Army staying put, says East

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 652, 3 September 1996, Page 3

Army staying put, says East

There is no intention to reduce the level of Army activity at Waiouru, according to minister of defence Paul East. Mr East last week met the mayor of Ruapehu District Council Weston Kirton and a group of local businessmen and other interested parties, to discuss the issue. "Reports suggesting Waiouru is about to be downsized or closed are speculative and untrue," said Mr East. "I can confirm that there are plans to reposition some activities into Waiouru and in order to make room for them, some units currently based in the region will be relocated. These changes could in fact result in an increase in the Waiouru population," he said. Rumours that Waiouru is about to be downsized have been confused with speculation that the government may have to spend $300 million to upgrade the camp, he said. The Chief of Gene.ral Staff Major General Piers Reid, who was also present at the meeting, said a very preliminary assessment had shown that the figure of $300 million

was the very maximum that may be spent over a 25 year period. He said that no detailed study had yet taken place. All military bases and government departments prepare capital expenditure plans that allow for ongoing upgrades and refurbishments, he said. Mr East said that plans to build new 1 8-bed hospital in Waiouru should be adequate testimony of the government' s intention to remain and invest in the region. Mr Kirton said the delegation was pleased to be able to speak directly with the minister and General Reid and were happy with the outcome of the meeting. "The delegation wished to establish the facts, as rumour had caused alarm amongst Waiouru residents. It was confirmed that Waiouru is the logical area for military training and will continue to be a prominent location for defence," he said. A community meeting to pass on information will be held in the Oasis lounge bar on Tuesday night starting at 8pm.