the establishment board, spoke of the merging of two cultures. “I lived and breathed this school for two years. We started with a budget of $3.2 million and have ended with a $20m plus state of the art facility. I am so glad Boyce Davies came to Taihape. His passion and forthright vision saw the project to its completion,??? he said. Jenny Mower, of the board of trustees, acknowledged Christine Whatarau, former board chairperson, and enthusiasm made the board job so much easier. “Boyce Davies came with a vision for education and TAS now has many opportunities that were previously not available in Taihape,??? she said.
Both Mr Mallard and Mr Power unveiled the plaque together. “I want to pay tribute to Trevor Mallard,??? said Hon Power. “Throughout the process of decision-making we were both intimately involved but I know we could communicate and know that what we talked about would remain confidential. “As member for this area that helped me tremendously and I would ask him to help me unveil this plaque,??? he said. The morning concluded with a light luncheon for those present.
Trust ensures warmer swim
By Jocelyn Fannin
Taihape’s swimming pool will be a great deal warmer this year thanks to new pool covers. A $20,000 grant from PowerCo Trust and the expertise of e ngineer John Booth have meant the Taihape Community Development Trust has been able to install three pool covers for less than the original quote of $50,000 for two. “It is great that the Trust can be seen by the community to be achieving things,??? said vice Trust chairman Les Clarke. “The Trust now has a contract to run the pool and with the grant plus money in kitty we are able to do this at no cost to the ratepayers.??? The thermal blankets are cut to size and have been donated by Incept Marine, mechanical rollers enable them to be pulled on and off easily. “They will cover the main pool plus learners’ pool at night, which will keep the heat in and significantly save costs to the ratepayer,??? said Mr Clarke. “To have been able to cover the main pool as well as the learners’ pool is great he said.
Overlander is back – now let’s use it
By Terry Karatau
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 was a historic day for Taihape community. Both the northbound and southbound Overlander passenger trains began their scheduled stops in Taihape, albeit for a 12-month trial period. The last scheduled stop at Taihape was on April 10, 2005. About 50 Taihape folk joined Rangitikei Mayor Chalky Leary, Taihape Community Board chairman Richard Aslett and Taihape Community Development Trust manager Elizabeth Mortland to pop champagne that grabbed media attention throughout the country. Due to an online ticketing hiccup in July, the Overlander was made to stop in Taihape to drop off David Robinson – the first stop since TollNZ, the rail operator at the time, decided not to stop here.
Betty Tierney, of Older and Bolder, drew up a petition to have the train stop “on demand???, and 1111 signatures were collected. In September, it was presented to Rangitikei MP Simon Power a nd later to KiwiRail’s Nigel Parry and Tranz Scenic’s Richard Keenan. Now Taihape has been reinstated as a scheduled stop. Abroad the train on Wednesday were KiwiRail marketing and communications manager Nigel Parry and his guest, David “the man who stopped the train??? Robinson.Mr Leary addressed the gathering, saying rail had been an important link to the rest of the country for more than 100 years. “In 1906, the first mayor of the Taihape Borough Council was Anthony Nathan – he built the main trunk line from Mangaweka to Utiku,??? Mr Leary said. “The rail was important to the development of the Central North Island heartland. “Let’s see the rail serving the heartland for at least another 100 year, because Taihape is the heartland.???
Before reboarding the train for Wellington, Mr Parry toasted Taihape saying KiwiRail had been impressed with Taihape’s commitment to regular train services and congratulating the gathering on the outcome. Tranz Scenic marketing manager Richard Keenan earlier said he was looking forward to working with Taihape to arrange packages to bring more visitors to the town. He suggested marketing Taihape to Wellingtonians as a great country lunch destination.
A stop at Taihape back on the main trunk line
Four years after it was dumped from teh railway map, Taihape is back on the mian trunk line – with designs on becoming a train tourist trap.
KiwiRail announced yesterday it was adding the central North Island town as a scheduled stop on the Overlander route between Wellington and Auckland for a one-year trial period. Taihape was dropped from the train timetable in 2005 when Overlander passenger numbers fell. However, a 25 per cent increase in Overlander passenger numbers in the past 18 months prompted KiwiRail to give Taihape a second chance. The efforts of Taihape residents to get the train sto back had been a deciding factor, KiwiRail spokesman Nigel Parry said.
“The community are working on ways to make their town more of an attraction. That makes it more encouraging for us to give it a go.???
The northbound Overlander will make a two-minute stop in Taihape at 11.21am adn the southbound service will stop at 3.03.pm. The first stop will be this Friday.
All aboard, the Overlander’s back
By Terry Karatau
A vote of thanks must go to everyone who convinced KiwiRail to timetable the Overlander passenger train to stop in Taihape, which includes the 1111 people who signed the petition. Nigel Parry from KiwiRail said that after co nsideration fo the potential passenger numbers for a Taihape stop on the Overlander, TranzScenic have decided to included Taihape as a scheduled stop for a trial period. “We have been impressed with Taihape’s commitment to regular train services, including enthusiasm for events and attractions which will add to the appeal of Taihape as a destination. “We have also been pleased with the numbers of passengers on this winter’s Steam Sunday specials, which have stopped at the town.???
Taihape Community Board chairman Richard Aslett said, “it’s certainly a great decision.???His message to the community, “Now that’s we have it back – let’s use it.??? The trial period will begin on 23 October and run until the end of September 2010. It is hoped the stop will prove viable enough to be kept in the timetable permanently.“However, we have arranged for a special stop of the Southbound Overlander the day before, 22 October, to mark Taihape’s return to the timetable, “ Mr Parry said.“The man who stopped the train at Taihape??? David Robinson will join Mr Parry on this special trip. Planning is underway to mark this special occasion both here and with KiwiRail.
How it happened
Thanks to a tip off by Fran Silbestri of Auckland that the train was stopping back in July, staff at the TCDT swung into action and arranged a crowd to meet the train that Mr Robinson got off. A petition was arranged by Betty Tierney of Taihape’s Older and Bolder. TCB chairman Richard Aslett came on board. Campbell Live, TV3’s current affairs show was brought to town and all was on track. The petition was handed to Rangitikei MP Simon Power in September and later to Nigel Parry and TranzScenic marketing manager Richard Keenan at the meeting in Taihape.
Taihape community Development Trust manager Elizabeth Mortland said, “This is a great outcome and a fantastic opportunity for Taihape – it calls for a big celebration, especially on the 22nd. “We’ve got something back that was taken from us, so let’s make use of it.???
Timetable change
The regular northbound service will arrive at 11.21am and the southbound at 15.03pm with a scheduled 2 minute stop to allow passengers to board or disembark and for luggage handling.
Overlander Set to Stop in Taihape
by Laurel Stowell
Laurel.stowell@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
After blasting straight through for four years the Overlander passenger train will again stop regularly in Taihape. The news was greeted with joy by the Taihape Community Development Trust project and event manager Elizabeth Mortland.
“I’m absolutely rapt. It’s like the little people have had a win.??? The trust, Taihape Community Board and the Older and Bolder group all lobbied for stops to resume, collecting 1111 signatures on a petition. Former Taihape resident David Robinson conducted a one-man campaign from his current home in Auckland. He managed to book a ticket from Auckland to Taihape over the internet, then insisted on having it honoured.
The Overlander’s first stop in Taihape will probably be on October 23, and Ms Mortland suggested rail staff crack open a bottle of champagne with the lobbyists when the first southbound train draws up to the platform at 3pm. From then on through the summer season there would be two stops a day, a southbound one at 3pm, and a northbound at 11am. Each would be for two or three minutes, whether or not people got on or off.
