The business sign issue in Tūrangi has reached the ear of those in ‘city hall’.
Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas says he plans to meet with the council’s planning team today (Tuesday, April 8) to see if they can come up with some solutions.
“I realise there’s been social media activity on it, but my view is it’s hard enough for those businesses to stay afloat let alone not have any signs.”
Ideas to be investigated might include the council providing answers on consent applications quickly, he says.
“Because there have been some iconic businesses that have been affected.”
He also isn’t averse to the suggestion of a billboard involving shared advertising space.
“One resource application – whether we could do that or not, I’m having a good look at it tomorrow anyway.”
Tūrangi-Tongariro Ward councillor Sandra Greenslade said it was great news the mayor was looking into the issue.
“Our town needs support in these tougher times and our signage is so important.”
Trewavas accepted there were usually safety considerations behind the development of rules and regulations.
“But someone’s initiated the first one (sign removal) and it was a trigger point for the rest. Sometimes you let these things go a little bit but that’s how it’s all transpired really…
“It’s hard enough for business in this day and age… and of course with road closures and all that sort of thing the timing’s not optimal, so we’re going to have to sort it out.”
