After over 20 years under SWMBO’s (She Who Must Be Obeyed manages everything at TRM) patient, loving care, we are so sorry that TRM (Tongariro River Motel) is for sale. If She were younger, we might continue for another 20 years, but time has caught up with us.
Meanwhile, the agent, Zane at ZRE, provided his latest list of “interested parties” requesting financial information, etc. We are delighted with the response except for one concern. Of the six interested, only one is motivated by trout fishing. The rest could be described as “developers” driven by commercial plans. There are far more developers interested in Turangi, than anglers. This drastic situation is the subject of today’s blog.
You can safely assume I am biased, but this post has been motivated by regular guests who know TRM well enough to return year after year. They are so horrified by the prospect of losing their holiday home that they ask us to appeal more to anglers. Since we have been here, about five motels have closed between Turangi and Taupo. They catered more for the tourist trade, whilst TRM aimed at anglers. That should indicate something. Tongariro fishermen have supported TRM for over 65 years.
A response from a super loyal guest to TRM’s advert reads: “Thank you Ross & Pip for all your efforts in making TRM our family fishing home for the last 40+ years. Your hospitality, humour & inventory of fishing gear are second to none. It won’t be the same without you, but I hope you both enjoy a well-earned rest.”
Many guests, aka inmates, have become such good friends that they encourage us that we need to try to keep the motel operating. After so many years of enjoying their loyalty, we risk losing their holiday accommodation without a struggle, so we need to spell out some of the distinct advantages for anglers seeking the most perfect, enjoyable, rewarding retirement plan.
For any keen trout angler, this would have to be the perfect dream retirement “encore” plan.
Firstly, the motel is mainly run by the staff. TRM is blessed with reliable, honest staff. One lovely lady (Hi Shaz) has been with us for over 20 years. They look after all the housework, cleaning, hedges, lawns, tax returns, etc. An owner/operator is only needed to take bookings and arrange payment. Management is a breeze. Proof? A youngish 82-year-old, SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) has managed the motel for over 20 years; living proof that it must be easy. So tick that box.
The units are set up for longer-term stays, more suitable for anglers staying one or two weeks or longer. This is the only motel in Turangi with fully equipped kitchens in every unit, including full-size ovens, large fridge-freezer units, etc. That is why they keep returning, again and again. No other motel can compete. Tick that box.
The response, with too many “developers” interested, confirms that the future investment prospects are sound, given the room for expansion. On 4760 m2, there is ample spare land with frontage to Taupahi Road for potential subdivision or to build more units around the existing property. Tick that box.
An operator can earn additional income by guiding. i.e. This is a typical request received yesterday from Chicago booking a week’s fishing: “We are a fly-fishing couple and would like to go heli-fishing and/or white water rafting on the upper river once or twice during our stay. Can you recommend someone to reserve with, please?” Could you survive your retirement being paid to take them heli-fishing and rafting? Tick that box.
An owner can easily live off the motel room rates income, providing a reliable, comfortable profit while banking their entire super, as SWMBO has done for the last 16 years. TRM has occupancy records to support this for the last 20 years. They satisfy any future financial security requirements in your old age. Tick that box.
TRM’s strong trout-fishing image has been enhanced by regular posts on the website’s Facebook page. It started with daily fishing reports and then graduated to general tourist info over the last 20 years. TRM posts now receive over 200,000 views per month. A good month will exceed 300,000! That does not include more blogs sent in by others. These provide guests with an opportunity to comment and show off their catch, etc. Great PR! What a wonderful way to focus on more fun and enjoyment in your golden years. Tick that box.
After many attempts, we are sorry to inform our long-term guests that we were unable to find an innovative solution to further develop it more as a trout-fishing lodge. About 20 years ago, TRM’s ambitious plan was to develop our own trout-fishing club by selling individual units to anglers. Two were sold before my favourite Toe Paw council planners stepped in and declined approval for any scheme that provided a “happy hour” common function room in a residential zone. They refused to approve anything that might encourage tourists to enjoy themselves. After several other futile attempts, last year TRM bought those units back. Then we tried a different approach with the Architect’s creation designed by Roger Walker, but again, they would not grant resource consent. So if you want to blame anyone for the possible loss, after 65 years of trading as a tourist anglers’ retreat, blame the Toe Paw bunnies.
We have to wonder if our wars with the pedantic council planners, who removed TRM’s signs and fined us, might have been to blame?
So I guess we are seeking a response from a retired angler, bored to tears by mowing lawns and needing an encore to satisfy his passion and complete his full, interesting life with a new, more fulfilling challenge. These opportunities do not happen very often.
Contact Zane now – ph. 021 655 784.
