By MIKE MATHER in Rotorua
Jimmy Thekkakara is choosing community support over business potential as the battle to prevent a youth prison being built in Kaharoa gains momentum.
He runs the Village Shop grocery store in Ngongotaha and while he may not live in Kaharoa, he feels a strong sense of solidaritywith the people who live there and don't want the prison in their rural midst.
Mr Thekkakara is one of several retailers in Ngongotaha and Rotorua who have agreed to hold copies of a petition against the proposed youth prison in the rural community. "Some people might say that it could bring more business to us in Ngongotaha," Mr Thekkakara said. "But I am in support of the community.
"As it is we have enough trouble here. We don't want [the prison] bringing in any more.
"I feel very sorry for the people living right next to it. I can't think why it is not been situated right away from the main population centres."
Opposition to the proposed facility is gathering momentum. Kaharoa Prison Action Group spokesman Don Hammond said the community had now gotten over the outrage that greeted the initial announcement that a Kaharoa property had been selected as the preferred site for the prison. People were now using their energies to build their case against it, he said.
Meetings with Rotorua MP Steve Chadwick were being held in Wellington soon and a public meeting where Child, Youth and Family staff could argue for the prison had been organised for a date in January.
"Obviously Christmas is going to get in the way but we are making good progress," said Mr Hammond.
"What we are angry about is that there was absolutely no consultation before they dumped this on us and, apparently, no consideration of any of the issues the prison would create."
The Kaharoa community has also gained support from an unexpected direction - the Bay of Plenty Steamers support club, The Bay Mafia.
A recent newsletter to Mafia members pointed out that the prison site was directly opposite the home of former Bay player Peter Spry, who had also been a coach throughout the region.
Another Bay rugby personality, Robbie Moore, is another key figure in the opposition group.