Ms Mortland said Taihape’s railway station was gone, but there was a shelter where people could wait, and public toilets nearby. The stop was on a trial basis, for a year. “They obviously want to see if the numbers stack up, so it’s up to us now to use it.??? Wellington people coming to events like Gumboot Day could take the train, get off at 11am, stay the night and return next day. Few people were getting on or off in Taihape when the stop was deleted in April 2005, Tranz Scenic communications manager Nigel Parry said. But the situation had changed.
The Overlander had been so full lately that it had started running every day. This usually didn’t happen until December.
Numbers for the school holidays were 55 percent up on the same time last year.
Use had steadily increased since 2006, when the Overlander was nearly axed.
People were enjoying rail travel, they liked the new fare structures and more of them were getting off in “heartland New Zealand??? – places between Auckland and Wellington.
For the Taihape stop to continue, it would need to average three people getting on or off each time. Mr Parry was “relatively confident??? that it would.
He said special trips to Taihape by steam engine were so popular that extra carriages were put on. The nearest stops to Taihape were Feilding to the south, and Ohakune to the north.
Window shoppers win
More than 120 entries were made in last month's window spotting competition during Taihape retailers Spring Fling promotion. Businesses included a product they do not sell in their window displays, which meant window spotters, had to look carefullly to find the odd one out. "Obviously entrants had spent good time looking closely at the window displays - and hopefully are more aware of what each shop sells," said Taihape Community Development Trust manager Elizabeth Mortland.
Winners, James, Jessie and Hollie Hamilton won a shopping voucher worth $1000 to be used at any of the participating businesses.
Grandstand options
Demolish or upgrade?
By Terry Karatau
Last week’s community meeting, held to discuss stage one plans for the proposed redevelopment of Taihape’s Memorial Park, gave the Taihape leisure Centre committee a clear view of how the community sees “The Hub??? proposal.
Four workshops conducted during the meeting were positive and have given the committee pointers and ideas to work with. Taihape Community Board chairman Richard Aslett led the meeting by explaining the format for the evening, saying a question and answer period would follow the workshops. One workshop discussed the future of the grandstand. It was suggested the 1924 building should be retained and registered as an historic building. Others said the grandstand should be upgraded for future use.Rangitikei District Council’s asset manager Graeme Pointon said council had commissioned a structural engineer to report on the state of the building. This report says the building is structurally sound but needed many improvements to meet current building regulations and standard consents. He said the absolute minimum cost to ratepayers would be $300,000 and that’s not providing for any plumbing, draining or electrical work. Three groups were in favour of demolition. The fourth group expressed a clear desire fo further information before making any decision.
The workshop, facilitated by architect Mike Swann, entitled “Understanding what is involved and how much does the community want to spend on a new facility/facilities. What will we get for this???? He reported that overall the groups were inconclusive but happy with the plans. There were questions on how to reduce costs as they felt the current costing of $3.8 million is beyond reach, some suggesting a cut back to $2m.
Fencing along Kokako St was also discussed with most agreeing a high fence would be more practicable, mainly for the collection of entrance fees to sporting fixtures and in consideration to residents across the street. Other matters such as noise, alcohol and acoustics were clarified from a police point of view by Les Clarke.
The workshop exploring the best means of governance was conducted by Elizabeth Mortland who made clear to each of the groups they had four choices of organisations to govern the Taihape Leisure Centre on behalf of the community; Taihape Community Development Trust, create a new charitable trust, form an incorporated society or creative a company limited by guarantee. Group One discussed governance. They were clear that they wanted a governance body that is separate to the Taihape Community Development Trust (TCDT). However, there was concern that, as Taihape already has the TCDT and the Otaihape Health Trust, are there enough people available to form another trust? Group Two discussed funding to individual clubs/organisations. They were divided evenly as to a charitable trust or an incorporated society. Group Three discussed membership/fees. They clearly preferred a trust, but again the issue of too few people to form another body and overloading the TCDT were raised. Group Four definitely preferred an incorporated society. It was strongly stated that “we need transparency and the ability (for members) to exercise their rights???. “If we don’t get it (governance) right from the start, then there is no point in going any further.???
The fourth workshop facilitated by RDC’s policy analyst Denise Servante, entitled “Future Use and Business Plan???. Community views on what would be acceptable membership fees/rental rates and what would be realistic occupancy rates, saw groups reaching a general consensus saying staff is needed to boost occupancy/use of the facilities in order to ensure income streams. They added that current maintenance funds budgeted to the park by the council should be redirected to the TLC management body. There were also concerns expressed about the cost to club members for membership an affiliation fees. Ms Servante said the workshop proved inconclusive but provided recipients with a survey form on usage of the facilities that asks individuals how much they expect to pay. The TLC committee will meeting in the near future to consider these findings and make a decision on the next step they should pursue.
Art, food and fashion at the Mangaweka festival
By Jocelyn Fannin
Mangaweka will be the place to be Saturday, October 24. With the entrepreneurial spirit the community, there will be lots to keep everyone involved and interested. From the DC3 plane which will be newly painted and open for inspection, to the many crafts and collectibles at Irene Loder’s garden, there will be plenty to see and do. Ms Loder will be promoting her old original Mangaweka jail as accommodation and also has collectibles. She hopes to have a real market day in her garden, with Hanne Anderson bringing original and affordable jewellery from wellington, silk and cotton nighties of the sexy 1930s style, bright Kiwiana pottery pieces from Rewa and glass pendants from Invercargill. To tempt the palette, there will be smoked salmon and olives or just a chair to relax in the garden and enjoy the ambience. Maree Brannigan will have the Good as Goldie museum open and Richard Aslett from the Mangaweka Gallery is again staging his Fakes and Forgeries exhibition. Artists have till October 18 to send in their entries and great prize money is up for grabs. Four local artists will produce a four-piece work which will later be auctioned on Trade me. This money to keep this community festival continuing for many Labour Weekends to come.
Vital meeting to decide fate for Leisure Hub
By Terry Karatau
Terry.karatau@msl.co.nz
The Taihape Leisure Hub committee is looking forward to a large turnout at the public consultation meeting that will be held in the Pirates’ Function Centre on Monday September 28 at 6pm. TLC chairman Danny Mickleson said right throughout the process of the Memorial Park re-development planning, the input from the large numbers of people who have attended the public meetings has been a great help. “This meeting will determine if we go ahead with the project. The committee has done the homework and now we want to present it to a cross section of the community,??? Mr Mickleson said. The committee has worked through six sets of architects’ plans in an effort to give sports groups and clubs their ‘want’, whilst attempting to keep costs down. At last week’s meeting, architect Mike Swann said it wa possible to downsize the hub without compromising the facilities too much and would save approximately $300,000. “Taking this on board and if the district council allows us to leave the carpark development until the next stage of the project, the cost will come back to $3.5 million for stage one, much more realistic than the previous quote of $4.2 million,??? Mr Mickleson added. “This also makes our fundraising effort more realistic, as we are half way there,??? Work in kind, as other districts have experienced when building similar projects, will also save on cost, although this cannot be taken into account at this early stage.
