RAL wants new operator licence

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 241, 3 May 1988, Page 8 (Supplement)

RAL wants new operator licence

By Susannah Walker Ruapehu Alpine Lifts wants to give up its current ski-field operator licence and negotiate a new one with the Department of Conservation. Its current licence does not expire for another nine years, but the Department of Conservation has already called for public comment on whether it should be renegotiated. Senior conservation officer for the Whakapapa sub-

district, Mr Graeme Ayres, says this is because Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is interested in taking over some of the department's current duties in Tongariro National Park. These include the running of the car parks at the Top of the Bruce, the ski-patrol and clearance of snow. The Department would be happy for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts to take over these responsbilities subject to negotiation of terms, he says.

"There is no longer a need for a government department to be involved in these areas," said Mr Ayres. The marketing manager of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, Mr Scott Lee, says the company is looking at spending millions of dollars on expanding its facilities. "But we want to ensure we have a long-term future on the mountain by way of a new licence before we commit ourselves t( spending that money."