Town group resigns

BY DELWYN DICKEY

The Vision Warkworth steering committee is resigning, saying it is no longer prepared to put in energy and time because of a lack of common will to achieve township goals.

Only about half of voting papers on whether to form a Business Improvement District to help shape Warkworth’s business future were returned.

"The businesses and property owners have done their community a huge disservice," the committee said in a joint statement.

It said apathy, negativity and small mindedness stand in the way of the town’s successful future.

A meeting is being called to find replacement members.

If a new committee cannot be formed they will resolve to close the association and dissolve the society.

The original July meeting to form the committee was attended by many in the business community, with Town Centre Association of New Zealand former chief executive officer and place management consultant Stewart Heine as guest speaker.

He suggested developing a clear vision and comprehensive strategy, an incremental approach, local leadership, building an identity and capitalising on existing assets like the 101-year-old scow the Jane Gifford.

He recommended the committee establish a five-year plan for the project and emphasised the need for community buy-in for any initiatives.

The committee says the reason for resignation of its seven members include a lack of general commitment from the business community, along with commitment to funding.

A special general meeting will be held tonight at The Bridge House at 5.30pm.

Property and business owners are urged to attend this meeting.

- © Fairfax NZ News