Major effort to cut Tongariro conservation budget

Waimarino Bulletin, Issue 5, 19 August 1988, Page 14

Major effort to cut Tongariro conservation budget

When we spoke to District Conservator Paul Green last week on this year's budget cuts for the Tongariro Conservation District, we suggested he supply us with a breakdown of where expenditure cuts would be made. M r Green has supplied this breakdown which shows the activities that will have to be cut.

1 reter to your request for information on the budget for Tongariro District this financial year and its impact on operations. I must stress that the information applies to the entire Tongariro District and not just Tongariro National Park. Last year the District had a total (gross) allocation of 3.1 million dollars. This was made up of a Government grant of 2.3 million and district revenue of $800,000. By year end we had spent 3.2 million dollars but earned $900,000 (the nett allocation remaining 2.3 million dollars). This year we have a total allocation o f $2,179,100. This consists of a grant of $976,100 and revenue of $1,230,000. Our budget and operations have had to be reviewed to meet these requirements and to en-

sure that the Department's Corporate Plan is adhered to at the same time. Revenue Much of our revenue is cost recovery rather than income. Cost recovery applies to services provided by the Department in a local body role i.e. Whakapapa Village Community services, Iwikau Skifield services and Ohakune Mountain Road control. Our Revenue Budget is as follows: Tokaanu Thermal Park $261,000; Whakapapa Motor Camp $140,000; Publication Saies $55,000; Ohakune Mountain Road Control $40,000; Concession

Management $113,000; Hut Management $72,000; Staff Accommodation $44,000; Whakapapa Community Services $69,000; Skifield Servicing $386,000; Miscellaneous $13,000. Increased revenue is related to an increase of prices charged for facilities eg Whakapapa Motor Camp, better collection methods eg huts and an anticipated increase of visitors. The revenue target will not be easy to achieve with a $330,000 increase from last year. Expenditure and Effect of Allocation There were some 'one

off expenditures lasti year. $110,000 was budgeted to establish the new District Office and Workshop at Turangi. This year there will be no capital works. Last year almost $250,000 was spent on capital works. This included the Whakapapa Visitor Centre extensions and upgrading and the construction of the two Whakapapa Motor Camp cabins. A major effort has been made to cut down on operating expenses. This is highlighted in the allocation to telephone tolls, energy costs and vehicle running. A 50% savings is required in these areas and will require staff to ensure that toll calls are kept to a minimum, heating is used sparingly and that vehicle use is minimised. Five vehicles have been taken out of commission and will be sold to

help fund an operating deficit on the allocation.

Staff have drawn attention to many small areas of inefficiency

and these have been rectified. On their own they may appear minor but cumulatively they are considerable. For example many telephones have been removed, published collections from District Office cancelled. In the mountain huts a trial is taking place to assess the viability of a higher fuel efficiency stove. A $1.00 Audio Visual charge for adults has been implemented at Whakapapa Visitor Centre. The areas of planned work that has had to be stopped or modified is as follows: Staff who leave will not be replaced unless other staff are incapable of carrying out their duties

and the work is essential; no summer seasonal staff for weeds; tracks or landscaping will be employed. Other effects include - • non-replacement of boundary fencing or erection of boundary fencing on protected area boundaries. • abolition of the track restoration programme in Tongariro National Park. This programme has been aimed at preventing erosion. Staff will be employed on minor maintenance only (no materials). • abolition of 'pine flying' in remote areas of Tongariro National Park. This helicopter pine control has been taking place for 2 0 years. • no chemical control of weeds on protected land where 'hand pulling' is not practical. • non-employment of contract labour for Pinus Contorta control on the Rangipo blocks. • non -maintenance of public facilities e g huts, shelters, visitor centre, toilets. Facilities will be cleaned only. • limited maintenance of picnic areas and camping areas. If machinery requires repairing mowing o f grass will cease. • limited (grading only) maintenance of roads. If bridges or culverts require repair roads will be closed. • operation of summer programme activities that are only 100% cost recoverable. • non-assistance to school groups with guided walks. • non-assistance to Turn page 15

Tongariro conservation budget cuts

From page 14 'ndn-school groups' with talks on conservation. • no landscape plantings of disturbed areas on protected land. • limited wild animal control activities throughout the district. • no involvement in conservation advocacy projects that cost finance in terms of printed submissions, legal representation etc. • non-printing of Tongariro National Park Management Plan. • non-production of Management Plans for conservation areas in the Tongariro District.

• not carrying out a proposed animal/vegetable survey for the Tongariro District. Also a fauna survey. • a limited number of meetings for the Tongariro Taupo National Parks and Reserves Board and Tongariro Forest Park Advisory Committee. • the closing of Ohakune Ranger Station on weekends. • non-maintenance of houses. Conclusion There will inevitably be a lower standard of maintenance to public facilities and less conservation work

achieved. Hopefully, this will be minimised by greater efficiency and savings. Staff have shown a continued commitment to continue on with the job. Many are working a great number of hours with no overtime payment. They are determined to minimise the impact of the reduced budget. Public support has been great and we have received many offers of assistance. For example the Tongariro Natural History Society has granted finance to produce interpretation facilities on short walks and to establish an

archive storage system for Tongariro National Park. Members of tramping clubs and others have offered increased efforts on Pinus Contorta control and hut wardening. Conservation does affect everyone; it is an important aspect to the way of life in New Zealand. It contributes greatly to the health and welfare of the people. I am confident that we can continue in spite of the present trauma and that in the longer term conservation will be stronger than ever.

Paul

Green

District Conservator