Tongariro ranger heads for Westland

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 23, 6 November 1984, Page 8

Tongariro ranger heads for Westland

it is so accessible to "the average kiwi", and because it is so close to New Zealand's largest population base. Westland, on the other hand, is a different kind of park altogether. Murray says it is very important regionally and that its resources, the glaciers, supply a multimillion dollar tourist industry. "Over 500,000 people go through Westland every year to see the glaciers." Westland itself is unique in its "mountains to the sea" landscape and it is regarded by many as New Zealand's last wilderness area. Priorities for his new job as chief include developing a workable partnership with the local people, particularly in the tourist industry. He says a lot of people feel threatened by the National Park, feel that it "locks up the land" and thus endangers their security. His work will deal with areas such as this and with a smaller staff the work will be of a greater variety. Franz Josef itself has a population of about 500 and is different from Whakapapa in that is has a good cross section of ages, with a number of old locals. His family are all keen skiers and Murray himself is a keen trout fisherman and likes the prospect of Westland recreation facilities. All like the area and are looking forward to the move. Margaret Baker

Whakapapa is losing its assistant ranger to the deep south. Mr Murray Reedy, his wife Pat and their two boys, Nicholas and Matthew, are soon leaving for Franz Josef where Murray is to take up the position of Chief Ranger of Westland National Park. Murray, originally a South Island west coaster, worked as a senior ranger in Westland during the 1970's before coming to T ongariro. His job here, he says, has been a constant and enjoyable challenge. Being assistant chief has meant, essentially, the running of the park itself while the chief

ranger deals with things at a more departmental level. Murray says he has particularly liked working on visitor services projects, such as the Summer programmes, publications and the audio visual show. "I can't honestly say I didn't like anything," he says. He has enjoyed being part of a big operation and an effective team. "The people are all going in the same direction," he says. "It's like working in a big business." He says Tongariro is probably number one in National Park status because