User
Friendly? - Whangarei Leader - 23rd March 2010
(Pat Slater)
Are
these cases for not shooting the messenger?
This
week a poet was assaulted whilst reading his, apparently defamatory, poem about
Whangarei. Did this back up some of what
the poet was saying?
An
Australian backpacker wrote of a “poor visitor experience“, during a six month
visit. It seems information sourced from
various websites did not make it any easier to navigate around Whangarei. Does this show we take things for granted and
the importance of looking at things from another’s viewpoint?
This
person felt signage, footpaths and driver consideration were issues along with
not feeling safe around some people encountered in town stating it was, ‘definitely
off-putting to an overseas visitor’. Although
having good things to say about our bus service there were difficulties
experienced around timetables and bus stop locations. Are these things we are used to?
Worryingly,
by comments made, it seems this person and who knows how many other visitors may
tell others not to visit for the Rugby World Cup. This writer wondered if any Whangarei businesses
or council ever attempts to step back and see Whangarei as a visitor or
customer does. Personally, I love the
diversity of Whangarei and the shops I frequent give me great service, I avoid
those that don’t! I have the advantage though
of local knowledge and experience!
Let’s
not shoot the messengers! There’s always
room for improvement! I already know my
ideas but I’m interested enough to ask, ‘How would you improve our image?’
Pat Slater
Maunu