Technology, education the future

VIRTUAL WORK: A virtual commuter centre has been suggested by Carterton District Council aspirant Rob Harris. PHOTOS / SUPPLIED

A virtual commuter centre and an arts campus in downtown Carterton rank as a couple of the more novel plans for the town ahead of upcoming elections.

Council aspirant Rob Harris, one of 13 nominees vying for the eight council seats, said the district needed to embrace technology as a hedge against increasing rail infrastructure costs and burgeoning numbers of commuters travelling from Carterton to the capital.

Mr Harris believed rail services for capital city commuters from Carterton "are of special economic and social benefit to our district" and said "generational changes" in the town need to be well-managed.

"The community leaders of today must prepare for these changes. For example, we must look ahead to electrification of the commuter link to Wellington. Who knows the future price of diesel and even if it will be available," he said.

"We will have more commuters, but the need for them to physically travel to Wellington on a daily basis will diminish."

Mr Harris said high speed broadband, teleconferencing and virtual offices will underpin changes to workaday routines and he proposed the establishment of an E-commute Centre in the old Holloway St Courthouse.

"For one or two days a week Dad or Mum wouldn't disappear between 7am and 7pm. Imagine the delight of our younger citizens, if Dad could be there for sports day or netball practice. That's the Carterton I want to see."

Council candidate Greg Lang said the greatest challenge for Carterton "is securing a vibrant future" that would be underpinned through the establishment or relocation of businesses to the town.

"The district is perfect for cottage industry. The opportunities just [have] to be promoted. Encourage tertiary activity in town. Hosting workshops initially, but with the long term goal of a Carterton campus," he said.

Mr Lang said he was heading a task force on revitalising the Carterton CBD and developing an arts-based campus by "having artists in residence in the empty shops".

He said councillors also need to support Wairarapa Hockey to further develop "their magnificent facility" at Clareville. "With Wairarapa teams consistently in the top four at national tournaments, hosting an international game with all its benefits is not out of the question."