Natural History Get Together

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 286, 9 May 1989, Page 2 (Supplement)

Natural History Get Together

By

r Peter

Sutton

Less than perfect weather conditions did not deter more than one hundred members of the Tongariro Natural History Society who took part in an "open weekend" recently. The weekend was an I opportunity for members of the Society to look at possible interpretive projects that may be funded or sponsored by the organisation in the future. In addition the weekend provided an occasion for members to get

together and renew old aquaintances and friendships. A number of exTongariro National Park staff attended the weekend. Ex-ranger John Newton was present, as was Pat Sheridan, DOC supervising Ranger from Wellington and former Park Chief Rangers John Mazey and Bruce Jefferies. A group of ex Mt Ruapehu Volunteer Ski Patrol members also took part in the weekend. Specialist speakers for the get together included a botanist and a vulcanologist, and their knowledge was put to

practical use during the outdoor excursion over Mt Tongariro. The walk took place on the Saturday and those up to it enjoyed an entertaining walk, despite the sometimes blustery and damp conditions. The hot springs at Ketatahi provided a welcome interlude for a number of the group willing to bathe outdoors. On the Sunday the' programme included walks around the Whakapapa Village as well as slide showings and talks on specialist topics.