Next Meeting 20th November Wednesday night 5.30pm at Lohi

Meeting opened by Derek King welcoming everyone and announcing that Aspiring Highways have agreed to relocating and providing new larger blue facility signs further out from the Goff’s Road shortcut along the State highways.

This will hopefully encourage more travellers to divert into Ranfurly.

Tania Murray provided an update on Streetscape beautification planting that occurred on the 20 September with great assistance from Southern Dash in planting out four locations in the main Street.

Thank you to Jimmy Westall for the preparation and removal of gravel. Thank you to Tiaki Maniototo and MHG for providing all the plants.

Tania & Gary met with Gordon Bailey to outline the next steps of the beautification plan.

The first is the probable removal of the hedge on the west side of the Art Deco Museum. As also noted by the CODC, it is past its best and is high maintenance. The area will be replanted by the beautification team.

The Rail Trail Sun sculpture is targeted for installation in December.

Discussion held on the lights not working re Art Deco lamps and also the NZTA’s 7 that are not going.

The CODC has noted that the Deco lights were purchased by the Community Board and due to their age, both parts and bulbs are unavailable.

Both organisations will work together to get a solution. The NZTA has been advised re their 7 lights and know of the issue. 

Russ Haig provided an update on his investigations of the Long-Term Plan and Rebecca Williams CODC is scheduled to create a plan similar to Tarris plan ........... However, this is not scheduled until late 2025.

Russ pointed out that Ranfurly needed to start consultation in the community now, so we have a clear view of what our wish list is. Russell will look to put together a couple of community forums.

Peter Kelly CODC pointed out the Tim Cadogan the CODC Mayor would finish at Labour Weekend and a new Mayor would be elected on 30/10.

Derek has emailed Tim on our behalf and thanked him for all of his work and guidance for both the MBG and the Maniototo. 

Janyne Fletcher and Kirstina Wills provided a sign update and there is a preferred design. This will be provided to community for feedback. 

Derek King spoke about the Gardens Club tour this year (Sat 28 Dec) which will be located in Ranfurly. There will be 400 tickets on sale.

Jemma Parker provided an update on Hayes Engineering and its three-day celebration on the Labour Day weekend celebrating the Centenary of the Haynes Wire strainer.

Over Labour weekend, there are 2 markets on, a large car tour is visiting plus the Hayes celebration, so accommodation is fully booked and numerous people will be in town looking for food, drink and services.

This led to a discussion on the urgent need for an events planner for the Maniototo to make sure we offer the best experience possible to our visitors. Gary Hands offered to help put this together for all. 

Please email Gary at [email protected] with your event/s so he can put it all together for us.

Christmas discussions and update:

Celebration date Friday 6th December = Late Night Shopping

Moa Egg Hunt instead of the best dressed bike - Russell

Janyne Fletcher arranging Christmas Tree and lighting.

Santas Grotto to be held at the I Site, confirmed by Shirley and Peter. Belinda Ider to arrange.

Derek sorting the Christmas Hampers. To be located in lohi, Maniototo Hardware and possibly at Bizarre Affair with all proceeds to the Beautification plan.

Bea from Fantail following up on potential market stalls for the night.