2025 Vision for Raetihi

A good turnout of residents joined Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron, elected members and Council staff including Chief Executive Clive Manley at the launch of Raetihi Promotions revamped plans for the township called 2025 Vision for Raetihi on earlier this week (Tue 13 Dec).

The launch of the 2025 Vision was held in conjunction with Ruapehu District Council who is working to bring forward township revitalization projects in response to community demands.

Raetihi Promotions Chairperson Geoff Anderson said that the new 2025 Vision updated the earlier 20/20 Vision plan that was based on the Future for Raetihi document that was released 16 years ago.

“Raetihi Promotions is quite proud of the progress we made in implementing the Future for Raetihi plan especially given our resource limitations,” said Mr. Anderson.

“This has included; lights on the bridge, new signage, establishing and running events, new footpaths, installation of Pioneer Gate at the cemetery and new park furniture that was built from timber milled from Parapara Reserve.”

“Raetihi Promotions events have been a highlight with the Gut Buster, Wild Food Challenge, Christmas Carnival and Waimarino Art Awards all being extremely successful and seeing growing support,” he said.

“We are also planning a number of one-off events such as the centennial of the first car journey over the Parapara highway and the commemoration of the 1918 Raetihi Fire that devastated much of the town.”

Mr. Anderson said that in spite of the progress we have made we felt that it was now timely to take stock and reset our vision and priorities which has led to the launch of 2025 Vision for Raetihi.

“Raetihi Promotions feel that there are a number of carry over projects in the 2025 Vision that should be focused on as a priority.”

“Top of the list is working with Council to complete the Makotuku River Walkway.”

“We have plans to reopen the first stage of the Ameku Road Walkway and are currently seeking funding to extend the walkway along the existing paper road to Pipipi Rd,” he said.

“We will also be working with Ohakune2000 to link the two towns with a cycle trail.”

Mr. Anderson said that supporting the 2025 Vision and work programme Council is funding urban design specialists Bespoke Landscape Architect’s to develop concept plans for the Raetihi town centre.

“Bespoke was initially engaged to develop township revitalization plans for Taumarunui which have been successful in engaging the community in discussions about the future they want for their town.”

“The success in Taumarunui has seen Council engage Bespoke to develop plans for other Ruapehu townships which at this stage includes Raetihi and Ohura.”

“When complete the town centre concept plans will be opened up for community discussion and feedback.”

Mr. Anderson added that Raetihi Promotions is working on other initiatives which will include asking the community to think about how Raetihi could be rebranded.

“We also have the Waimarino local Wild Food Challenge coming up in the New Year on Saturday 21 January at Raetihi Cosmopolitan Club.”

“People can pre-register at info@localwildfoodchallenge.com”

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