Information Centre gets revamp

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 40, 24 March 1987, Page 4

Information Centre gets revamp

Visitors to the Information Centre at Whakapapa may find some disruptions to the audio visual presentations at the centre due to the present work being done on the building. Extensive redevelopment started recently on the entrance-way and foyer area of the Information Centre, with the end result being something quite impressive. Once inside the main doors, visitors will find a new reception and information area featuring a larger, revised version of the present relief scale map of the park. This will lead into several new display areas including the history and natural history of the park, a volcano and land form special effects theatrette, a history of skiing display and a new audito-

rium to seat more visitors. The 'gift\ a display signifying the gift of lands made by Te Heuheu, as the nucleus of the park, is to be placed in a prominent position and given the historical significance it deserves. 'Stage one' of the three stage development involves extending the reception area, orientation and publications area and placing the 'gift' display in a prominent position. Also included in stage one is work on the staff room and first aid room, making the facilities bigger. As a result of the stage one work, the present auditorium will be smaller. Stage two will involve refurbishing the auditorium. The auditorium will house an audio-visual presentation of volcanoes, human history and ecology displays, ski history and a display explaining the philo-

sophy behind the national parks. Stage Three involves the building of a new larger auditorium which will house an audio-visual introduction to the Tongariro National Park. Stage one is well under way, with work having started on the foyer entrance around a month ago. Work has progressed well due to favourable weather and the new entrance, consisting of a covered entrance way and landscaped garden, will be far more pleasing to

the eye. Stage two has had to be temporarily shelved because of a cut in park funding and workers are concentrating on completing stage one, with hopes for it to be completed by the end of May. Public donations are welcomed and should be directed to the Visitors Information Centre at Whakapapa. Disruptions will not be too great as^fong as weather allows the talks normally held in the auditorium to be held outside.