11am Update:

Some sickos have been getting their kicks by pasting these “CATS” notices around Turangi on DOC information signs, at Creel cafe, by Bridge Pool, RaftingNZ sign, etc. The signs advise of a production of Cats at TRM providing ph. and email info etc. TRM apologise to those who have phoned for a booking but we knew nothing about it. These clowns are members of what they call “The Brown Trout Club” who were refused accommodation at TRM after drunken unruly behaviour a few years ago, so this is how they respond. They are so stupid they have included their own images on the notices. Turangi police have been informed.

 

Meanwhile… Interesting feed-back from TRM inmates on the service centre proposal – see plans below.TRM have been asked for the results of the informal “poll” last week – asking what “out-of-towners” – those regular Turangi visitors, many of whom have holiday homes here, think of the Turangi Service Centre proposal?

The “yes” and “no” votes – approval and disapproval – were split almost exactly even.  We did not get as many comments as might have been expected considering the long list of objectors and supporters to the original proposal.  Some who originally opposed the service centre in a “residential” zone advise they have now given up and reluctantly accept it will happen regardless of local adjacent property owners objections.

Another was concerned claiming this latest plan introduces a major round-about on SH1 which complicates the due process as this was after the submission time had closed last May – see below “The submission period for this application has now closed.​”.

These commercial “developers” are quite familiar with the process and would most likely have factored this in their plans.

Several locals commented verbally that it is inevitable and unstoppable as a greedy Taupo Council will push it through – regardless of local objections.  Some of their more colorful descriptions of Council response are not repeatable.  So Turangi remains divided as to the merits.

A couple of the typical comments are below:

 

It’s a NO from us!

Visitors will love it because they dont have to live with it.

Gidday,

You did ask for an opinion…..

The traffic flows need a rethink, otherwise fine.

If Te Arohori St was entry only and exit only onto SH1 then trucks wouldn’t be able to take Taupahi Rd heading south.

Heading north Taupahi Rd should have a Heavy vehicle restriction placed on it and entry to the complex is by going around the stupid round-a-bout and enter from Te Arohori St.

Actually, a round-a-bout would slow traffic down through Turangi and control traffic flows better. The ones either end of the Taupo bypass do just the same.

Commercial competition is good. So long as it stayed 24/7 then why not?

That’s my take on it.

At least it’s something positive for Turangi, better be quick otherwise some clever cookie could put one in at Waitahanui maybe……..

 

Hi Ross & Pip,
You can’t win on this one but for what it’s worth, while traveling I
have spent a lot of time staying within 200m of a truck stop/servo and
it is an unmitigated PITA, all night noise which does travel, truck
air brakes, trucks idling, trucks hydraulics, a sheer PITA.

Turangi could probably use something like what is being proposed but
not anywhere within cooee of residental properties or motels. Could I
suggest somewhere near the Duchess Pool or 10kms north of the Bridge Pool ?  The middle of the Desert Road would even be better !

Good luck and regards
BM
West Island where truck stops are a PITA.

(Just in case you wondered what the abbreviation of PITA stands for?  The ‘google’ interpretation follows: