Ski demonstration licence need explained

Waimarino Bulletin, Issue 5, 19 August 1988, Page 24

Ski demonstration licence need explained

It is rather surprising to learn of the headline in your recent newspaper and the emphasis given on local radio as to the subject of ski demonstration. The need to have a licence to carry out a trade or business within a National Park is well understood throughout New Zealand and I have recently given a full explanation to your newspaper. Ski demonstrators have -always required a permit to operate on Mt Ruapehu. It is an activity that has only grown in extent in recent years and this is

the first year that a decision was made to1 charge a market rental for the privilege offered. Mr Helton and other retailers have not previously operated the service and indeed had not even applied before a charge was implemented! Until this year it was a service only offered by wholesalers. Mr Helton makes numerous allegations in your interview. Anyone who knows the mountain scene and Govern-

ment accounting procedures will only know too well that the Department of Conservation is totally accountable for spending. (Last year our district expenditure was 100% of allocation.) Unfortunately I have not been able to discuss the issue with Mr Helton as he is unwilling to. Your article implies that a charge was implemented without discussion. Does Mr

Wright ask skiers what he thinks they should pay for a lift ticket? Any company who applied for a demonstration permit was informed of the charge. Three companies who had applied were then

told of a 50% increase. The final decision to defer this increase was made after full consultation with RAL and Turoa Skifields. In fact I initiated a suggestion to Messrs Wright and Mazey

(after an approach from a company who was prepared to obtain a permit) that the charge might be reviewed. The recent snowfalls are a boom for those present at the mountain and I can only hope

that the licensing of a few minor business ventures on the mountain does not prevent your readers from having a great day's ski-

mg!

Paul

Green

District Conservator