Tourism potential assessed
lt was a follow-up to a meeting held at Discovery Lodge last month where people with an interest in the area met to discuss their problems and plans for the future. What was described as oneof the key issues on Friday was whether mountain and Whakapapa Village staff should be accommodated at National Park, or whether to expand Whakapapa Village to accommodate them.
Marshall Gebbie, National Park Community Council chairman and proprietor of Buttercup Camp, National Park proposed the establishment of an airport at National Park. John Funnell of Taupo Helicopters spoke on the need for heli-skiing on the mountain. "I don't think they are as controversial as they used to be, the noise has been reduced and the speed almost doubled. I'd really like the
opportunity just to prove it and I think people would be surprised,"said Mr Funnell. However chief ranger of Tongariro National Park, Bruce Jefferies pointed out that heli-skiing could not be introduced on a trial basis as the management plan for the area would have to be changed, which would take a period of about two years, and about $100,000. The need for the carparks at the Top O' the Bruce to be enlarged was discussed, and
the need for extended carparking below the Chateau came from Ruapehu Transport so motorists can park their cars there and catch the mountain goats. In conclusiori, .Graham Lee told the meeting, "We are not in the position to administer decisions at the present time but we are in the position to put forward submissions from groups and we are happy to do that. "The future of tourism is ■ : . ti of the brightest industry sc ors in terms of what we ve to offer — the skifield, i activeness to overseas ■ors and cheapness. 'ou've got a great skiu here and there is no need for pessimism." Graham Lee told the Bulletin after the meeting that what was discussed at the meeting is likely to be discussed in the estimates which are coming up in several weeks. The MPs also met with park board officials and inspected the Bruce Road, about which an environmental impact report has recently been published. The MPs also inspected the Top O' the Bruce and Happy Valley and went up the chairlifts. They were transported into and out of the area by John Funnell's helicopter.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIBUL19850917.2.6
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Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 17, 17 September 1985, Page 1
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393Tourism potential assessed Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 17, 17 September 1985, Page 1
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