Our Town Motueka celebrates another good year

September 16th, 2010
By David Armstrong

The business promotion organisation Our Town Motueka has had another successful year, with greater interest being shown in its work by local retailers and other businesses. In fact, two additional members volunteered their services as committee members at their Annual General Meeting on Monday. (More about OTM here »)

OTM Chairman Howie Timms told the meeting that one hiccup over the past year - the group losing its charitable status - has been overcome. "One of our most important goals is to encourage locals and visitors to shop in Motueka," he said. "Unfortunately this economic objective resulted in Our Town Motueka being declined for charitable status by the Charities Commission. Without this status, funding from organisations like the Lion Foundation would have been difficult to obtain.

"To ensure that we continued to be able to receive funding from charitable sources, the Motueka Events Charitable Trust was established and has been approved by the Charities Commission. This will be the vehicle for us to apply for funding for events like the Starlight Parade." He thanked John Murphy for his work setting up the Trust.

Howie said last year's New World Starlight Christmas Parade was a great success. "This Christmas parade is the best in the region. It's a great example of the town's community spirit, and Our Town Motueka is proud to be its organiser." Other events they organised this year were the Kids Fest and Motueka on High.

The other achievement to report was, at long last, the completion of the town entranceway sign. "It is one of our most tangible achievements and I'm proud to have managed this project." Its cost ($19,209) did, however, make a dent in OTM's finances, giving it an operating deficit for the year, but reserves enabled the organisation to remain in the black.

Howie also reported that a memorandum of understanding has been ratified between OTM and the Tasman Bays Promotions Association, chaired by Riwaka's Chris Salt. "This agreement formalises the already close working relationship and ensures that we will work together to the benefit of our members."

OTM manager Jacqui Taylor reported that business numbers in Motueka have remained relatively static over the past year, with just under 300 businesses in the OTM zone. Eight businesses have changed hands over the year with only three reported closures, while five new businesses have emerged in existing premises and two relocations.

OTM's newsletter, Streetlines, will be produced in print form only twice a year now rather than four times, but members and subscribers will receive newsletter updates every month by email.

Much of the general discussion focused on the appearance of the High Street shopping precinct to visitors. Concern was expressed about the trees, mainly the mess they make during flowering and leaf-fall, but also the lack of pruning. However, their value in softening an otherwise rather unattractive town centre should not be under-rated.

Liz Salt and Anita Newport were asked to continue their investigations and planning for the installation of hanging baskets to further soften the streetline.

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