Oamaru community leaders are determined to do what they can to keep the revived New Zealand Malt Whisky Company in Oamaru, working to resolve a glitch with storage of the whisky in the historic Loan and Mercantile building.
The company's assets, which include about 450 barrels of whisky stored in the building, have been bought by an international syndicate of nine investors led by Tasmanian businessman Greg Ramsay through his company InterGlobal Brands.
However, to remain in Oamaru and expand the business under the management of former owners Warren and Debbie Preston, which may include a distillery producing whisky with a unique North Otago flavour, it had to overcome a new interpretation by the Department of Labour of the regulations for storing hazardous substances.
Mr and Mrs Preston, Mr Ramsay and Otago businessman John Evans, who helped facilitate the investment by the syndicate, all wanted it to stay in Oamaru.
They had outlined their problem to Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton, Waitaki District Council chief executive Michael Ross and Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust (which owns the building) chairman Phil Hope.
If that could not be resolved, then a suitable building had been found in Dunedin to which to relocate.
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton said yesterday he hoped to discuss the impasse with Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson.
"My view is we have to make every effort we possibly can to retain it in the Oamaru historic area," he said.
Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean met Ms Wilkinson yesterday and said she wanted to do everything she could to clear a path for the company to remain in Oamaru.
She said she was disappointed by "the heavy-handed approach" by regulators, when the Whitestone trust was trying to ensure its building would comply.
"I would like to think the situation will be dealt with in a fair and timely manner, because time is of the essence."
Mrs Dean emphasised she was not asking for any exceptions.
"I would like to think the regulators will work co-operatively with the applicants," she said.
Mr Familton said resolving the impasse was "a matter of utmost urgency" for the company and the district.
Mrs Dean and Ms Wilkinson were "totally supportive".
"This is not a case of local versus central politicians, but both looking for the same outcome," he said.
Mr Familton said Lakes Environmental was the agency contracted by the Department of Labour to ensure compliance for storage of hazardous liquids.
It defined the parameters needed, based on Department of Labour interpretations.
"We are all working towards the common goal of retaining the company in our district.
It's a matter of clarification, and also one of urgency," Mr Familton said.
Mr Hope said the trust was working with the company, council and authorities to resolve the situation, and was grateful for the help of Mr Familton, Mr Ross and Mrs Dean.