Closer working ties for Taihape trusts
By Terry Karatau
Taihape Community Development Trust and Otaihape Health Trust plan to work more closely together in fundraising and other activities, following a recent meeting of representatives from both trusts. The Taihape Leisure Centre committee have done their homework and want to cross section of the community as well as park users to give feedback on their proposals. The public are invited to a consultation meeting on the proposed Leisure Centre Development, to be held at the Pirates Function Centre on Monday, September 28 at 6pm. Architect plans for the development can be viewed at Taihape’s New World, Greenstone Insurance, the Information Centre and Taihape Times. The swimming pool will open on Saturday, October 31 with a duathlon “Do da Du???. Swim centre manager Buzz Clarke is busy contacting groups and taking entries for the fun day. Preparations are well under way for the Christmas parade set for Saturday, December 5. Clubs, businesses and individuals are reminded to register their floats as soon as possible. Groups and clubs are asked to consider supporting their local sponsors by offering a hand to build floats. Visit taihape.co.nz and see whey it had 26,277 visits since it went online in July 2007. Toni George is upgrading the website almost daily. Clubs and groups can use Events Calendar on the site to advertise any upcoming activities. There are three ways to contact the Taihape Community Development Trust. Either visit Elizabeth Mortland or Toni George on the first floor of the Town Hall in Taihape, phone 06 3881307 or email support@taihape.co.nz
New World supporting The Hub
By Terry Karatau
Taihape New World is right behind the proposed re-development of Memorial Park by fundraising for The H ub. For the next two weeks, customers shopping at new World will be invited to donate one dollar which will be added to purchases at the check-out. “Customers can chose to add a dollar to their grocery bill,??? store manager Jamie Henderson said. “It is a convenient way to make a donation towards The Hub. This drive will run for two weeks.???It makes sense to get behind this project,??? New World owner/operator Conrad Wong said. “We remember when people were asking whey we should spend millions of dollars on a new school – now look at the wonderful asset Taihape now has. In my view, the Taihape Leisure Centre will be an asset as well. “Small donations made by a lot of people soon add up,??? Taihape Community development trust chairman Trevor Dyke said. “On behalf of the community thank you New World and on behalf of the Leisure Centre fundraising committee, thank you community.???
Unity a force to be reckoned with
By Brian Sage
Last month I talked about the underlying unity that seems to run through all humankind, regardless of nationality, age, gender, social status, peer group mentality, belief systems or what ever. I tried to illustrate how this had become evident tome through dealing with people, and the outdoor activities I had been involved with. I am now convinced this universal unity, which is becoming increasingly evident among ordinary people throughout the world, will eventually become a force to be reckoned with. I posed the question last month, “Where does this underlying unity spring from???? It comes from within us. We are carrying it around all the time. From birth, our minds are trained to focus on the physical emotional aspects of living and when we encounter these deeper unifying uplifting feelings we automatically associate them with the activity we are experiencing at the time. We give the activity the credit and try to repeat this in the beginning. That is how our mind has been conditioned t o think. We can easily lose those unifying feelings when our primary focus is on the external, so such activities can be regarded as little more than a catalyst. The reality has to be the feelings themselves, which are obviously independent from the normal way we use our minds. Perhaps we should recognize them in their own right and instead of saying, “What do I think???? ask ourselves, “What do I really feel???? It’s a new way of using our minds, not the way we are taught at school. I can’t get over a noticeable desire from people for more of a “real??? community. I understand the Taihape Market Day is taking on a new life. Not with the sole desire to sell stuff, but to interact with each other and bring people together. Looks like that source is breaking through again.
Choo choo choose Taihape stop off
By Terry Karatau
“Let’s work together??? is the catch cry to get the Overlander train stopping in Taihape once again. Tranz Scenic marketing manager Richard Keenan and KiwiRail marketing communications manager met with a delegation in Taihape last Tuesday. Mr Parry said he and Mr Keenan have spent some time looking at reinstating the Taihape stop from a business point of view and looking at areas that have more to offer such as tourism. “More people are choosing to travel by train, “he said “We have taken 43,000 passengers past your door so far this year.??? However, the message to the delegation was that it would only work if people use the service. “The town has obviously got together judging by the number of signatures on the petition. Let’s get on track with Trains connecting Communities,??? Mr Parry said. “Maybe leading by example is the way to go. Let’s work together on this one.??? The delegation lead by Older and Bolder co- ordinator Betty Tierney, Taihape Community Development Trust’s Elizabeht Mortland and Taihape Community Board chairman Richard Aslett joined by Taihape Ward councilor Jan Byford, Winsome Smith and Christine Crafar agreed a partnership should evolve between the community and KiwiRail-Tranz Scenic. Mr Keenan said they would rather not stop on demand but would prefer to timetable regular stops. The Overlander is due to begin a new timetable at the end of this month and will be running seven day s a week at least over the summer period. “We would want to trial it (a stop in Taihape) for 12 months if we go forward with this, “Mr Keenan said “In our last survey the average was less than three passengers per day to and from Taihape. We would need 20-30 per week to justify the stop,??? he said. The northbound Overlander would arrive in Taihape at 11.30am and southbound at 2.30pm, with the exception of the Sunday steam trains. Mr Aslett told the meeting he had approached Gravity Canyon, River Valley and other tour operators to gain support for the train stopping in Taihape. At Mr Keenan’s request the delegation agreed to give him advice on approximate numbers that would use the train – individuals school and sports groups. Other methods of marketing Taihape as a destination were discussed, including a suggestion the town co9uld be marketing to Wellingtonians as a great country lunch destination.
Accolade for stable treks
Taihape’s River Valley Stables were recently rated second onlyu East Cape-based Eastender Hors Treks in the recent Rankers 2009 Traveller Voted Aw ards. River Valley Stables managing director Janey Megaw said she was “absolutely rapt about the result. “Not only for the great ratings and reviews, but also the fact that our guests have taken the time to jump on the Rankers site and post a ranking,??? she said. “These results fully back up the fantastic comments we have been receiving in our stable visitors book. “It is seeing this sort of feedback that really gets myself and the rest of the girls excited, and looking forward to a busy and rewarding summer season.???
River Valley stables offers rides over Rangitikei hill country in the Pukeokahu district. The Ruahine Rangers and the mountain – Aorangi – provide a spectacular backdrop on the treks. Rides from two hours to a full day were available. Rankers was part of a new wave of social media, a site where people comment direct and share their experiences with other. “For operators, this can be traumatic with no chance of regress,??? said River Valley’s managing director Brian Megaw. “However, for those who embrace it, it is an honest assessment of where the public thinks their product sits.??? Mr Megaw said tourism businesses in the region were meeting their guest expectations, and exceeding them.
Petition push for KiwiRail stop
By Laura Richards
Advocates of the Overlander train stopping at Taihape will present copies of a petition to representatives of Tranz Scenic and KiwiRail at the Taihape Town Hall today. Tranz Scenic’s marketing manager Richard Keenan and KiwiRail’s marketing communications manager Nigel Parry were expected to receive the 63 page petition with 1111 signatures. Last week, Older and Bolder’s Betty Tierney, Taihape Community Board chairman Richard Aslett and a representative of Taihape Community Development Trust, administrative assistant Toni George, told Rangitikei MP Simon Power they want to see the Overlander stop on request by passengers.
The petition organisers gave copies of the petition to Mr Power. Mrs Tierney said she remembered when students would make school trips using the train and had taken the train for Older and Bo lder trips. Mr Power said the number of signatures represented more than half of the population of Taihape and in the past month he had heard what the general local feeling was on the issue. Mrs Tierney said Taihape residents were not the only people to sign the petition. Some signatures were gathered online and others at the Mangaweka Gallery.
