FROM THE NEWS DESK

A resolution has been found over the future of the Pete Petersen water fountain, which since the mid-1980s, has featured outside the Matamata Civic Centre. The site is now being redeveloped into the newly named Matamata-Piako Civic and Memorial Centre. Uncertainty over the fountain’s future first came to light in March, when there was a disagreement over the council’s wishes to demolish the fountain. A communication error is to blame for the council thinking it had the Petersen family’s consent to remove the fountain. However now the council and the family, after reviewing the cost to upgrade or even just maintain the fountain, have agreed on a way forward. The fountain will be removed and a room in the new centre will be named to mark Pete Petersen’s contribution to the community and his service during World War II. By now you would have read reporter Rexine Hawes’ story on the front page, and her interview with mayor Jan Barnes on the topic. You can read the Petersen family’s letter on page 6.

Lawrence Gullery MATAMATA CHRONICLE: (07) 888 7011 News Director: Lawrence Gullery, 027 839 6388, lawrence.gullery@fairfaxmedia.co.nz ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Janine Barrett, 027 404 9073 janine.barrett@fairfaxmedia.co.nz REPORTERS: Rexine Hawes, (07) 888 7011, rexine.hawes@fairfaxmedia.co.nz and Mike Bain, (07) 827 3840, mike.bain@fairfaxmedia.co.nz CLASSIFIEDS: lynda.mcrae@fairfaxmedia.co.nz (deadline 3pm Monday) DISPLAY BOOKING DEADLINE: 3pm Thursday DIGITAL EDITION: matamatachronicle.co.nz ADDRESS: 2 Tainui St, PO Box 148, Matamata 10,425 AUDITED CIRCULATION (ABC for 12 mths to 31 Dec 15).