A Dannevirke Community Board decision not to approve funding for a national convention in the town next year has ruffled Kween Chookie and the ladies of the Eva Ready Cherry Chicz.
The group, an official chapter of the Red Hat Society, had applied for a contribution towards the cost of hosting the convention for more than 170 people, and the community board's rejection of its request has left Kween Chookie, aka Kathryn Mulinder, gutted.
"This is gut-wrenching and so disappointing," she said. "Now we're going to have to rethink our venue, which will affect everything.
"The board's decision is such a shame, really, because the national convention will bring people to Dannevirke who will book out accommodation and shop here," she said. "Some guests will arrive at least one day earlier and stay on for another, possibly longer - that's four days of spending by women who have saved and plan to enjoy themselves."
Tararua District Council governance manager Richard Taylor said at Monday's meeting that the three-day event planned for November next year didn't meet the criteria because it wasn't a community event.