Mr Aslett said he expected once Taihape was available as a by request stop, more visitors would make the stop in Taihape to participate in some of the adventure tourism activities in the area. He believed some tourism businesses and accommodation outlets would have lost bookings because the train did not stop in Taihape. Mrs Tierney said one of the reasons for not stopping in Taihape, given to them previously by KiwiRail, was to allow a longer stop at National Park.
Mr Power said he would ensure the two government stakeholders of KiwiRail – the Minister of Finance and the Minister of State Owned Enterprises – would be made aware of the petition.
Taihape Leisure Hub catches interest of MP
Rangitikei MP Simon Power checked out the site of the proposed Leisure Hub during a visit to Taihape to last  week. He told Taihape Community Development Trust chairman Les Clarke and the chairman of the Taihape Leisure Centre committee, Danny Mickleson, that he had seen the proposed draft plans but wanted to know who would be using the facilities, how much will it cost and where the money is coming from. Mr Mickleson said the proposed development is a community project that will encompass all current park users, community groups, clubs families and individuals.
“The cost of stage one, as proposed, is near $4 million. Several clubs have committed pledges of just over $685,000,???he said.
“The committee has been concentrating on finalising a workable design for the development but an all-out effort to raise more funds will get underway following the community consultation meeting at the end of this month.???
Mr Power said he would forward a letter of support to the trust and asked to be kept informed of further developments.
Centre needs your help to reach target
Get on board to raise funds
By Terry Karatau
The Taihape Leisure Centre fundraising committee is urging local people to give their support and help reach the $1.4 million target before March next year. The Taihape Rotary Club has pledged $5000, Taihape Playcentre added $500 and New Worlds $655 bring the fundraising total to $685,395. A remaining balance of $714,605 is needed before the Trust can apply to the Lotteries Commission for the remaining $2.8 million.
The commission’s funding round closes in March 2010. Taihape Community Development Trust manager Elizabeth Mortland, who is also secretary of the leisure centre committee, said it is not yet known how much can be raised from other funding sources, but the community is not expected to raise the balance required. “But the community needs to get behind the fundraising committee and help,??? she said. “The more money the community raises, the more likely major funders will look positively at our applications.???
Funding applications will be submitted to trusts as each of their funding rounds close. The fundraising committee is asking groups and individuals to step forward and take charge of fundraising events, such as regular sausages sizzles, raffles, cake stalls, and concerts. “Anything that will help swell the coffers,??? Ms Mortland said. Local fundraising activities are in planning including a musos night with the Taihape Musicians Club, a motocross being organised by Dave Gordon Suzuki, paintball war games and Taihape New World will be gathering $1 shopper donations.
A public consultation meeting will take place at 6pm on Monday, September 28, at a venue yet to be advised. The agenda will include approval and feedback to the current draft plans for the hub, the financial structure, membership fees, the governance structure and fundraising. Prior to the meeting, members of the community are invited to look over the draft plans on display at Taihape Appliances, Greenstone Insurance and Taihape Times, and offer feedback to the Development Trust. Ms Mortland said the fundraising committee and the development trusts sees the meeting as an opportunity to bring everybody up to date with the Leisure Centre proposal and to ensure people are informed.
Plastic bags boost funds
Taihape New World has raised $650 for the leisure Centre from the sale of plastic bags last month, and at the same time reduced plastic bag usage by 70 per cent. New World supermarkets’ parent company Foodstuffs decided earlier this year that from August 1, it would help reduce the number of plastic bags being used in its supermarkets by charging customers five cents a ba with the money raised to go to local charities. The national average for reduced use was 50 percent. Taihape store manager Jamie Henderson said there had been complaints from customers in the Wellington area leading to a decision by Foodstuffs to allow supermarket owner-operators to decide if the five cent charge should remain. “As we have not had any complaints we will continue to sell the bags as a charity fundraiser,??? she said. “In fact, we would welcome suggestions as to what charitable organisation we can donate to in the future.???
Taihape train petition
By Terry Karatau
A delegation of Taihape people met with Rangitikei MP Simon Power in Taihape last week to present a petition with 1111 signatures to have the Overlander train stop in Taihape. Mr Power was told the decision by TollNZ, teh former owners of the rail network, to stop Overlander trains stopping in Taihape has never been opoular with locals.
This point was made clear by Betty Tierney, the coordinator of Older and Bolder, who said not having the service has inconvenienced many people, including senior citizens who prefer travelling by  train because they have access to food and toilets.
“We are asking that the Overlander stops in Taihape on demand – only when there are passengers to drop off or pick up,??? she said.
Taihape Community Board chairman Richard Aslett said having the train stop in Taihape would definitely be a boost to the tourist trade. People wanting to travel to and from Taihape by train have had to be turned away. “In the past, Taihape was a major railhead – a railway town – and now that we have our rail system back in government hands, perhaps we, in Taihape, can also get the service back.???
Mr Power said he, as the minister of State Owned Enterprises, and Finance Minister, Bill English, are the governments shareholder in KiwiRail. He said he would forward the petition and a letter to the finance minister after he is advised of the outcome of today’s meeting with the delegation and representatives from KiwiRail.
So this is what it will look like
By Terry Karatau
Taihape people can now get a better look at what is being planned for the Memorial Park redevelopment. The fifth set of draft plans for the first stage of Taihape’s Memorial Park revdevelopment are now available for viewing in a window display at Taihape Appliances. They can also be seen at the Information Centre and Taihape Times office.
The plans will be presented to a community consultation meeting that the Leisure Hub organisers will be holding in the next few weeks. Once the plans have been confirmed by the community, funding applications will be made.
The intention is to raise at least a third of the $4.1 million needed for the project, before applying to the Lotteries Community Facilities Fund. Elizabeth Mortland from the Taihape Community Development Trust said pledged funds for the project now total $684,240.
A number of fundraising activities are underway. David Gordon Suzuki are organising a motorcross, Brendon Mickleson is organising a horse trek and there is a possiblility of a music night featuring entertainers from the Taihape Musicians Club.
Ms Mortland said other ideas could include regular sausage sizzles and cake stalls, garden tours and a tour of houses decorated for Christmas.
“We really need people to help organise and run fundraising activities,??? she said.
If you can help, contact Elizabeth Mortland or Toni George at TCDT.
Phone (06) 388 1307 or email support@taihape.co.nz
click here for the complete draft 5 plans
Our Grans heading north
The Gumboot City Grans’ fame has spread nationwide having been featured on the front page of teh Department of internal Affairs winter newsletter.
The team was formed in 1995 after a team of “mature??? women from Marton visited Taihape and put on a marching demonstration. The locals were impressed and decided to form their own te am. The group has an 84-year old and an 80-year-old in its ranks. Some members who suffer from arthritis say they find the gentle exercise of weekly practices just what the doctor ordered – brisk walking, arm swinging, good posture, breathing and the memory benefits of learning drill combinations.
For keeping fit and mentally alert marching is great, say the Gumboot City Grans. Coach Barbara Anderson said it was also great for social wellbeing. “It keeps the women active in their community. “They make friendships and have a lot of fun.??? More than 1000 older women throughout New Zealand make up 100 teams involved in leisure marching. Although it’s a non-competitive sport, there is plenty of regional pride involved. Big events for the Gumboot City Grans include the national and North Island competitions.
In March they travelled to Wellington for the nationals, at which there were 900 participants and next month they are off to the North Island event, in Auckland. The 2010 nationals will be held in Christchurch early next year. “We are really grateful for the funding from COGS and of course we need to thank our local supporters as well, especially Denis Robertson,??? Mrs Anderson said.
