Ruapehu: the natural alternative

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 282, 11 April 1989, Page 1 (Supplement)

Ruapehu: the natural alternative

Diverting travellers to the alternative route through the central North Island is the aim of a promotional display built by staff of the Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial museum.

The first stop for the display was the weekend's Travel Trade show in Wellington where travel agents and tour companies and other tourist industry people were gathered, as well as interested members of the general public. Museum display artist Lance Corporal Paul Ormsby led the group who built the display with Sue Skellern and Kelvin Ripia helping out. Army display artist Dave Fitzwater gave advice on the project. Ruapehu South Business Association members initiated the idea with the Taumarunui District Promotions and Dcvelopment Association and the museum offering help. The area

promoted is within the boundaries of the soon to be established Ruapehu District. RSBA representative Sue Allomes said the project was made possible through the expertise and hard work of the museum staff. The . canoe, signifying the abundance of suitable recreation rivers in the area, was supplied by Taumarunui. Ohakune's Junction Ski Shop supplied the ski gear displayed overhead and Ruapehu Outback Adventures supplied a number of photographs. A museum mannequin has been included to promote the Army museum. Now the display is to

be installed in the vacant shop next to the Bank of New Zealand in Ohakune for a time and

then will be on show in Taumarunui. In May it will be taken to the Auckland Snow Show.

It will continue to be available to promote the region in other shows and plans in-

clude taking it to will be on a voluntary shopping malls around basis with museum staff the North Island. stepping in this first Manning the stand time.