North Otago’s future in the hands of the innovators

A KEY aspect of North Otago’s history is our creators and innovators, people who took risks, developed world firsts, and used incredible ingenuity to ensure that the future is what we have today.

We have the ability to continue to grow and develop into a worldleading region — and we are lucky enough to have the people here with the ideas and ability to get us there.

Imagine a strong community that supports and fosters growth and gives people the benefit of the doubt.

Innovation needs to be embraced and nurtured, to give people the platform to succeed.

A floating hotel could bring huge international interest, increase local employment both in the development and ongoing running of the business, and bring visitors to our town yearround to spend in the precinct and in town.

If it is four and ahalf stars, this could be the answer to a more than decadelong need for highquality accommodation to attract the kind of visitors we want here.

A zipline could do all of the above and more — highlight our incredible coastline and precinct, attract a broader market here, bring strong tourist dollars here all year round, and provide a thrillseeking ride over our beautiful harbour.

We need to balance the old with the new — the juxtaposition of our beautiful old buildings can work with contemporary developments, but we just need to be sympathetic in our design.

Let’s give local innovators, developers, and risktakers the benefit of the doubt, give them some support and see where we can take this great region in the future.

Annabel Berry Design Federation, Oamaru

.................