Hammer nails top award
The Taihape-based construction company Fred Hammer & Co won the Supreme Award at the annual Wanganui Master Builders House of the Year Awards at the weekend. Mr Hammer’s company won the new homes over $1 million category and the best kitchen award.
The Wanganui company, Wells & Wadsworth Construction, which built the Taihape Area School, won the best commercial project of the Year.
The awards dinner was held at the Wanganui War Memorial Hall on Saturday night.
National Cycleways exciting for region
By Terry Karatau
Ruapehu and Wanganui tourism operators are looking forward to an increase in tourist dollars after last week’s announcement by Prime Minister John Key about the government’s national cycleway.
Mr Key said $9 million had been tagged from the $50 million New Zealand Cycleway fund, to get some of the projects underway. Work is due to begin this summer. Two of the cycleways earmarked as part of the first seen trails are the Central North Island Rail Trail, along with the Mountains to Sea (Ruapehu to Wanganui) cycleway. Ruapehu mayor Sue Morris said the cycleway initiatives are a major boost for the region and will add momentum to the Ruapehu district tourism sector. “It is hugely exciting for the district. There will be immediate benefits to local communities and businesses from track upgrade and construction work, and longer term benefits for tourism businesses,??? she said. One of the tracks chosen for fast development, the 245km Mountains to Sea route starts on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, takes in the Old coach road at its base, across the Hapuawhenua Viaduct, through the Kaiwhakauka and Mangpurua Valleys in  Whanganui National Park. The trail will travel on historic roads built to support farm settlement after World War 1 such as the Mangapurua Road and cross theiconic Bride to Nowhere. It then goes from the Mangpurua Landing by jet boat to Pipiriki, down the Whanganui River Road to Wanganui. The four-to-six day ride will cross areas rich in Maori and early farming history. ???We are absolutely thrilled,??? said Ohakune Old coach Road chairman Dana Blackburn. “Not just because of the funding butfor the recognition of the amount of work that volunteers have done already and the support that sponsors have given.??? Mr Blackburn said the decision to redevelop will allow the Ohakune to Horopito track to be completed within 12-18 months. The second project is the two day Central North Island Rail Trail which runs through the Pureora Forest and features historic timber and rail sites.
The trail will run south through Ongarue to Taumarunui. It includes the Ongarue tramway and historic Endean’s timber mill.
The Ruapehu/Whanganui projects are mainly upgrades or extensions to tracks on Department of Conservation (DOC) land. Work in the Manapurua and Kaiwhakauka Valleys is expected to cost $500,000, with the money coming from DOC.
It was planned spending that had been prioritized,??? DOC’s Whanganui Area Manager Nic Peet said. “We’re looking forward to working with our partner organisations to bring people into the back country and provide economic opportunities to a lot of the communities along the route.???
Phase one of both rides involves development of tracks managed by DOC, but also includes some public and paper roads managed by district councils. The Ruapehu mayor task force will be working to further develop sections of the rides over the next few years. Construction of the two rides will cost about $5 million with half the funds coming from DOC.
Throwing the baron’s boots
By Terry Karatau
terry.karatau@msl.co.nz
Taihape’s claim to be the gumboot-throwing capital of the world has been getting some strong support from the high echelons of New Zealand diplomatic service. Mary Oliver, who is the deputy director of the protocol division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has been a strong supporter of Taihape’s claim to fame since taking part in a gumboot-throwing competition in France when she was based at the new Zealand embassy in Paris on a four-year posting.
Ms Oliver, who is a niece of Roland Oliver who farmed at manui, and a friend of Taihape painter Douglas McDiarmid, got the chance to take part in the annual French/New Zealand Association. The event was held at the country estate of Baron Schonen, a former French ambassador to new Zealand. His Normandy estate is set amid beautiful flower beds, and vegetable gardens surrounding a three- storey French country mansion. Ms Oliver said the baron provided the gumboots and he and his wife took part in the gumboot throwing. A couple were lost in the lake, one was thrown straight into a hawthorn hedge never to be retrieved, but the baron had lots of gumboots. “The French throwers were much more graceful and balletic than the Kiwis, but the Kiwis tended to have the edge in terms of straight lines and distance,??? Ms Oliver said. “It was huge fun and the French absolutely loved it.??? Embassy staff participate in the association’s events whenever possible. Ms Oliver won the women’s competition.
Her prize was a beautiful curvaceous candle and a spice jar collection. “They are prized possessions and the candle had never been lit to this day,??? she said. In her job, Ms Oliver has a lot of contact with the foreign diplomatic corps in Wellington and has been promoting Taihape as the Gumboot Throwing Capital among the diplomatic community.
"Hub will be ‘for the whole community"
By Terry Karatau
terry.karatau@msl.co.nz
The role of the Otaihape Club in the Taihape Leisure Hub project has been questioned by some Taihape people. The Otaihape Cub has donated $500,000 towards the project, subject to there being sufficient funding available for the project to start. But Taihape Community Development Trust manager Elizabeth Mortland said the Leisure Hub is not destined to be “an Otaihape Club No 2???.
She said the hub will include the membership of the Otaihape club “but apart from that, there will be no more similarities???. Otaihape Club spokesman Danny Mickleson said the club has no hidden agenda. “We are for the community. “We have no extra say over what happens in this project. “All we want is a place for our three snooker tables, a place to meet and have a drink, hold functions and be part of a new chartered club.???
Ms Mortland said whether a club has pledged $4000 or $500,000 will make no difference. “No rules will be enforced by one club alone,??? she said. “This new facility is for the whole community, not just a small proportion of people in Taihape.???
Train stop big news
By Terry Karatau
terrykaratau@msl.co.nz
Taihape made it on to national TV last week, thanks to the effort of local people to have the Overlander train once again stop at Taihape.TV3's Campbell Live sent a reporter to Taihape to follow up on last week’s story Central District Times front page about Aucklander David Robinson’s efforts to convince KiwiRail of the benefits of doing so.
In a news item entitled Small town fights for a place on the railway map, reporter Richard Langston gathered a  group to talk about the issue. Segments of a video shot by Taihape Community Development Trust’s Elizabeth Mortland, when the Overlander stopped to drop off Mr Robinson, were also shown. The message that came through was that Taihape wants the Overlander stop reinstated. Three years ago the service was close to be being abandoned but was given a last-minute reprieve by the then- owners, Toll Rail. In an effort to make the journey quicker, a number of small town stops were cut. But Richared Aslett, chairman of the Taihape community Board, said people don’t travel on the Overlander for speed. If that was the objective, he said, travellers would fly. “They are getting on for the journey and Taihape is part of the journey. “The rail is an artery through the heartland to the metropolis of Auckland and Wellington. “We want to be connected again.??? Mrs Mortland said Taihape was not being too pushy. “It doesn’t have to stop if nobody’s getting on or off – but as required, she said.
KiwiRail’s marketing and communications manager Nigel Parry said the Overlander timetable is undergoing a review. “There are a lot of communities on the main trunk line who are very interested in the Overlander coming, because it’s been a real growing success over the past 18 months, with 25 per cent more passengers using the service,??? he said. But Mr Parry said timetabling is a complex issue. “To rearrange the Overalnder timetable may mean rearranged schedules of other trains so that they meet crossover points.???
Big, scarey and right
By Terry Karatau
Terry.karatau@msl.co.nz
Taihape’s Leisure Centre project is so huge that some people cannot believe it will happen and others say they don’t know enough about it, according to Taihape Community Development Trust’s manager, Elizabeth Mortland.
