Second thoughts on Army Museum plans support

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 509, 26 October 1993, Page 7

Second thoughts on Army Museum plans support

by

Jenelle

Frewen

High on the agenda at the recent meeting of the Waiouru Community Board was the impending impact upon the commercial sector and adjacent landowners of the Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum' s forthcoming redevelopments. One concerned landowner told the meeting that he had not been contacted regarding the redevelopments in spite of the fact that the widening of State Highway 1 , which will be necessary to meet Transit New Zealand requirements with regard to the new car-park, will have to incorporate some of his land. It was therefore decided at the meeting to suspend the Board' s support for funding for the car-park, until the full effects are made clear. Another proposal made at the meeting was for the inclusion of six sites in the Waiouru district to be included in the Ruapehu District Council's register of heritage resources. One of the resources that figured on the

board' s list was 'The Homestead' , situated at the foot of the Officer' s Mess inside the Waiouru Military Camp. This building is believed to be the oldest remaining farm homestead in the Waiouru district and currently is used as a VIP residence. Also proposed were the Waipuna Cave 13km south-east of Waiouru; the Westlawn Hut situated in the Army training area; the site of the Stagecoach Inn; and the Irirangi Naval communications base. Waste disposal plan The RDC's District Solid Waste Management Strategy, although still in its infant stages, was also considered with the WCB endorsing the RDC's proposal to engage in a public consultation strategy, including liaison with the New Zealand Army, on this issue. Among other things outlined in the proposal was the Council's suggestion that joint operation could be undertaken between the Army and the Council in the area of waste management.