RSA looking for a home
The Taupo¯ RSA is on the move — it just doesn’t know to where.
Sharp-eyed locals may have noticed that nearly two weeks ago the anti-aircraft weapons that stood outside the RSA’s premises at 67 Horomatangi St were removed — sold for $6000 to a licensed collector in taki who plans to refurbish them as show pieces.
The weapons are thought to have been installed outside the RSA in the mid-1980s and at the time were part of a trend for RSAs to display old weapons outside their premises to advertise their presence.
The removal of the weapons that stood as the Taupo¯ RSA sentinels for many years is the first visible step in the process the RSA is following to try to remain both an important part of the Taupo¯ community, and financially viable.
Richard Cairns of the RSA Board of Management says removing the sentinels was part of signalling that the RSA building and its Poppies Restaurant are open to the whole community, not just former and serving Defence Force personnel.
“It’s part of smartening up the image. That’s the first step in re-branding our image.”
In an even bigger move, the 63-year-old RSA building has been sold. The original part of the building was constructed 63 years ago on land donated by the McCauley family, with the restaurant and gaming room added later.
Mr Cairns said the settlement date for the building is in December and the club was looking for a new home. It has been in discussions with the Taupo¯ Bowling Club and Taupo¯ District Council.
Mr Cairns says the idea of co-locating with other clubs presents the opportunity to create a hub of Taupo¯ clubs to become much more dynamic, diverse and financially sustainable. He says the model is proving successful in other communities, including Hastings and Blenheim. The RSA is keen to hear from any other club struggling to achieve a financial surplus.