Bernadette Nepe, a keen sports person said it looks great. “But I’ll believe it when it happens.??? Taihape businesswoman AmberLee Siddle is another supporter.???It’s a very cool idea but i didn’t realise the community had to raise so much funding.???
Ms Mortland said the cost will not fall on the ratepayer so the co-ordinators are hoping the community will get behind the fundraising. “It would be fantastic if somebody would offer to organise a particular fundraising activity or event,??? she said. “People can always contact the office or join the fundraising committee.???
Ms Mortland said it appeared there were some in the community who felt they were not fully informed on the proposal for Memorial Park. She said the Trust had endeavoured to keep the community updated through the Central District Times and five community meetings since 2007. “The community has spoken through various sports groups and clubs and as individuals. The Trust is committed in giving the community what they want.???
The cost of the project is estimated to be $3-4 million. So far, close to $660,000 has been pledged. Leaving $340,000 to be raised to secure the first million dollars, the minimum amount needed to submit an application to the Lotteries Commission Facilities Fund for the rest of the money.
Opening of the Majestic in sight
By Terry Karatau
Many hours of work spent rebuilding, renovating and upgrading Taihape’s majestic cinema will soon pay off. While a date has not yet been set for the grand opening, a spokeswoman for the Majestic Heritage Trust management committee, Jan Byford, said the excitement is mounting. The Trust now has the services of Ian Freer from Wellington, who has a passion for cinemas. He is working with Taihape people to install a new screen and additional speakers while also looking at heating options and the setup for ticketing and film distribution. Mr Freer started his working life in the Manners Mall cinema in Wellington, where he learnt all aspects of theatre operation. As a qualified projectionist he was in demand around the country. He married in 2004 and travelled to London where he worked in cinema engineering as well as undergoing some training in Germany. He returned to new Zealand and set up his own company. Mr Freer’s association with the Taihape Majestic Cinema has been intermittent over the past two years. Mrs Byford said the Trust is fortunate to have the services of a passionate and qualified expert to help with the final stages of the cinema development. “It has been a long haul with few helpers, but there is a real determination for the project to succeed and the excitement is mounting for the opening night,??? she said. Anyone interested in helping with the project should contact Jan Byford on 06 3880194
First cash rolls in to hub
Steven and Judith Bradley have the distinction of making the first individual contribution to the Taihape Leisure Centre fundraiser last week. The fundraising committee is inviting individuals, groups and businesses to make donations of $10 to $10,000 of more.
Taihape Community Development Trust staffs are putting together a funding application to Lottery Community Facilities Fund. To qualify for a grant, the Trust has to raise a third of the cost of the total funds needed for the project. The total cost of the project is about $3 million. To date $665,000 has been pledged by five sports clubs – squash, netball, tennis, fitness club and rugby – and the Otaihape Club. In the past week 18 individuals have pledged $540. The trust says a further $343,460 is needed by July  14.
It says all contributors are acknowledged. Sponsors who donate more than $5000 will have names on an acknowledgement board in the entrance to the leisure centre. The names of all contributors, however small the contribution, will be recorded in an album. Should the project not go ahead, the Trust says all financial contributions will be returned to the donors.
Parade a goer
A Christmas parade in Taihape this year looks like a goer.
Last month the Central District Times reported that the Taihape Community Development Trust was looking for feedback on the idea, and canvassed the opinions of some local residents.
Trust manager Elizabeth Mortland said the trust has had positive feedback, with most people saying they want to see the parade revived and are keen to be involved.
She said because December is the busiest time for local businesses they have little time to spend building individual parade floats, so the Trust is suggesting community groups may be able to work together with local businesses to help theme get up and running. Ms Mortland said it is an opportunity for sports clubs and community groups to show their appreciation to local businesses who’ve provided sponsorship and raffle items for them down the years.
“Buddy up with a business that has provided support to your group, and combine to build a float that shows off the businesses and the work of the club/community group,??? she said. “Lets all work together and we can have a fantastic fun day with a big parade showing off our great businesses and community organizations.???
Artist Adams off to Florence
By Jocelyn Fannin
Taihape artist Lianne Adams has been selected to show her work at Italy’s Florence Biennale, the biggest contemporary art exhibition in the world. Artists from 84 countries have been selected to exhibit at the exhibition in December. Adams' selected work is a mixed media piece using topographical maps and old newspapers and is a view from Ridge Road across Taihape to the mountains. She said it is built up using old New Zealand stamps. The art work is made in three panels and measures 1.5 metres wide. “It has always been my concept to take Taihape to Florence,??? she said.
The artwork was sent to Florence in April and before Adams heads to Florence later this year she plans to auction the piece with the hope of finding a local bidder. “I want it stay here. It is too personal to leave Taihape,??? she said.
Adams is one of 1000 artists who have been invited to contribute to a book The Who’s Who in the Visual Arts which will be published in Europe next year. She has also been invited to exhibit at the Gallery Gora in Montreal, Canada and her work features in Auckland’s Original Art Sale and the New Zealand Affordable Art Sale in Wellington. She has exhibited for three years at the Waimarino Art Awards and was selected to show at the Norsewear Art  Awards.
Adams displayed her artistic aptitude at a young age. When she was five her teacher suggested to her mother that the child should be taught art. Adams wanted to learn ballet, but was sent to painting lessons instead. “All the children were much older and I was very shy but through going on and off for around three years I learnt very good skills. Things that come naturally now come from this time,??? she said. She remembers that instead of doing her school work she would draw. “My teacher never complained so it was never knocked out of me,??? she said. Adams grew up in Waikato and attended Te Aroha College. Her English teacher would open the art room at lunch time and leave an electric jug and toasted sandwich maker for the young artist. “He seemed so old to me then but we still keep in touch and I guess I was lucky I got good marks in English.??? Adams left school in the 6th form and worked in a bank before marriage and a family. When her youngest child was born 14 years ago she decided to take up painting again and joined the local art society. She said she taught herself “through perseverance and pigheadedness???. “I just wanted to do it and in 2000 I chucked in my part time job and took up painting full time.??? In 2001 she moved to Taihape and Springvale station. Her son attended Moawhango School. “Although I was told many times to never ever move to Taihape and I’ve lived in a lot of places around New Zealand, Taihape has always seems like home to me and I just love it,??? she said.
Adams felt Taihape needed an art gallery and so she opened one on Taoroa Street before moving to an old railway house on Mataroa Road. She said she had to make the decision to either become a full time retailer of a full time artist. After selling the shop she worked for a year on a major exhibition in Taupo. She then focused on entering as many national art awards as possible and getting dealer galleries to display her work. She now supplies three galleries and receives many commissions including portrait work. When the national dog trials were held recently at Moawhango all winners received an Adams portrait of their dog. Adams also takes small groups for painting lessons. “I never used to paint landscapes but most of the students wanted to paint landscapes so I very quickly had to learn how, but I truly love this landscape. It is a special and magical, unique area of New Zealand and I now have the time to get out and tramp and explore.??? Her mission in life is to make New Zealanders aware of what they have. “Peter Jackson has done a great job taking New Zealand to the world but my job is to take New Zealand to New Zealanders.???
Mini building boom
By Terry Karatau
During this period of economic recession Taihape is seeing millions of dollars being invested in buildings. McDonald’s 394 square metre restaurant is due to open in August. The 105-seat restarurant, being built on what was the Otaihape Club’s site, on the corner fo Hautapu  and Weka streets, will include a play area and McCafe drive-through facilities. Another boost to the town’s economy wil be employment for 60-70 fulltime and part time staff.
