I have been pleased to read that Whangarei and the wider Northland region has benefited economically from the warm weather and the increased numbers of visitors that have chosen to come north.
Despite this positive economic growth in the region, we remain at the unacceptably high end of unemployment figures. This causes me to wonder whether some of the financial benefits could be directed toward the many volunteer organisations that provide a range of services and facilities so that their projects aimed at enhancing and improving what they offer could be sped up.
Organisations such as the Quarry Gardens, The Vintage Railway and Model Club at the Museum, Reyburn House, The Vintage Railway at Kawakawa (to name but a few). Like all such groups have projects that take cash and time to develop and their reliance on grants and fundraising etc often slows their desire to improve and enhance.
I wonder what the effect of providing some of the benefits of the growth in tourist dollars to these organisations might be. They could offer employment; mentoring and skill development to a wide range of people and the projects that have relied on the good will and volunteer spirit of small groups of enthusiasts would progress and provide greater attractions for the tourist public.
Bill Fenton
Kamo
