Town’s business voice unclear
A Feilding agency’s role is being scrutinised amid the muted voice of the town’s business community.
There are concerns Feilding and District Promotion is not adequately representing the views of business owners, but the agency argues that’s not its job.
Manawatu¯ District Mayor Helen Worboys was left scratching her head when a proposal to create safe passageways in the event of an earthquake drew fewer than 20 submissions from the town’s businesses.
If passed, the timelines to strengthen or demolish buildings in the central business district would tighten significantly. But the lack of input from landlords and retailers has Worboys worried they may not be aware of the consequences.
This is where Feilding and District Promotion had to act, she believed.
The group is paid $165,000 by ratepayers each year to organise community events, promote the region and provide the connection between the council and businesses.
The agency’s manager Yumiko Olliver said part of its role was to keep businesses informed with what was happening at the council, but denied it was its responsibility to make submissions on behalf of the business community – and this had been made clear to the council.
She said it was the role of the Manawatu¯ Chamber of Commerce to advocate for businesses, and the responsibility of business owners themselves to stay informed, make submissions and fight for their future.
Her agency notified business owners when topics were up for discussion, and informed them how to make submissions and the date to file them by.
‘‘In a small community, those who shout loudest are heard the most. Helen has done a great job out there in the flesh asking for submissions ... [but] we don’t see ourselves as a business advocacy group.’’
Worboys, who had managed Feilding Promotion for 20 years before resigning in 2013, said the agency had remained tightlipped over a proposed ‘‘reorganisation’’, confusing staff at the council. ‘‘They don’t want to advocate for businesses, they’ve made that public. We’re thinking: ‘Why not? If it’s not them, who is it? [The] council has a decision to make at the next funding round.’’
The agency’s contract expires in June, but it has been automatically extended for another 12 months while the council finalises its new community development strategy. All community groups will then reapply.
Retailer Amanda Street said Feilding and District Promotion’s role had felt ‘‘a little muddled’’ in the past couple of years.
She found it helpful when organising the wearable arts show Evento, but more support for business was needed.
‘‘It should be the one-stop place for information. Now, it’s divided into two sorts of camps [the information centre and Feilding and District Promotion office], and whether either of them have a clear picture of what’s going on in Feilding, I’m not sure.’’
Business owner Kevin Darragh didn’t believe it was the agency’s role to advocate for businesses. ‘‘They’ve moved away from that now. If the business people need an advocate they should get together and organise one for themselves.’’