McDonalds spokesperson Kate Porter would not put a figure on this cost of the project as it is not McDonald’s policy to do so. Taihape real estate agent Kylie Sargison said property sales are holding well. “People still want to come and live in Taihape:???
Taihape Community Board chairman Richard Aslett said the development is great for the town. “Hopefully, the appearance of the town, when the footpaths have been upgraded, will bring more people in and hopefully they will chose to stay, as I did. I am aware that some folk are not happy with McDonalds coming to town, but having this restaurant added to the fantastic cafes and restaurants we already have could potentially be a boom to the town.???
Massive fundraising drive for new centre
By Terry Karatau
Last weeks inaugural meeting of the fundraising committee for the Taihape Leisure Centre kick started the mammoth drive to raise funds to build the new centre.
Stage one of the redevelopment of Memorial Park is estimated to cost $3 to $4 million. So far, $665,000 has been pledged.
A funding application to the Lotteries Commissin due to be lodged a the end of July, could see the coffers swell to nearly $2 million. Applications will also be made to other funding agencies and corporates could be offered naming rights. The committee is looking at other fundraising options including merchandising options including –like t-shirts – and events such as a horse trek, motorcross, garden tours, Christmas decorations tour, a casino night, local music night, sausage sizzles, cake stalls, and projects like gate keeping for the A&P Show. A buy a plaque scheme is also being looked at. Clubs, groups and individuals will also be approached for donations.
Taihape Community Development Trust manager Elizabeth Mortland said the main sports codes – rugby, netball and tennis have made huge pledges. “We see an opportunity for the community to claim ownership of the park by pledging donations as well as taking an active part in helping the committee organize and run events to raise funds that will provide sports facilities to be proud of, for years to come.???
The Trust also needs to raise $4125 as its contribution to the $25,000 (plus GST) bill for architects and consultancy fees. Rangitikei District Council has provided $9000, Whanganui Community Foundation $8000 and Otaihape Club $7000.
Donations can be made to members of the funding committee – Elizabeth Mortland, Michelle Fannin, Toni George, Jenny Mower and Brendan Mickleson – or at the ANZ Bank.
To find out more about this project click here
Visitors find plenty to do
By Jocelyn Fannin
Visitors arriving by steam train every second Sunday are finding plenty to do in Taihape. They are met by members of the local Rotary club, who look after safety on the platform and can also direct passengers to places of interest and things to do. After time spent browsing the town, many of the visitors head to one of the local cafes for lunch, and then explore the activities on offer. Rotary club members have been organizing a gumboot throwing competition with prizes, which has proved popular. The museum is another popular destination and the Mt Stewart reserve with its many walking tracks and native bush is a drawcard. Many who checked out the walking tracks also took the time for photos beside that Taihape icon, Jeff Thompson’s great corrugated iron gumboot.
Fresh start to market
By Terry Karatau
Organisers of Taihape’s Produce Market are looking for a fresh start. Shannon Scott and Helen Luoni want to enlarge the market and bring more to the streets of Taihape.
“There are so many creative people in the area who we would love to see join us and help build a thriving market that will bring people in to Taihape every two weeks,??? Mrs Scott said. “We would love to see lots more support.???
For the next two months most stall holders are taking a break.
She said the market will re-open on Saturday, September 12, with new signage and a total revamp. The event will then run every second and fourth Saturday of the month. For more information contact either Mrs Scott (06) 3825833 or Mrs Luoni (36)3889209.
$3m leisure centre gathers support
Pooling resources may be the way to realize a dream for
Taihape’s Clubs and sports groups
Wanganui Chroncle, 29th June 2009
By Laurel Stowell
Laurel.Stowell@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
An ambitious plan for a $3 million Taihape Leisure Centre is gaining traction with the town’s clubs and sports groups. With Taihape’s small population and ageing amenities it made sense to pool resources and use the same facilities, said Taihape Community Development Trust manager Elizabeth Mortland. The Trust hoped the upgraded facilities would attract national events such as teams training for the Rugby World Cup and kapa haka competitions.
The idea of the groups banding together to build easy to maintain new facilities was mooted a few years ago. It could lead to them sharing administration as well.
A 2008 feasibility study by Opus consultants recommended concentrating leisure infrastructure at or near the town’s Memorial Park. That area already had rugby fields, netball and tennis courts, equestrian facilities, a swimming pool and buildings used for the annual A & P Show. Many of these assets needed upgrading.
The Otaihape Club would use the new facility, Ms Mortland said, as would the netball, squash, tennis and rugby groups. The A&P committee had yet to make a decision.
Three full sized snooker tables from the demolished former Otaihape Club were being stored until the new facility was ready. The existing shearing shed and Utiku Old Boys rugby rooms would be kept.
On Wednesday the trust say preliminary plans from architect Mike Swann, of Palmerston North’s Procarch Architects. The plans had a large and extendable building with sex changing rooms, three single squash courts with walls that could be removed to make a large gym space, a referee room and St John room and a lift upstairs to two big lounges, a bar and a kitchen. The 1924 grandstand would have to be demolished and replaced because it would be too expensive to upgrade. Phase two of the project, which would cost an extra amount, would be to upgrade the swimming pool. Phase three would be improvements to the equestrian area.
Finding $3 million in a district of less than 4000 people could be difficult. But Taihape Community Development Trust chair Trevor Dyke said $600,000 had already been pledged by groups that wanted to use the facility. “If we can get it up to the $1 million or beyond, we can get a 2:1 community grant from the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board.???
The upper storey in the resulting building could function a bit like the Wanganui Cosmopolitan Club, with catering contracted out. Rangitikei District Council staff had given time and guidance to the project. “Council is putting money into those facilities now, to maintain the grounds, so I’m hoping they will be doing at least that much [in future],??? Ms Mortland said.
The trust now have two committees working on the project, a building one and a fundraising one. No building would happen until the money had been raised.
Detailed Leisure Hub proposal unveiled
By Terry Karatau
Terry.karatau@msl.co.nz
A draft architect’s brief for the development of the Taihape Leisure Hub was presented at a meeting last Monday night. The Leisure Hub building as proposed would incorporate three Squash courts, six team changing rooms, referees’ facilities, St John Ambulance first aid facilities and access to the number one playing field. Additional showers and changing areas with secure lockers are included in the plans for squash, Tennis and Netball. The first floor would feature a large function room able to be divided for multi use and provision for small meeting rooms, a bar and kitchen facilities is proposed. A grandstand would cater for 300 people watching field sports and 50-100 spectators for tennis and netball. The existing netball/tennis courts would be resurfaced, new fencing added and improved lighting, with an ablution block and kitchen facilities. A wish list includes a proposal for the netball/tennis courts to be covered and lighting installed for the rugby/soccer pitches.
The 40-odd people at last weeks meeting agreed in principle with the draft. The next step is to form a project building committee to finalise the brief and work with architect Mike Swann. The cost of this phase of the project is estimated to be $3-$4 million. To date, a total of $665,000 has been pledged and a further $1.2 million is being sought from the lotteries Commission Facilities Fund. A fundraising committee is being formed and the project won’t be started until all funds are secured. The draft brief is to be included in The Rangitikei Park Reserve Management Plan to be soon available for public consultation.
Taihape Community Development Trust Chairman Trevor Dyke said it is a huge project for the town and the economic benefits will be huge. He said with the new facilities promoted properly, national events are possible.
