TOURISM chiefs and Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws entered a war of words yesterday as debate raged on over Wanganui's controversial tourism brand. Project chairman Uwe Kroll said Mr Laws was deliberately trying to undermine the project. Mr Kroll was reacting to a media release that appeared on the Wanganui District Council's websitethat said the MRI (Major Regional Initiative) brand had created "gibberish" that had no linkage to Wanganui. In the release Mr Laws said the MRI was "flapping round like a chicken with its head cut off" and was acting unprofessionally. Mr Kroll told the Wanganui Chronicle the MRI board was sick and tired of the "continued misinformation" being spread by Mr Laws who, he said, had made no effort to understand the processes involved or the project outcomes. "The brand name, tagline and story were developed in consultation with international visitors, regional representatives and the 12 local iwi tribes," he said. "The story is an absolutely true legacy and follows geographical journeys that respected elders made throughout the District's of Wanganui, Rangitikei and Ruapehu. "It was recounted by respected local cultural adviser Rangitihi Tahuparae and is a significant part of Maori history. A number of geographical features are highlighted, including the Whanganui River," he said. Mr Laws said Wanganui had been "totally ignored" and the city would have been better off using MRI funds on its own branding. Mr Kroll said the project imagery and conceptual work was balanced and included 16 images of the Wanganui district with three pertaining to the heritage city of Wanganui. "Furthermore the 'experience pathway' of expression is filmed almost entirely in the city of Wanganui." Mr Laws posted a web link to a confidential website in his release on the Wanganui district Council website which angered the MRI board. "The MRI Board is deeply disturbed, however not surprised, that Mr Laws has released the details of a confidential website that remains 'a work in progress'. Mr Kroll defended the brand, which was revealed in Thursday's Chronicle, saying it represented all districts ? Wanganui, Ruapehu and Rangitikei ? and Maori and European. "We look forward to Mr Laws attending one of the MRI brand presentations, as to date his involvement with the project has been non-existent," Mr Kroll said.
