River Park good news for Pipiriki

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 26, 19 November 1985, Page 4

River Park good news for Pipiriki

The little village of Pipiriki may grow due to the recent approval in principle of the Wanganui River Park, if sewage problems can be overcome. Approval for the Wanganui River Park was announced by Koro Wetere, Minister of Lands, on Tuesday, the first park to beestablished in New Zealand for 21 years. Shareholders of the Pipiriki Incorporation, plan to build refreshment rooms and a motel early next year, if a sewage system can be arranged at a reasonable cost to the small number of people living there, according to chairman of the Pipiriki Incorporation committee, Noel Bates. As with the township of Rangataua, a sewage system plan has to be implemented by March next year when the government subsidy for such schemes will be cut.

At present the Waimarino County engineer is looking at sites for the sewage ponds and the cost of the system. "No more building permits can be given for Pipiriki until a sewage system is worked out," said Mr Bates. If permits are granted to the Pipiriki Incorporation, a tearooms catering for up to a bus load of visitors, and four motel units which can be added to, will be built. Builders- belonging to the incorporation will erect the proposed buildings, and it is hoped they will be started by Christmas. Koro Wetere will be meeting representatives of the Wanganui River tribes at Taumarunui on 6 December to discuss issues relevant to the river park. The formation or the park will give more protection to the area and will attract more visitors.