Upokongaro people are banding together to tempt tourists on the Waimarie paddle-steamer back to their riverside village.
The Wanganui paddle-steamer stopped at the Upokongaro landing for the last time on October 24. Its interim trust decided it wasn't worth stopping there after a passenger survey said there was not enough to
do.
The jetty and landing at Upokongaro, prepared by Horizons Regional and Wanganui District councils, have cost at least $250,000.
Flash as they are, they do not compensate for a lack of other attractions. At the moment the village can only offer tours of the historic St Mary's Church and a visit to the Avoca Hotel.
Resident Wendy Pettigrew convened a meeting last month to talk about how to get the riverboat trade back. She said the lack of visitors was having a drastic effect on church funds.
More than 20 people came to the meeting, including Wanganui Mayor and former Horizons councillor Annette Main.
There were no representatives of the village hall at the meeting. Ed Boyd of the Wanganui Antiquities Trust has offered to donate historic items for a museum, and the hall was a potential home for them.
The hall had structural issues that need resolving, Miss Pettigrew said.
There are hopeful signs for the village. Next year the rebuilt former garage is to reopen as a dairy/cafe/takeaway. And the Riviera Restaurant building has new owners.
Horizons Regional Council is looking at reinstating a former riverside pontoon opposite the restaurant, Miss Pettigrew said.
