Is there really doom and gloom in Motueka's economy?

August 25th, 2011

[The writer, a local business person, has requested their name to be withheld. Although this does not comply with our policy, correspondence with the writer has established good reason for the request. The article referred to can be read here: "Orchard crisis hits Motueka economy]

Congratulations on successfully managing to perpetuate the doom and gloom surrounding the local economy through tonight's front page news story in the Nelson Mail.

Mr Riley, chairman of the promotions committee for business booster group Our Town Motueka, managed to portray the view that most businesses are hanging on by the skin of their teeth. If ever people needed a reason to stay and shop in Nelson or Richmond, Mr Riley provided it. Did he poll local retailers in order to arrive at that view?

Whilst I know that a number of businesses are trading through difficult times, a number of others are still trading relatively well. Sure, all local businesses are affected by how well its economic contributors are faring but, why does a business spokesman, whose brief must be to promote the local business economy, need to be so depressing? He seemed intent on emphasising the negative issues surrounding major industry contributors to the local economy?

Has Tourism been 'smashed'? I wonder if Mr Wilson might beg to differ. This was an opportunity to give a positive spin, promote and boost the businesses of Motueka. I'm of the view that if you have nothing good to say then, say nothing.

When I compare Nelson's marketing effort in respect of the Rugby World Cup to Motueka's, I am astounded at the lethargy and lack of effort shown by Motueka retailers and the local community. In the past, more effort has been directed towards a mid-winter night time Xmas light display (that has no benefit to retailers who are closed before the display comes into effect), than has been evident in the build up to the RWC.

Motueka is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. It is predicted that it will attract a huge number of visitors to the area. What is the business community doing to promote the town? Its efforts and plans are not very evident, or public.

Has the town, like other NZ towns and cities hosting games, adopted one of the rugby nations that will be playing in the region during the tournament? Where are the posters, bunting and window displays, as displayed in Nelson businesses?

Does Our Town Motueka know how many visitors are predicted to visit or pass through 'Our Town'. If so, when is it going to communicate this information to the business community? Does the Our Town Promotions Committee even know the RWC is happening? Are the Promotions Committee keeping their plans secret? With less than three weeks to go it might be time to let the cat out of the bag!

The next major event to visit the Nelson area is the NZ Master Games. This event is reputed to bring more economic benefit to the region than the RWC. What is the Motueka business community and the Promotions Committee doing to attract some of that potential business to 'Our Town Motueka'. Maybe we should just hang out the white flags and ask visitors to come back when times are better?

Come on, start being positive and start 'positively' promoting the town!

Comment by Paul Johnson:
[Posted 29 August 2011]

It would seem easy enough to promote "Our Town" wouldn't it; remembering that has been voted "the best town in New Zealand" ...

Comment by Brent McGlashen:
[Posted 3 September 2011]

Now I have never commented on anything before, and surprised no one else has spoken up, but something needs to be said about this article. This is not what I would call a discussion, this is a personal attack! It is pretty rude to hold a discussion when you don't know who you are talking too.

Very disappointed that Mot Online has gone ahead with printing this article and trying to cover their backside by contradicting themselves in a disclaimer at the top of the article "... Although this does not comply with our policy, correspondence with the writer has established good reason for the request." Hmmmm I wonder what "good reason" is!

I refer you to your (Mot Online) motto or whatever you call it: "Building community care, pride, enterprise and action." This is doing nothing of the sort. A community doesn't hide behind a computer screen and attack each other through anonymity, well not in Motueka anyway!

I don't understand why Mr Riley has been picked on by this person, when he is just saying what everyone knows anyway. He is merely stating the facts of his business, which is quite personal information that doesn't need to be public knowledge anyway, and tough times that have been reinforced with facts in the news article from MAF orchard modelling and predictions and by Mr Binns and Mr Milne own comments.

I also saw another article on this website written about where are all the young (30-45 year old) leaders, well I guess there is your answer, what is the point saying what you think and stating your own facts when you are just going to get 'Smashed' as well!

Maybe the anonymous person may like to share their ideas (in person) of positivity and growth with the relative committees that can help them implement them. Now that would be "Building community care, pride, enterprise and action."

Editor's comment:
[Posted 29 August 2011]

I accept Brent's specific criticism of Motueka Online - that the comment was, and should not have been, posted anonymously - and have learned my lesson that the published policy should be adhered to. Other people have spoken to me personally about the matter (and told me they know the identity of the writer anyway). Please put it down to a remative newcomer's inexperience and lack of knowledge of the Motueka business sector and the personalities therein.

However I do not accept that the type of argument put forward by the writer above should not be published. It is valid opinion, to be debated by others. The economic health of the town should not be subject to any deliberate and consistent spin, negative or positive. That can easily turn to organised propoganda. However, in future, all comments on this or other topics of valid debate must be accompanied by the name of the writer.

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