Public Can Watch Giant Tongariro Scheme Grow

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 50, 29 June 1965, Page 1

Public Can Watch Giant Tongariro Scheme Grow

Private operators are to be encouraged to provide conducted tours of the giant Tongariro development scheme, it was announced today by the Ministry of Works project engineer, Mr A. W. S°nWithin the limits of s for the public and the minimum of interference with the construction work, said Mr Gibson, possible will be done to allow the public to watch this great scheme grow during the next decade.

Aceordingly, indications of interest from commercial tourist organisations were being sought and discussions would be. held with them to sort out ways and means. Arrangements were being handled by the project public relations officer, Mr S. O. J. Murphy, located at present at the Ministry of Works headquarters, Mangakino. . The scattered nature of the construction site and the large area involved preeludes the establishment of oue observation point to cover the whole area, as was possible with the Waikato hydro sites, said Mr Gibson.

Hence, several key lookout points will be built as work begins on the various sites and these will be. used as starting points on the proposed tours, which will start at the main information centre on Highway I at Turangi. Here, comprehensive displays, a slide-sound programme and lectures will provide a full background to the project prior to the site visits. Guides would be available for these tours and, by prior arrangement, for large visiting parties. It would not be possible to provide guides for private visitors or small groups, but the various lookout points would be open for private cars with routes and locations available at the Turangi information centre. Similarly, were Taupo or Turangi interests to organ-

ise regular shuttle tours oi the Tongariro power development, then these would provide their own tour conductors, suitably briefed by the Ministry of Works' information staff. "These are early days yet on the Tongariro scheme," said Mr Gibson, "but building of the more than 40 miles of good access roads is already well advanced and the lookouts are being planned in conjunction with them. "It is hoped the first tour stage, encompassing the Tokaanu powerhouse site, Lake Rotoaira and linking the Taumarunui - Turangi and National Park-Desert Road highways will be ready for the coming tourist season."