Raglan Chronicle

Raglan Trust Hospital to be sold Opening the meeting with an overview of the key reasons to sell, which mainly relate to the on-going costs of maintenance and the unfavourable lease in place for a further 12 years, Board Chairman Peter Storey said the Board found themselves ‘painted into a corner’ given their responsibilities to duty of care toward the asset. “We all want the same thing”, said Mr Storey. “We all want the hospital to continue to be here in Raglan providing care for the sick and elderly. Selling the hospital we think is our best option to see this happens”. Those gathered asked for clearer and more specific financial information so they could ‘get their heads’ around why the Board supported selling a valued community asset. Not all were satisfied with the information given. Local Lorna Rogers said she believed the original plan was for the community to own the hospital. Mr Storey responded the Trust had been formed to ensure the hospital and rest home operated in Raglan and it was not tied to ownership under the Trust deed. Residents from Sunset Heights, a residential development crossleased with the hospital site were worried about the impact on their properties of selling the hospital. One owner, Beti Broome, wanted an assurance that resident’s property rights would not be affected when the sale of the hospital went through. Trust member Norris Peart said it was important a separate discussion with residents happened but that he did not see anything to be alarmed about. Barry Dalbeth’s comments resonated with many when he said the community were lucky to have someone willing to buy it. “At the moment, neither party is making money – that shows something is wrong”, he said. The current valuation of the property is ‘strapped’ to the type of lease in place. Mr Storey said the valuation received was 20% less than it would be

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Following ‘heated’ discussion and a show of hands at the second meeting about the future of Raglan’s Trust Hospital the Board informed the community of it plans to go ahead with sale of the property to the current operator.

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due to the lease. The lease was in place before the current members of the Trust came on board and they were not able to change it. When asked about guarantees the hospital would not close and would remain accessible for Raglan residents Mr Storey said a “water-tight” caveat would be placed over the title to ensure the hospital remained and it was being worked on at this time. He explained the only thing that would threaten the hospital’s existence would be if the Trust itself were to cease. “It is up to Raglan people to ensure that it continues, thus guaranteeing the existence of the hospital”, said Mr Storey. Others were concerned about what would happen to the funds the Trust would receive when the property was sold. Janet Leonard asked what plans the Trust had for the funds from the sale. Mr Peart responded the community would have a ‘moment’ with future use of the funds. “We need to set up some way that we have community consultation on use of the funds. One idea may be to invest the funds with a certain amount available for distribution”, he said. Following the meeting Bill Ringer expressed his frustration at the process. “It’s my opinion that the Trust Board did not take the public into its confidence soon enough. I feel that we hold the hospital in trust for those who set it up all those years ago”, said Mr Ringer. Rosie Worsp said her greatest concern was for the elderly of Raglan. She hopes the Trust will work on bringing information more effectively to the public. Now the decision has been made the Trust Board will concentrate on settling the sale over the next few months and will turn its attention to a new future direction. “The Trust’s object is to look after the sick and elderly of Raglan district. This really matters to us. We had a duty of care to the asset and had to make significant financial decisions at this difficult time to ensure we fulfil this responsibility”, said Mr Storey. Sue Russell

13 Wallis Street, Raglan 07 825 7050 info@bizworx.co.nz

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Pipwharauroa Trail opens to the public On Saturday 27 August the much anticipated Pipiwharauroa Trail will open to the public. After an early morning opening ceremony, a group from the Raglan Mountain-biking Club will be the first to experience the 18 kilometre return track over privatelyowned farmland on the Wharauroa Plateau. At 430 metres above sea level, the trail winds over the Te Uku Wind Farm site which affords outstanding 360 degree views across the greater Waikato, to include Raglan, Kawhia and Aotea harbours, and on a clear day, Mt Taranaki. Waikato District deputy mayor, Dynes Fulton will open the trail and is confident it will become a landmark Waikato district attraction. “The trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the history of the site, unmatched views of the Waikato and a chance to get close to a number of the 137 metre high turbines in operation on the wind farm. It is an outstanding asset and we appreciate the generosity of the land-owners and Meridian Energy in making this possible.” The name, Pipwharauroa Trail was decided after the public

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were given the opportunity to submit a name for the track to the Waikato Times. The winning name was submitted by Brenda and Trevor George of Ohaupo, whose successful entry will be shown on a plaque to be installed at the site. The couple submitted the following wording to support their entry: Maaori used to travel this route to harvest pipiwharauroa, the shining cuckoo. They followed this trail in search of the bountiful supply of fresh food. The return of these birds from their winter migration indicated it was time to plant spring crops. At the summit, a historic site treasured by local iwi, Ngaati Maahanga, is known as Te Tiho o Tonganui. The site pays homage to three ancestors, Mahanga the eponymous ancestor and namesake of the tribe, Tonganui the warrior and Hone Waitere, the last Maaori owner of the Wharauroa block. The formation of the Pipiwharauroa Trail over existing paper roads has been made possible with the co-operation and goodwill of the landowners. Cyclists and walkers are required to keep to the track which covers private farmland. The track crosses steep to rolling terrain and will take approximately four hours to walk or two hours to cycle return.

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