Go Waihi struggle to attract committee members

Robin Douglas and Casey Williams don't want to see the end of Go Waihi. Photo / Rebecca Mauger

No one has put their hand up to help steer Go Waihi - putting the town's promotional organisation at risk of folding.

Go Waihi's annual meeting in September saw no takers for the committee which included the existing outgoing committee members.

Event planner Casey Williams says there is a risk of the organisation folding or becoming part of a regional-based group in the future.

''It is clear that we are in desperate need of support. With no one standing for the committee, it identifies a need to rebrand and refresh.''

The group anticipates the circulation of a survey to find out what the community wants and what they need to do.

''This will be a good opportunity to ensure Waihi is getting the best from their promotional group, and we are still heading on the right track to ensure Waihi remains a vibrant and unique community.''

Go Waihi caretaker chairman Robin Douglas says there's still a lot of support for Go Waihi. Many were keen to help Go Waihi but not to be on the committee.

He says events and the tourism industry in general is struggling post-Covid-19.

The pandemic saw public events cancelled, including the local favourite Repco Beach Hop (celebrating 20 years) and Waihi Warm Up Party. The five-day event was to be held in March. The Warm Up Party is now on November 25.

Robin says an amalgamation of town promotions would come with pros and cons.

''It becomes council owned and some groups would rather have it as a Waihi organisation and keep it Waihi run.''

Robin is not able to stay on as chairman due to work and family commitments.

In the meantime, Casey says Go Waihi remains looked after and on track for upcoming events — the most significant being the always popular Warm Up Party.

Hauraki District Council chief executive Langley Cavers says council is not aware of any future plans for a regional promotion group.

''A committee is in place and as far as we're aware, it's business as usual.''

Many local community organisations and groups are struggling to recruit volunteers and find people to join committees.

Waihi Budget Service are hoping to attract committee members at their AGM on November 18.

They have just one committee member who will stay on and they need at least five. Manager Margaret Elsworth is looking to retire and hopes to fill roles soon.

They see around 200 clients, with no signs of slowing down with local job losses after Covid-19.

They have seen no jump in services ''but we think it's coming with Christmas on the way and also the winter energy payment from WINZ finished in October''.

Victoria Battery Tramway & Museum recently held their AGM and managed to get a committee made up of the existing members plus one new member.

Chairman Kerry Single says it was hard to get committee members but didn't think the pandemic had a lot to do with it.

''I think it is a sign of the times when people in general have too many other things happening in their lives and belonging to a community organisation and being part of the committee can take up time which is not always available to be allocated.''

Kerry says extra responsibilities such as health and safety requirements and changes can pose a problems.

''Volunteers in general are a diminishing group depending on the type of community group that is looking for them. We certainly could do with more volunteers to train as train drivers, guards, guides from the VBTS Museum and kiln tours, to help keep the history of gold in this area alive.''

Waihi Arts Centre & Museum have a committee but are desperate for volunteers. They have had to cut back on days open due to a lack of volunteers to man the door. They are now open Friday to Monday.