Businessmen meet to discuss tourism

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 10, 30 July 1985, Page 1

Businessmen meet to discuss tourism

| Almost thirty businesses were represented at a meeting to discuss ideas for the promotion of the Whakapapa Skifield and surrounding area, held at the Discovery Lodge last weekend. . .

The state of the road to the skifield and parking facilities came in for criticism at the meeting, and new development in Whakapapa Village, heliskiing and the idea of a gondola lift runningfrom the Chateau to the Top O' the Bruce, were all discussed. The meeting was organised by Mr Mel Lee, a part

owner of the Discovery development, who now hopes to arrange a visit to the area by a number of MPs, when the businessmen's proposals could be discussed further. At Saturday's meeting, chairman of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, Mr Roger Manthel, commented on the poor road access to the skifield

and poor parking facilities. "It is well below the acceptable standard of a modern skifield," he said. Mr Manthel said there is a need for double the present parking capacity at the skifield. Mr Manthel said RAL is to ask the Government to resolve the policy of "unrealistic land development in Whakapapa Village which is stifling the development of the skifield to the detriment of the public and tourism."

He said there is an urgent need for the adoption of a new Whakapapa Village management plan. Other members of the discussion group stressed the need for development to be kept solely in National Park. Mr Bruce Dobson, from the Taumarunui County Council believes the emphasis should be on the development of National Park Village "rather than spot development all around the mountain." Marshall Gebbie, of Buttercup Camp in National Park sees National Park as the 'natural place' for further development. Continued on page 3

Tourism meeting

Continued from page 1 Mr Gebbie also had strong views on the site for an airport in the area. He disagreed with Mr Dobson on his suggestion that Owhango may be a suitable place for an airport. Mr Gebbie believes a good place for the site would be at Raurimu, north of National Park. Mr John Funnell, who represented Taupo Helicopters at the meeting, spoke about the possibility of heliskiing at Whakapapa. He believes that heliskiing could take place on the mountain without inconveniencing other users of the park. He told the meeting that the Lands and Survey Department is "running out of reasons" for not allowing heliskiing on a controlled basis. Mr Grant Lister, from Taupo, told the meeting about his idea for a gondola lift to be installed near the Chateau and leading up the mountain, finishing at the Top O' the Bruce. "It is the most up to date transport system in the world," he said. The system would operate year round, in all weather conditions and eliminate

heavy road usage and parking problems. Mr Lloyd Horne, proprietor of Erua Ski Lodge, told the meeting that everyone's support must be given to R AL, particularly with their plan to obtain permission to extend their chairlifts higher up the mountain. "We must support them because all our businesses rely on RAL," he said. Mr Manthel said that a modest increase in the height of the lifts would "open up vast new slopes for skiers." Mr Gebbie concluded by stressing the need for the group to harness their energy. "We can achieve wonders if our energy is directed in the right way. "We must not be parochially jealous about each other's achievements. If we work together we've got to win."