Whakapapa auditorium

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 247, 21 June 1988, Page 8

Whakapapa auditorium

By Jocelyn Price A new auditorium costing more than $300,000 is being built at the Department of Conservation visitors' centre at Whakapapa. The building will be one of the first in New Zealand built by the department specifically as an auditorium. Previously nearly all buildings have been multi-functional, with displays, offices and a small auditorium.

Site work began early last month, with the clearing of trees and leveling of ground. The building will be done in two stages - the floor, to be completed soon, and the structure. Senior conservation officer Mr Graeme Ayres says the department is having problems getting money for the project. "Because the construction is being done in stages, costs are increasing all the

time," he says. "When we first started, it was going to cost only $250,000; now it's going to cost over $3,000." The department is looking for funds so it can begin the second stage. Mr Ayres says the department hopes to have the project finished by next summer, if it can raise the money. The building is a priority because the old auditorium can only

seat 25 to 30 people. "When our summer lectures begin, we will have up to 150 people a night coming in," says Mr Ayres. The auditorium will have permanent seating for 120, as well as a small skiing display and toilets. The old visual displays in the present visitors' building are to be improved at the same time as work is done on the second stage of the auditorium.