Ohakune Mountain Road

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 6, 8 July 1986, Page 2

Ohakune Mountain Road

Dear Sir, In an effort to clarify some of the points raised by Waimarino County Councillor Malcolm Whale in the last issue of the Bulletin, I would like to exercise a right of reply in regards to some of the comments made. The first point that I would like to clarify relates to the costs of snow clearing on the Bruce Road. This is funded by the Department of Lands and Survey but what has been overlooked is the Department also collect the season and daily carparking fees on the Whakapapa Skifield. These fees contribute to the cost of a range of activities that the Department provides on Whakapapa Skifield. These include snow clearing on the Bruce Road, and so the argument that the New Zealand taxpayer funds this activity is not completely true. The other point is that the concessionaires in the Whakapapa district contributed substantially to the provision of snow clearing equipment on the Bruce Road. This was a Treasury requirement before any

funding from central Government for snow clearing equipment was provided. Another point that requires comment is in relation to the question I asked: "why does the Waimarino County Council wish to maintain control of the Mountain Road?" 1 accept that under the present situation only two roading authorities exist in the Waimarino County Council district. I would like to point out, however, that when I asked this question

of one of the other councillors, 1 received a very different answer which related to the overall funding levels that the county requires to maintain sufficient administrative staff. 1 can accept both replies as being equally valid. The over-riding fact remains that the Ohakune Mountain Road traverses Tongariro National Park for its total distance. This is of vital importance to park management as the most important parts of the road

from a scenic and aesthetic point of view, are the road verges. Public safety and welfare are also important parts of the management responsibilities we have in the park. It is for these reasons that the Department retains such a high level of interest and tries whenever possible, to cooperate with the Waimarino Countv Council.

B.E.

Jefferies

Chief Ranger for Commissioner of Crown Lands.