Turoa chairlift resource consent granted

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 528, 22 March 1994, Page 2

Turoa chairlift resource consent granted

From Page One □ That non-reflective materials and coatings be used on all structures. □ That all lift towers and buildings be finished in dark colours to.fit in with the environment. □ That chairs be removed during summer, except for ones necessary for maintenance. □ Relevant resource consent application charges to be paid by the applicant.

Reasons for decision Under the RMA the council has to give reasons for its decision, which included (abridged): □ The lift would have only minor visual , effects because of its location, in a valley and near existing lifts □ The lift is located in a Tongariro National Park (TNP) amenities area (where such activities are allowed).

□ Ngati Rangi evidence confirmed the special spiritual and cultural significance of Mt Ruapehu and its relationship to the Maori people and this is recognised by the council. □ The council's authority is limited to making a decision on the application under the RMA. It does not have any authority in respect to the issue of ownership of the land. It considers that the ownership issue is beyond the scope of the matters to consider under the RMA. □ The Council considered that the consent would not prejudice the future resolution of the ownership issue. The lift is consistent with the TNP Management Plan. Therefore the consent should not affect the procedures to resolve ownership. □ The Council did not consider that it would be appropriate to delay making a decision as the ownership issue is outside the scope of its authority. □ The Council considered that the development is consistent with Section 8 of the RMA 1991. The applicant has fulfilled their duty to consult and the willingness of the Ngati Rangi

Trust to discuss issues of concern is acknowledged. Detailed information was provided to all parties before a decision was made. □ The Council supports arrangements forcontinued consultation between the Ngati Rangi Trust, Turoa and the Department of Conservation. □ The Council did not consider the Whanganui River ownership issue procedures were relevant to the consent. □ The Council noted that some minor excavation work had taken place. This work was unauthorised and in breach of the RMA. However, given the minor nature of the work the Council was willing to accept Turoa's assurances that the land would be fully reinstated if the consent was

not granted. □ The Council considered that the lift would have direct and indirect economic benefits for the district increasing the range of skiing opportunities for beginner and intermediate skiers and lengthening the ski season. Work on the chairlift is now well under way, with most of the towers' foundations constructed. The Bulletin understands the lift gear is on its way from Germany and the towers are being built in Hamilton