To download and view the architects draft plan click here
Saving grandstand would be big cost
By Terry Karatau
At least two people have objected to the revoval of the grandstand at Memorial Park on the basis that it is an icon in the town and should be preserved.
But architect Mike Swann said the grandstand, built in 1924, needed a major upgrade.
“To retain the grandstand significant work needs to be done to comply with the building code which states [public] buildings erected before 1978 must be upgraded.???
He said it would be difficult to find funding for a conservation project of a historic building.
Taihape Community Development Trust chairman Trevor Dyke said if the community wanted the building to stay and be upgraded, the cost would have to come out of ratepayers pockets. “A visit to the facilities under the grandstand is needed to appreciate what needs to be done to upgrade the building. “Once a hammer is taken to it there will be no stopping.???
Gumboot lane gets spruced up
By Terry Karatau
Terry.karatau@msl.co.nz
Flooding problems with the concrete pad in Taihape’s gumboot throwing land has been fixed. The Taihape Community Development Trust arranged with the Rangitikei District Council to have the work done.
The job was not included in the current budget, but the council was able to supply the materials. The Trust approached Rob Adams at the Taihape branch of Works Infrastructure, who agreed his team would do the job as a community service. Two sumps were installed, pipes were laid and connected to the storm water system. The grassed area is to be resown, which will make the throwing land an all-weather venue.
Surf town site
By www.taihape.co.nz
The Taihape Community Development Trust (TCDT) is reminding event organizers and clubs to list their porgrammes on taihape.co.nz
The Trust’s assistant co-ordinator, Toni George, said the website has been running for almost two years and has had more than 120,000 hits and more than 60,000 visitors.
“To boast, there are very few small town s in New Zealand that have their very own town website.??? The website was originally developed as a directory promoting what Taihape has to offer. Mrs George says the content of the site makes it attractive to potential visitors to the town.
“There is a photo gallery, media page, community message board, history of Taihape, events calendar, a guide to community services and a business directory. “It is a
great place for locals to visit and see what’s happening in their district.???
There is no charge for listing events but there is for business listings.
For more information contact Toni George (06)3881307 or email info@taihape.co.nz
Convincing, funny drama
Review
Stiff by April Phillips, Taihape Drama Group.
Reviewed by Gill Duncan
For those of us lucky enough to catch the Taihape Drama Group’s latest show, Stiff, it was a great way to cheer up a chilly winter’s evening.
Shock and surprise were key elements as the show opened and exposed our plucky Taihape locals at play with every taboo subject from the oldest profession, to death and the decreased with quick fire repartee, pun and innuendo.
This cast of seven sold their characters to the audience; director Neil Riddle said how pleased he was, particularly with Sarah Thomsen, (Angel Delight), and Sarah Transom, (Rosanne Paine), who had not previously had such prominent roles, stepping up into their significant and demanding parts. Ainsley Munroe, the sweetly confused Sherry, was flawlessly consistent but is was the fastidious Delilah, (Jefferey Wong), in six-inch, red patent leather court shoes who made my ribs ache.
Lisa Vasil did a great job as the lawyer explaining the last will and testament which John bird played a convincing R. Swipe (Robert), the loyal funeral assistant who missed out inheriting the business to the illegitimate daughter, Angel. Thereafter, out to strip bare Angel’s subterfuge (of running an undercover massage parlour in the funeral home), poor Mr Swipe could never quite put his finger on it, dispite being invited to by the delicious Delilah.
Also, two newcomers to the Taihape state, Bob Barrell and Bridget King, complemented the crew delightfully. Bob was a sizzling corpse, who never missed a line, and Bridget played Angel’s long lost mother and Bob’s “bereaved’ wife with great conviction; her stage presence and strong voice showing promise for future shows. This piece took the cast a lot of time and energy to prepare and execute. One happy member of the audience said, “Aren’t we lucky to have such wonderful talent in Taihape.??? I couldn’t agree more. Well done Mr Riddle and team, and thank you for another fun show.
Taking up the reins
By Terry Karatau
The new project and events manager with the Taihape Community Development Trust, Elizabeth Mortland has taken up her duties, albeit on a part time basis. She is completing a postgraduate diploma in development studies but will be available full time towards the end of the year. Ms Mortland is assisted by Toni George.
Ms Mortland originally from Taihape, has been involved in a wide range of community issues, including the environment, agriculture and horticulture, womens issues, the needs of the elderly, y outh, unemployed, schools, businesses and economic development, crafts and maori needs. She believes the district has tremendous potential . “I am keen to promiote Tahape and district, to attract people to spend time in this part of the world,: she said. “Taihape is a dynamic, thriving community of warm hearted people???.
Ms Mortland has worked as the Community Education Officer for Ruapehu REAP and after developing the Rangitikei Environment Group in 2004 she spent time in Vanuatu with volunteer Service Abroad. She has also worked for the Department of women’s affairs as a policy advisor. As a consultant, Ms Mortland organised and co-ordinated the 10th triennial conference of Pacific women and the 3rd pacific ministers meeting on women.
Pool Upgrade plans
By Terry Karatau
Essential capital upgrade work on Taihape’s public swimming pool is estimated to cost $300,000 says the final draft of the Rangitikei District Council’s 10 year strategic plan.
Support for retaining the pool in council ownership came through clearly in submissions to the 10 year plan.
From a total of 259 submissions on the future of community pools in Taihape, Hunterville and Marton 217 submitters said they should not be closed and many said pool ownership should go to community trusts. At least one submitter called for better signposting at the Taihape pool. The council said the strong support from submissions to retain the three swimming pools posed a budget issue, since its policy has been for the past 10 years not fund depreciation. 
This decision was taken to reduce the rates burden and in the expectation the community trust managing the day to day operation of the pools would secure additional non ratepayer funding. Essential capital upgrades for the three pools is estimated at $300,000 for each facility. If the council was to make this investment, it will consider resuming ownership of the pools, possibly when the current service agreements expire. The council has introduced a minimal maintenance and renewal allocation and will work with the community to develop long term solutions for the pools. On the question of a hockey astro turf for Marton, more than 70 per cent of Taihape residents who made a submission objected to the council contributing to the project. But the draft plan recommends $75,000 be made available for the project in year four of the 10 year plan (2012/2013).
Of the 420 people who made submissions on the proposal, 46 agreed the funds should come from district wide rates. In the final draft of the plan councilors acknowledged most people did not feel the project was affordable at this time, but have agreed to make the allocation on the understanding that those community members who are driving the project will pursue all other avenues of funding in the first instance.
Hub starts push for funding
By Terry Karatau
A community meeting to update everyone on the Taihape Community Leisure Hub project is being held next Monday at the area school beginning at 6.30pm.
The Taihape Community Development Trust has led the project, which was first discussed in July 2007, along with the support of Taihape Area School, Rangitikei District Council and Sport Wanganui.
The resigning projects and events manager of the Taihape Community Development Trust, Eva George, said the steering group is now pushing to get an application to the Lotteries Community Facilities Fund for major funding. The deadline is the end of July.
The site plan identifies three grouped projects, the first being the replacement of the old grandstand and changing rooms along with new squash courts and club facilities, and resurfacing the netball and tennis courts.
“At next week’s meeting there will be an opportunity to see the current concept plans and brief [before the architect starts any work] and have your say in this great development for Taihape, Mrs George said.
For more information check the project file, which is now available in the Taihape Library. Alternatively email info@taihape.co.nz or phone (06)388 1307 for more information.
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