Taihape now has it's own up to date web site, with heaps of information for travellers and locals alike. Log on now and take the tour at http://www.taihape.co.nz
THE GUMBOOT HAS MOVED
From a sketch on a serviette at the Brown Sugar Café in 1997 to the relocation of the gumboot sculpture by Hebs-Smithbridge on the 16th November 2006, the saga of Taihape’s famous boot has almost ended.
The journey has had some interesting twists & turns but few bumps and scratches. ‘Keep Taihape Beautiful’ saw an urgent need to act as the threat of the gumboot’s having to be stored became imminent. With the support of numerous sponsors and despite the weeks of showery weather, the project took shape, culminating with a celebration in the Town Hall.
To the intrigue of many & the irritation of a few, this corrugated iron gumboot by Northland sculptor Jeff Thomson will continue to be touched, climbed on, sat on, photographed and admired by thousands, but the advantage now being it shall be easily sighted. From the Outback land behind the shops the gumboot is now located appropriately in Gumboot Park on SH 1 and beautifully lit for the night traffic. Landscaping is being undertaken to make the gumboot look settled in the new environment, and the recent replanting of Mt Stewart makes for an impressive backdrop. Such an icon and so strategically located on the main highway are two vital attributes for any town.
Some eighty supporters and sponsors attending the relocation celebration on Friday night were treated to a riveting power point presentation including anecdotes & slides of Jeff’s life and work. Around the walls were numerous photos & sketches and the floor was strewn with colourful hens, and steel woven objects such as urns & handbags, to highlight the versatility of the artist as well as the medium. Jeff is not only a wonderful artist but a terrific human being who will always be welcome in our town and our hearts.
Jan Byford
CORRIDOR CONNECTION
The exceptional support from the Mayor, Councillors and members, of the Rangitikei Tourism Corridor Connection (CC) networking functions continued with an excellent attendance at the latest function held on November 15th at Ohakea Airforce Museum (OAM). While not strictly within the Rangitikei District, the OAM is at the southern gateway to the Rangitikei, and has been a supporting member of Rangitkei Tourism for many years. Paul Gibson as Manager is overseeing development of the permanent exhibitions and very interesting special exhibitions, along with managing the comfortable cafeteria which provides delicious refreshments and exciting airborne scenery!
It became evident as the evening progressed that tourism and business operators in the Bulls area either develop or bring a quirky sense of humour to their enterprises, and that this approach is appreciated by patrons – commendabull! Phil Husband as co-owner operator of Barrdroc Café gave an entertaining account of his business philosophy and how he and Lynda Roewen try to do things a little differently to attract clientele. Doreen Higginson gave an interesting account of how their nursery business has developed – see details in the enclosed article.
The new branding concept for the MRI was not quite ready for release at the time of the CC, but members were advised to watch with great anticipation for the official launch, and to see what this will mean to them and their business! Brian McGaw and Andy Watson are Rangitikei Tourism members who are also members of the MRI Board.
Virginia Travers
RIVER VALLEY STABLES ATTAINS THE OFFICIAL MARK OF QUALITY
River Valley Stables has attained the quality status and recognition of being one of New Zealand’s leading tourism businesses. This entitles River Valley Stables to carry the Qualmark® - New Zealand tourism’s official mark of quality.
The endorsement programme is designed to identify professional and trustworthy operators. This enables international and domestic visitors to book and buy tourism products and services with confidence.
Janey Megaw took over the Horse Riding operation 1 year ago, with the new branding of River Valley Stables. She is delighted to have achieved such a highly recognised endorsement through Qualmark.
>br>River Valley Stables has gone through a new face-lift in the last year with a new stables complex being constructed.
Rides on offer include half and full day treks along with the ever popular 2 hour treks. The latest addition to the team is a little pony called Tuppence. Tuppence has already made dreams come true for a many younger riders.
“The Qualmark endorsement reassures potential visitors that we’re a good operator and that we’re going to look after them”
Qualmark® is a joint venture with Tourism New Zealand and New Zealand Automobile Association and is backed by the New Zealand Tourism Industry Association and other leading industry organisations. It is a way the industry directs travellers to quality assured products and services.
If you would like to know more about River Valley Stables please check out the website www.rivervalley.co.nz
Janey Megaw
"HUNTERVILLE LIONS RIVER LOOP CYCLE CLASSIC”
The date for the Hunterville Lions River Loop Cycle Classic is:
Sunday 21 October 2007
Phone: 027 245 2757
for further information.
HUNTERVILLE HUNTAWAY FESTIVAL
“SHEPHERDS SHEMOZZLE”
The 2007 Hunterville Huntaway Festival will be held on Saturday the 1st November 2008 .
