6.4 Other Services
Back country roads are still windy, metal and subject to slips in the winter. The principal at Papanui Junction, a school 35 kms from Taihape, phones road reports through to the Rangitikei District Council, then Fulton Hogan who have the contract for upkeep of roads, if she locates problems on her journey to or from school.
Public transport is virtually non-existent. One bus goes from Taihape to Wanganui every two weeks, only day return available. People spoke about cars in a number of ways. Some thought, ironically, they spelt harm for the community for people now drive quickly past neighbours en route to town.
Telecommunication is an essential aspect of community life yet some farm families were still on party lines in this area in February 1997. One line was shared by 16 adults, and one extended family was trying to run three businesses on a party line. Many people, including these ‘party line families’, are unable to use cell phones because of the terrain and distance. Telecom promised action in 1992 but phones were not switched over until July 1997. Most calls are toll calls which makes communication expensive.
Frustration levels were high about this antiquated service, as was the opportunity cost. One woman tried, unsuccessfully, for 40 minutes during an interview to get a line to phone the vet for an appointment. Farmers are urged to diversify, to invest in new equipment, try new breeds and yet their work is blocked because, "the stock agent can’t get through on a Sunday evening or I missed out on a sale because I couldn’t get out". No one talked of compensation, yet the missed opportunities for competition and development must be marked.
Mail deliveries are in the hands of a private contractor contracted to New Zealand Post (a State Owned Enterprise). Some remote farm families get a delivery three times a week, with the Saturday paper being delivered on a Monday. There are changes being made. One business, for instance, is waiting to see if their RD address changes to Kimbolton even though they live and work many kms from Kimbolton, have no connection with it, and are on State Highway 1 right in the middle of Mangaweka. "It would be terrible for the business."
Banking services have been referred to earlier in the report. The uncertainty surrounding these is symbolic of other tensions. People working in such organisations, as in urban areas, wonder if they will retain their job, given previous downsizing, or lose them in the event of closure but there are less opportunities for alternative employment in areas such as this.
Marae-based services - there are a number of active marae in the district. Maori are, in their terms, waking up to what has been happening in terms of resources. O’Taihape Komiti Maori have recently shifted to a new location in Taihape. "Their purpose is to provide support and assistance to our Maori people within our rohe which will enhance, promote and provide life-long development for our people."
Comment was made about whether they service all Maori, or tangata whenua. There are both Maori and Pakeha health services operating from Taihape. All staff at the Taihape Rural Health Centre have undergone bicultural training in recent years.
Volunteer services such as St John’s Ambulance, the Fire Brigade are, however, increasingly having difficulty with the recruitment and maintenance of volunteers. Because so many adults - men and women - are now working ‘off-farm’ and not available as volunteers there is a concern that more pressure will be put on volunteers than is reasonable. It was said at a public meeting that employers are now starting to dock, for example, the pay of volunteers with the fire service.
People experience difficulties in attracting volunteers for working bees. This applies to fundraising for services, for help with organising social activities, in organisations. As usual, the same people appear regularly; ‘if you want a job done go to the busiest person.’ But this is changing as people experience burn out, spend more hours working and therefore have less time, or want to flop when they can; fewer people volunteer; "if you open your mouth you’re on a committee". "A lack of skills means skilled people are drained energy-wise - the school has to have a 10 year strategic plan - where’s the energy? They have to care about their farms right now."
Neighbour contact can be sparse. One farm family said a young couple had moved into their road five years ago; they had met them once. Another that a new family kept themselves so much to themselves that when there was an accident they did not know who to call for help.
People in trade such as panelbeaters find they have to be ‘jack of all trades’ rather than specialists- such as the garage which has a mechanic, a tow wagon, and is also does panel beating and glass repairs. A number of businesses in Taihape are owned by one person, or family eg taxi and hardware shop, the undertakers and the furniture shop. This doubling up is to ensure viability. Farm families still often do their own repairs and alterations - from tradition, or financial or travel constraints.
Shopping is done in a variety of venues. Many live equidistant between Wanganui
and Palmerston North so choice is available. A diagram illustrates the range of places
where people do their shopping.
Diagram 6.2
The garage in Mangaweka serves as an emergency store for milk and bread, and other basic supplies, but there is no other grocery outlet between Taihape and Hunterville apart from this and other garages. Many said they tried to support the local shops by buying electrical appliances, furniture in Taihape; others that they could no longer afford to ignore the savings offered by chain stores in places such as Wanganui. One person costed a major domestic item, found it was $300 cheaper, including installation, in Taupo and tried to negotiate with a local store, saying she would meet them halfway with the difference. They replied that if they did that "they would be out of business before the end of the year".
Contact for Enquiries
Rural Affairs Coordinator
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0675
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0745
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