YOUR LOCAL NEWS

The Taupo¯ District Council’s economic strategy report released this week has a refreshingly optimistic feel about it.

I think every town needs big ambitions. Given the new Government has a billion dollars stashed away for these sorts of projects, then why not grab the opportunity while it’s there.

Our tiny airport probably sums up what I mean by ambition. When you compare it with what the other big tourist town by a lake [Queenstown], it’s a bit of a giggle really. Imagine direct flights from Taupo¯ to Sydney.

Invercargill managed to build itself an international airport. The theory being ‘if you build it, they will come’.

They already come to Taupo¯ on their travels - why not make it the first stop and the main event?

Taupo¯ has already outgrown its small town status. The trick is to maintain the growth through key projects, while also protecting the very things that make the place special.

We don’t want an economy focused solely on tourism and we are fortunate to have other major industries that will also benefit from a boost General inquiries: 07 378 9060, Editor: Daniel Hutchinson, 027 809 6854, daniel.hutchinson@stuff.co.nz, News: Steph Rangi, 027 204 2914, steph.rangi@stuff.co.nz, Robert Steven, 027 204 2904, robert.steven@stuff.co.nz, Tamara Thorn, 027 564 7168, tamara.thorn@stuff.co.nz Senior Sales: Graeme Goldsbrough, 027 204 2906, graeme.goldsbrough@stuff.co.nz, Classified ad’s: Lynne Webb 07 378 9060, lynne.webb@stuff.co.nz, Postal: PO Box 205, Taupo. Deliveries: Dave McEwen 07 378 9060, circulation@waikatotimes.co.nz, fixmydelivery.co.nz