Above are TRM’s Coromandel fan club? What wonderful ladies and most valuable supporters. They are Cherie from Hamilton and Pat from Papamoa. Thank you to them for such wonderful support.
Perhaps TRM should also acknowledge Taupo Council’s unintentional assistance for the NZ wide publicity at a higher level of commercial exposure that money just cannot buy – certainly a little old fishing motel in Turangi could never afford anyway…
It all started when we needed a short holiday break away from Turangi to recover after all the drama over TRM’s signs etc. – after being fined by the Taupo Council last month to remove the directional signage (“Turn left to Tongariro River” – how disgraceful – see sign below) which was claimed could be confused with directional signage from NZTA (NZ Transport Authority)? We ask you, how many road signs have such exciting images of trophy trout and tourists (thank you RaftingNZ) shooting rapids on the Tongariro river? So you be the judge…
Whatever, it was all very frustrating so we deserved a few days off away from such petty nonsense to recover and refresh our senses.
Unfortunately the constant wind made sure we were trapped on shore so we adopted Plan B and turned to typical tourist activities instead. Several tourist spots are compulsory as we had not been there for many years – like the amazing Driving Creek Railway up to the “Eyeful” Tower and admiring the kids catching trophy “spotties” on the wharf at Whitianga before a trip to Cathedral Cove. So the only fishy holiday images of our salt water fishing holiday on the Coromandel were from the wharf.
Then last Saturday there we were, lined up in a queue on the beach at Cathedral Cove waiting for a ferry ride back. While we waited we got chatting to the ladies behind us, as you do… “Where are you from they asked?” “Turangi” we said.
Well I never, they replied “Did you know about that poor motel owner there who was fined by the awful Taupo Council who made them take down their directional signs? (See sign below) How ridiculous is that!”
They had both heard and remembered the epic story of woe about a month ago on Radio NZ and read it in their local newspapers who reported the reasons for their $750 fine. They immediately responded how ridiculous the council were and confirmed they were on our side… After being depressed by the lack of any fishing opportunities they made our holiday a success! So thank you Pat & Cherie.
And that is the reason for today’s quirky fishy story – not forgetting to sincerely acknowledge Taupo Council Compliance Department PR team for arranging nationwide sympathy and support for us. TRM could not have planned it better.
