To Simon Berry — You have leapt to a wrong conclusion over a ten metre tall wall Simon in your comment on the previous post. I have re-read my post several times to see what ill-informed conclusion I could have come to and I fail to see any criticism, implied or otherwise. However, if you have interpreted my turn right, more of the same as indicating that the word same is being used to suggest some form of malaise or ineffective efforts on behalf of people concerned with tourism promotion, you are reading your own mail! You have read enough of my stuff on Oamaru and North Otago over the past several years — both in NZ Today magazine and my postings here to know that I am very probably the biggest fan of the town and the region in the galaxy — maybe the entire universe. In fact, colleagues in the media who I left in Auckland when I moved here, joke about me acting like I was the Minister of Tourism for the region! I am well aware of the steady growth of tourism in the region and thats no criticism. I am sure that you and your wife would both accept that the growth has been steady, rather than spectacular. So, turn right, more of the same equals continued steady growth, turn left means if we find a rocket scientist the potential in Oamaru and North Otago is without bounds. You have read between the lines and written your own version Im sorry Simon. When I wrote my first major feature story (30 pages or so) on North Otago and Oamaru in 2001, I was astounded. Although then living in Auckland, I knew Oamaru well and the potential it had as a major destination because of its unique features — but they had not been recognised as such. But in 2001 Oamaru had recognised these and was steaming along, full of life, hope and promise. This was a place on a mission! You had the penguins, the Criterion, the Precinct, the fossil trail, horses and buggies, people in Victiorian garb and there was a real belief that Oamaru was indeed somewhere very special. One criticism then from locals wanting to make things even better was a lack of signage directing travellers to the Historic Precinct. I came back eight years later, in 2009, to do a second major feature (20 odd pages), and I was disappointed. It was like someone had pulled the handbrake on. In fact, in some areas things had gone backward — and there was still no signage. Then I was told about the Opera House and the fall out from that and a loss of appetite for spending money and doing anything adventurous but rather sticking to the knitting. I am not ashamed of my record in promoting North Otago and Oamaru nationally through NZ TODAY Magazine. Apart from those two major feature stories, there have been several smaller ones — the last two issues of that magazine have featured the region — in the latest theres the Waitaki Valley. I also featured the genius work of Oamaru automotive artist Rod Tempero regularly in my other magazine, Classic Driver. Right now, I am involved in organising a major classic car rally to be based in Oamaru as well as what i hope will be the most comprehensive book on Oamaru and North Otago ever published. We have a bit of an issue finding a clear date where there will be enough accomodation in the district, but well overcome that. This is unpaid work, not a career. In the past 24 hours there have been two posts on this page regarding tourism in the area — the appointment of Ian Elliott and the resignation of Annabel. In both cases I learned of these matters through someone phoning, or texting me to ask have you heard. Even though those involved in promoting tourism in the area seldom participate in this page, its obvious they are aware of it. So, as such, I thought it might have been in the best interests of everyone that Oamaru Today might have been included in any official releases on these two matters, rather than having to rely on word of mouth. Its called communication — and the working together that you talk of. For me this page is a hobby — it costs me a small amount of money and a lot of time, but I enjoy bringing a focus on things happening around the place and I really get a huge kick out of highlighting things that I find outstanding, but which locals may take a bit for granted. But the hobby has grown and this page now has more readers than I ever imagined it would. So, lets be mates and work together — all of us — for the benefit of the region. — Allan Dick
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 09:37:25 +0000
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