Residents plot Greytown fate

Greytown's future has been put in the hands of its residents, with a plan to re-invigorate the town.
A forum involving 25 Greytown people was held in September to identify the threats, weaknesses, strengths and opportunities in the town.
South Wairarapa District councillor Mike Gray, who facilitated the forum with his wife, Kay, and John Gilberthorpe, from Toi Wairarapa Arts, Culture and Heritage Trust, said it was the first step in an ongoing project to plan for the future of Greytown.
Mike and Kay lived in Greytown in the 1960s then moved away but returned in 1985.
"We have seen a lot of change in the town over the years and when we started thinking about the changes, a question popped up: What is the future of Greytown likely to be?" Mr Gray said.
The forum participants were split into six groups and asked to compile lists under the four stated categories.
"We felt it was essential to get the community involved because then it would have a meaning and a purpose," Mr Gray said.
"There were a lot of good things that came out of it that have the potential to happen."
He said his motto for the project was, "fail to plan, plan to fail", and believed planning for Greytown's future would play a part in planning New Zealand's future.
"It is a worry whether there's been adequate planning for the future of our nation, take note John Key."
Common weaknesses identified by the forum included the increasing development and subdivision of land, which might result in the loss of a "community feel", recession worries, and the ageing population.
Greytown has the highest number of pensioners of any town in New Zealand, and Mr Gray said the the forum primarily included people over 50 years old.
"We've had discussions with Kuranui College about ways to involve the students and the staff so we can include the younger generation in the plans, too."
A lack of jobs, low-cost housing and investment in facilities and services such as the swimming pool, camping ground and sporting facilities and activities were also identified as major problems.
The historical architecture stood out on the list of strengths, with the old library, Cobblestones Museum and "interesting and unique businesses" seen as key buildings.
"Good schools with good facilities" were also high on the list, together with the "large, lovely park".
The history of the town and the relationship between Maori and Pakeha was also important, and Mr Gray said it showed in the town's relationship with the Maori at Papawai.
"A great relationship exists between Greytown and Papawai and the nature of it is very strong - one of the most unique in New Zealand.
"It holds great opportunities for the future if we nurture that relationship."
Branding and development, by building on the town's reputation as a weekend destination and "increasing its character" were identified as key opportunities for the town.
Ideas for a farmers market, evening concerts, more activities for youth, integrated facilities for sport and leisure, and a Christmas parade were also suggested.
After taking the results to the Greytown Community Board, Mr Gray's job now is to divide all of the suggestions into categories, and take those results back to the original group and others who might wish to participate.
"We will take it back to the group and work out what the priorities are and take it from there. There is a whole host of very good opportunities that can arise for the future of Greytown."